LOCUS - Smart Growth America

LOCUS - Smart Growth America
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What is smart growth?
Smart growth is an approach to community design that connects housing, transportation, and land use to create healthy, prosperous, and resilient neighborhoods.
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Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.
Welcome to Smart Growth America
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Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.
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Impact
Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.
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Throughout the year, we host a number of in-person and virtual events covering topics related to public health, social equity, and climate resilience.
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We offer a library of case studies, videos, and reports to support policymakers, practitioners, and advocates interested in advancing smart growth.
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COALITIONS
LOCUS
As a unique advocacy coalition, LOCUS brings together purpose-driven investors and partners to advance and affect smart growth policy and outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels.
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LOCUS
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Steering Committee
About LOCUS
LOCUS
, meaning "place" in Latin, is a national coalition of real estate developers and investors advocating for sustainable, equitable, and walkable development in metropolitan areas across America. The coalition brings together purpose-driven investors to influence smart growth policies at federal, state, and local levels.
Our mission
LOCUS’ mission is aligned with Smart Growth America’s vision:
to create a country where everyone can live in a healthy, prosperous, and resilient place
. We achieve this by building a diverse coalition, advocating for impactful development policies, and providing resources to drive change in local communities.
Our Priorities
LOCUS is a long-time leader in advocacy efforts to advance transit-oriented development and leveraging infrastructure investment to support housing and community development. Our priorities are at the core of everything we do and push us toward the ultimate goal of affordable, sustainable, and equitable communities.
Benefits of joining LOCUS
Shape smarter policy.
Help guide national, state, and local policies that support walkable, equitable development—while gaining direct access to policymakers and advocacy opportunities.
Expand your influence and network.
Connect with top developers, investors, and public officials through exclusive member meetings, events, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Stay ahead of the curve.
Get timely analysis, policy updates, and resources tailored to smart growth real estate—plus early access to Smart Growth America research and insights.
Grow your expertise.
Participate in webinars, workshops, and advisory sessions designed to strengthen your professional development and inform your projects.
Elevate your visibility.
Showcase your work nationally through LOCUS publications, social media, and speaking opportunities that highlight industry leaders advancing triple-bottom-line development.
Steering Committee
The LOCUS
Steering Committee
guides the strategic decisions and advocacy efforts for the coalition. Comprising leading developers, they influence federal policies and provide technical input on legislation. Membership is by nomination or application.
Find out what's happening on Beacon Hill at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
Join LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts for for a lively Policy Discussion panel at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 at the Boston Society of Architects in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >> Expert speakers will focus on current legislation being reviewed by lawmakers on Beacon Hill, such as the Governor's Housing Choice Initiative and Great Neighborhoods Legislation. They will also provide a local lens on zoning...
By
LOCUS Admin
September 6, 2018
News & Insights
Showcase a development opportunity at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are excited to announce the first ever New England Development and Investment Showcase at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit on October 24, 2018. The Showcase is a space for town planners, economic development directors, chamber of commerce leaders, and anyone with challenging development opportunities to exhibit their project sites to a diverse group of real estate and economic development industry insiders. Learn more and...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 27, 2018
News & Insights
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to speak at 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are pleased to announce Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the morning keynote speaker during the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >>> Building prosperity across Massachusetts Since 2015, Secretary Ash has directed and executed Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's agenda on housing and community development, job creation, business development,...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 23, 2018
News & Insights
Critical reforms to encourage transit-oriented development are en route
On January 14th, the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (Build HUBS) Act was introduced by bipartisan champions Sen. Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Sen. Curtis (R-UT), Rep. Friedman (D-CA), and Rep. Lawler (R-NY). This legislation will make critical reforms to the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) programs to support the creation of more transit-oriented development (TOD) projects. Communities across the country are...
By
Elisa Ramirez
January 16, 2026
News & Insights
Webinar: Utilizing the Opportunity Zone tool for residential development
With Congress poised to potentially extend the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) tax incentive, it is a critical time for developers and communities to revisit successful uses of the tool from across the country. In this webinar, hear from experts who are turning OZ investment into positive results. Featured speakers include Natalie Mason, Executive Vice President at Capital Square, Sharetta Smith, Mayor of Lima, OH, and Robin Schabes, Director of Chicagoland...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
Webinar: Approaches to building small scale and missing middle housing
From missing starter homes for young families to a dearth of homes available for seniors hoping to downsize but stay in their communities, the impacts of so-called “missing middle housing” are being felt throughout the country. This webinar features experts who are leading the way in infill development, sustainable housing, and community-based planning solutions. Featured speakers include Jim Heid, Founder of UrbanGreen + CRAFT Development Founder, Shannon Morgan, President and...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
Webinar: Innovative approaches to housing development
Alternative approaches in financing or project development can be slow to move from one community to another. In this webinar, hear from leaders championing new models for funding and constructing smart growth-aligned housing types such as co-ops and affordable housing, including Josh Morrison, COO and Co-founder at Frolic Community, Sherry Taylor, Executive Director of Durham Community Land Trustees, and Dave Foster of BDP Impact Real Estate.* *We received an updated...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
LOCUS member spotlight: Taidgh McClory, THM Advisors
In this LOCUS Member Spotlight, meet Taidgh McClory, founder of THM Advisors, a social impact enterprise advancing equitable development and investment strategies that create lasting community value. Based in Boston, Taidgh has long worked at the intersection of smart growth, equity, and triple-bottom-line real estate, helping public, private, and philanthropic partners design projects that align economic returns with social impact. A longtime supporter of Smart Growth America, Taidgh shares insights...
By
Chris Rall
November 4, 2025
News & Insights
Reforming transit-oriented development financing at the federal level to unlock housing and economic growth
The federal government has two strong transit-oriented development financing programs, RRIF & TIFIA, but both have been plagued by administrative burden for a decade. Smart Growth America’s LOCUS coalition believes that now is a key opportunity to improve government efficiency, strengthen public-private partnerships, and unlock economic growth through transit-oriented development. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a boon for transit systems and communities because it spurs economic growth, fosters walkable, connected neighborhoods,...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
August 26, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack: Innovative approaches to financing housing development webinar recap
On Thursday, July 24th, LOCUS and Smart Growth America hosted the third webinar in the “Building the Stack” series. This series of conversations with real estate developers and community partners focuses on demystifying how to finance and build high-interest projects. This recent webinar focused on innovative approaches to financing housing development and featured three speakers from across the country. Alternative approaches in financing or project development can be slow to...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
August 22, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack: Opportunity Zones for residential development webinar recap
On Thursday, June 5th, LOCUS and Smart Growth America kicked off the “Building the Stack” webinar series, a series of conversations with real estate developers and community partners focused on demystifying how to finance and build high interest projects, with the first webinar on utilizing the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to build housing. The Building the Stack series is designed to dig into the challenges with developing key project...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
July 3, 2025
News & Insights
Opportunity Zones for Impact: Tell Congress to pass reforms to the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive
The comprehensive tax package passed by the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives includes a renewal and extension of the Opportunity Zone tax incentive (OZs). Don’t miss your opportunity to tell Congress to prioritize transparency and affordability in an extension of the OZ program! What are Opportunity Zones? The Opportunity Zones tax incentive is a tool designed to catalyze investment and growth in distressed communities. The tool operates by providing a...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
June 9, 2025
News & Insights
Red light, green light: What smart growth provisions are passing go in the pending House tax legislation
Major tax legislation is an opportunity for Congress to incentivize and unleash investment in housing and development through the tax code—are they taking the action the country so critically needs? The Republican-controlled Congress passed a sweeping budget resolution in April that allowed them to begin drafting the changes to the tax code that will shape the future of development and impact smart growth efforts nationwide. The tax code has traditionally...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
May 21, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack webinar series: Financing smart growth real estate projects
Join LOCUS and an exciting selection of guest speakers, who together, will dive into a series of webinars on how to finance and build missing middle housing, how to utilize the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to build residential units, and how to utilize creative financing approaches to facilitate projects that meet urgent community needs. Over the course of three Thursdays this summer, LOCUS and Smart Growth America will host...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
May 19, 2025
News & Insights
The developer’s perspective: Tax priorities for smart growth
The tax debate in Congress is on, but what should legislators focus on if they want to create homes, drive revitalization, and create vibrant communities through the tax code? LOCUS, a national coalition of purpose-driven real estate developers and investors, weigh in based on their experience on the ground. Photo courtesy of Don Clotfelter on Flickr. It is a daunting moment for communities: the majority of rural communities are shrinking,...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
March 25, 2025
News & Insights
Budget reconciliation: Smart growth implications
The coming months represent a pivotal window for the future of many government programs as well as projects that rely on tax credits or federal grants. The outcome of ongoing Congressional discussions about the esoteric budget reconciliation process could shape our communities for the next several decades. LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for sustainable, equitable, walkable development, stands ready to support developers...
By
3lane
February 20, 2025
News & Insights
Reinvigorating Opportunity Zones to deliver housing and smart growth
The Trump-era Opportunity Zone tax incentive brought capital gains into community development in a new way. With Congress poised to consider extending the program in a tax package, it is an opportune time to highlight high-impact reforms that could help the tool better deliver much-needed homes, especially in locations with good access to jobs and amenities. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the Opportunity Zones tax incentive (OZs),...
By
3lane
March 14, 2025
News & Insights
Honoring LOCUS founding member Bernie Glieberman: A visionary leader in smart growth development
LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s advocacy coalition for triple-bottom-line real estate developers, is deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie Glieberman, a founding member of LOCUS and visionary developer. Bernie’s dedication to ensuring accessible housing and livable neighborhoods for everyday Americans helped shape LOCUS’ mission from its earliest days. His vision and unwavering commitment to improving communities will continue to live on and inspire LOCUS's work. Bernie was a beloved friend,...
By
Rachel Ellis
September 16, 2024
News & Insights
Honoring LOCUS founding member Bernie Glieberman: A visionary leader in smart growth development
LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s advocacy coalition for triple-bottom-line real estate developers, is deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie Glieberman, a founding member of LOCUS and visionary developer. Bernie’s dedication to ensuring accessible housing and livable neighborhoods for everyday Americans helped shape LOCUS’ mission from its earliest days. His vision and unwavering commitment to improving communities will continue to live on and inspire LOCUS's work. Bernie was a beloved friend,...
By
Rachel Ellis
September 16, 2024
News & Insights
TIFIA’s first transit-oriented development loan approval
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an important priority of LOCUS to advance sustainable, equitable, walkable development in America’s metropolitan areas. To meet that goal, LOCUS has long advocated for TIFIA, an important tool to advance TOD, helping to secure a win through the passage of the FAST Act in 2015. Recently, the first loan was approved through the TIFIA Transit Oriented Development provisions in Washington state—this is an important milestone, and...
By
Franklin Thornton
June 5, 2024
News & Insights
Announcing five new member of the LOCUS Steering Committee
We are excited to announce the addition of five esteemed members to the LOCUS Steering Committee. LOCUS, a program of Smart Growth America, is dedicated to promoting equitable and sustainable development practices across the United States through federal advocacy. With the inclusion of these accomplished professionals—who bring invaluable expertise and passion—we can continue our efforts in advancing legislation and federal-level programs that foster vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient communities nationwide....
By
Rachel Ellis
March 25, 2024
News & Insights
Q&A with the new LOCUS Chair, Alecia Hill
Earlier this month, Alecia Hill was elected to become the next Chair of LOCUS, stepping into the role that Jair Lynch held for eight years. Alecia is a Vice President at FCP and is responsible for expanding the firm’s impact investing initiatives and affordable housing preservation multifamily platform. In this Q&A, I had the opportunity to chat with Alecia, to hear her thoughts on LOCUS now and what she hopes...
By
Eric Cova
March 21, 2024
News & Insights
Q&A with Jair Lynch, outgoing President of LOCUS
After over eight years at the helm, today Jair Lynch is transitioning from his role as President of LOCUS, Smart Growth America's coalition of triple-bottom-line real estate developers and investors. Jair's leadership has been pivotal in championing the mission of creating equitable, walkable communities across America. Under his guidance, LOCUS has seen a renewed commitment to inclusive development, marked by fresh perspectives and collaborative initiatives that prioritize the well-being of...
By
Eric Cova
March 6, 2024
News & Insights
Commercial to Residential? White House Highlights Programs that Could Help Vacancies in Downtowns
In the face of the well-documented housing crisis, and amidst a changing landscape for office and commercial buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House released a guidebook of programs that would assist commercial to residential conversions. As local government leaders, developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders debate strategies to revitalize their downtowns, this guidebook is a nod toward the massive opportunity available to address the low housing supply by...
By
Franklin Thornton
December 7, 2023
News & Insights
Three bills that would advance equitable, sustainable development
Flickr photo by La Citta Vita LOCUS, a coalition of triple-bottom-line real estate developers convened by Smart Growth America, made significant advocacy efforts this summer. The coalition’s work aims to advance legislation that could lead to more equitable, sustainable development and better connectivity between land use and transportation policy. A core focus of this advocacy work has been establishing strategies to deliver more mixed-income and mixed-use development near transit. Below...
By
Franklin Thornton
September 22, 2023
News & Insights
New White House actions on equitable community development
Building on its earlier series of executive orders on advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities (EO 13985 and 14091), the Biden administration has announced a series of interagency actions and principles to strengthen equitable urban development. The proposed actions address federal infrastructure investment, land use, housing, and regional planning policies. Flickr photo by Gage Skidmore New ICIC actions Formed in 2022, the Interagency Community Investment Committee (ICIC) is a...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 2, 2023
News & Insights
Foot Traffic Ahead 2023
Foot Traffic Ahead 2023 ranks the top 35 metro areas by their walkable urbanism using an index that considers premiums in commercial rents, multifamily rental rates, and for-sale home prices. Co-authored by Michael Rodriguez, AICP, and Christopher B. Leinberger, and using data from Yardi Matrix and Rocktop Partners, the report finds that the demand for walkable urban real estate far exceeds supply. Read our press release here. Foot Traffic Ahead...
By
3lane
January 25, 2023
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: David Grannis
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
October 24, 2022
News & Insights
Welcoming three new LOCUS Steering Committee members
LOCUS, SGA’s coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for walkable, attainable housing near transit, is excited to announce the addition of three new Steering Committee members! Over the years, LOCUS has achieved many important milestones such as the introduction of the REHAB Act, the publication of the Great Real Estate Reset, and foundational work in Opportunity Zones. These successes are due in large part to the expertise...
By
Eric Cova
October 4, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Cathy Sloss Jones
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
June 6, 2022
News & Insights
Biden Equity Action Plan impacts on housing and land use
The Biden Administration showcased its intentions to embed equity throughout the federal government with the recent release of the first-ever Equity Actions Plans for over 90 federal agencies. The plans detail department-specific goals and operational priorities to improve the delivery of equitable outcomes for all Americans through systemic reforms and investments in historically underserved communities. The actions proposed in these plans will have broad impacts on land use, infrastructure investment,...
By
LOCUS Admin
May 19, 2022
News & Insights
SGA's take on introduced opportunity zone reform bill
Last week, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bicameral bill aiming to reform opportunity zones, the Opportunity Zones Transparency, Extension, and Improvement Act. Smart Growth America (SGA) views the opportunity zone reform bill as a necessary step to improve transparency and the likelihood of more equitable outcomes through opportunity zones, which have not benefited the historically underserved communities, nor the small, minority-owned and legacy businesses, as intended. Additionally, SGA...
By
Eric Cova
April 20, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Shannon Morgan
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
April 6, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Dinkar Ganti
Latin for "place", LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. LOCUS is excited to...
By
Jared Klukas
March 16, 2022
News & Insights
So you’re joining us for the 2022 Equity Summit
What you need to know about joining the Equity Summit next week, answers to your frequently asked questions, and more! Smart Growth America hosted our first-ever Equity Summit last year to bring a discussion of racial equity to the smart growth movement and make the case that smart growth without a focus on equity isn’t smart growth at all. Speakers discussed how to promote equity in housing and land use,...
By
Helen Hope
January 5, 2022
News & Insights
Fourth session of Commonwealth Communities leads to dynamic conversation on how to cultivate equity in municipal budgeting practices
Ryan Bowers, Co-Founder of Activest presents on his budgeting for equity framework during the fourth session of Commonwealth Communities. Engaging in equitable budgeting practices is important on all levels of government, but especially at the local level, it is essential to ensure that community members are informed and empowered to participate in budgetary practices. In the next-to-last session of Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future, expert speakers...
By
Megan Wright
November 30, 2021
News & Insights
Second session of Commonwealth Communities inspires engaging conversation about small business development
Clockwise from top left: Bobby Boone, Founder and Chief Strategist of &Access; Calvin Gladney, President and CEO of Smart Growth America; Ilana Preuss, Founder and CEO of Recast City; and Tina Leone, CEO of Ballston BID. On Wednesday, October 20, Smart Growth America and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors held the second session of Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future- a 5-part virtual series of...
By
Megan Wright
October 27, 2021
News & Insights
Commonwealth Communities Kicks Off With Engaging, Expert-Led Session on Walkability
Clockwise from top left: Jeff Speck, Principal, Speck & Associates; Douglas Landry, President, LOCUS Massachusetts; The Honorable Robbyn Lewis, Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates; The Honorable John Robert Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, Smart Growth America; and Stacey Beutell, Executive Director, WalkBoston On Wednesday, October 6, Smart Growth America and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors kicked off Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future—a 5-part virtual series...
By
Megan Wright
October 14, 2021
News & Insights
Request for proposal: consultant for LOCUS Massachusetts
LOCUS Massachusetts is looking for a consultant specializing in real estate development and land use. Read the full project description below. Scope and Anticipated Deliverables SGA is in search of a Massachusetts-based consultant specialized in real estate development and land use (individual consultant or dedicated individual within a firm) to fulfill the following scope and provide the following deliverables. The consultant should have expertise in and commitment to Smart Growth,...
By
Helen Hope
August 30, 2021
News & Insights
How would the American Jobs Plan address insufficiencies in affordable housing and equitable development?
Following up on our previous overview of the American Jobs Plan, we explore some specific provisions related to land use and development intended to address national insufficiencies in affordable housing and related infrastructure, and also make some recommendations to improve it. Within the expansive American Jobs Plan, there are four land use and development proposals that we especially want to highlight that are vital parts of the puzzle for producing...
By
Smart Growth America
April 27, 2021
News & Insights
Watch the REHAB Act webinar
Everyone who wants to live in a walkable area should be able to, but there just simply isn’t enough supply. New development is dramatically skewed towards sprawling suburbs on the fringes of town far from jobs and affordable transportation. The REHAB Act—Revitalizing Economies, Housing, And Businesses Act—is a bipartisan bill that would create a federal tax credit to support redeveloping old (but non-historic) buildings near public transportation. Watch a brief...
By
Smart Growth America
March 30, 2021
News & Insights
Now hiring: Vice President, Land Use and Development
Position summary Reporting to SGA’s President & CEO, the VP will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Land Use and Development (LUD) Team, leading and motivating LUD staff, and helping to create a vision for the LUD team and SGA’s niche in the national conversation on housing, land use, zoning, community revitalization finance (e.g., opportunity zones) and equitable development, including issues of racial equity and economic inclusion....
By
Smart Growth America
March 30, 2021
News & Insights
Congress: Pass the REHAB Act for more equitable, walkable communities
Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) re-introduced the Revitalizing Economies, Housing, and Businesses (REHAB) Act of 2021, a bill that provides incentives to develop more housing in areas near transit, creating more opportunities to live in walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods. Join LOCUS and the bill’s original congressional sponsor on Monday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET for a brief presentation about the REHAB Act, a discussion about how it would work, and...
By
Helen Hope
March 2, 2021
News & Insights
Smart Growth America and LOCUS veteran tapped to serve the Biden-Harris administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation
Smart Growth America is pleased to share the exciting but bittersweet news that Christopher Coes, Smart Growth America vice president of land use and development and Director of SGA’s LOCUS coalition of real estate developers and investors, has been selected by the Biden-Harris administration to serve in the U.S. Department of Transportation as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy. “It has been a pleasure of a lifetime to work...
By
Smart Growth America
January 20, 2021
News & Insights
LOCUS LinkUps heading to Chicagoland this spring for spotlight on Opportunity Zones
LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors is pleased to announce its latest LOCUS LinkUp, Pathways to Opportunity—a four-part, virtual series of networking and dealmaking events for responsible real estate developers and social impact investors interested in learning more about real estate project and business investment opportunities in Chicagoland’s Opportunity Zones. Pathways to Opportunity will be hosted in partnership with the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium as part of its ongoing...
By
LOCUS Admin
January 7, 2021
News & Insights
Congress' COVID relief is welcome, but "must simply be a downpayment, with more help on the way"
Late last night, after months of fruitless negotiations and inaction, Congress finally passed a $900-billion COVID relief package at the same time as a $1.4-trillion omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through the end of the FY 21 fiscal year. Congress’ actions are a good start, but America needs more in order to survive and bounce back from this health and economic crisis. This bill must simply be a...
By
Smart Growth America
December 23, 2020
News & Insights
The Great Real Estate Reset
Real estate plays a defining role in the American economy and in every American’s life, but the industry is failing to keep up with changing demands and build resilient, affordable, diverse communities where everyone can prosper. The industry at large is risking not just another market crash but also becoming a central contributor to growing inequity, climate disruption, and the deterioration of American political and social cohesion. It’s time for...
By
3lane
December 17, 2020
News & Insights
Segregation persists, climate change is here, and demographics are rapidly shifting: It's time for a Great Real Estate Reset
Real estate plays a defining role in our economy and in every American’s life, but the industry is failing to fully address persistent segregation by race and income, pent-up demand for more attainable housing, destabilized regional housing markets fueled by climate change, and other converging trends. The industry at large is risking not just another market crash but also becoming a central contributor to growing inequity, climate disruption, and the...
By
Steve Davis
December 17, 2020
News & Insights
How the Biden administration can make immediate strides on climate and racial equity
Updated: The recommendations memo was revised and updated below. The spread of COVID-19 has sent the United States plummeting into an unprecedented national crisis, but it has also illuminated the path forward. Smart Growth America, along with some of our programs, identified immediate executive actions and long-term policy changes that the incoming Biden administration can implement to eliminate structural inequities and address catastrophic global climate change. Last week, Smart Growth...
By
Smart Growth America
November 18, 2020
News & Insights
New report: Are Opportunity Zones boosting the prospects of small businesses?
The massive new Opportunity Zone tax incentive was conceived as a tool to promote economic development, job creation, poverty reduction, and support for new businesses in areas of concentrated poverty. A couple years in, is it having the desired effects? Are the investments supporting small business stability and growth, especially for minority-owned legacy businesses? Our new report takes a closer look.
We held an online discussion of the findings...
By
Steve Davis
October 29, 2020
News & Insights
All eyes on Congress as they negotiate a fourth phase of COVID-19 relief
With the country still in urgent need of more economic relief from the pandemic, Congress continues to be deadlocked on producing a legislative package. Senate Republicans unveiled the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act last week—their latest legislative response to COVID-19 following the HEROES Act passed by the House more than two months ago. When it comes to a final stimulus package, Smart Growth America and specifically...
By
Smart Growth America
August 6, 2020
News & Insights
New House climate plan endorses Smart Growth America’s holistic recommendations for reducing emissions
The House Select Committee on Climate Change released a new legislative blueprint this week for tackling the climate crisis that incorporates many of SGA’s recommendations across our programs, demonstrating how smart growth is at the core of any potential plan to reduce emissions.
UPDATE 7/9/2020. Note: Our post summarizes the committee’s plan as targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and net-negative emissions afterward. This is documented on page...
By
Steve Davis
July 2, 2020
News & Insights
House’s massive infrastructure bill brings housing, land use and transportation together
This week the House will consider the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that reflects many of Smart Growth America’s core priorities, including a new kind of transportation bill, billions to invest in new or rehabilitated affordable housing, and support for more inclusive and equitable development around transit to help give more Americans access to opportunity. The Moving Forward Act (HR 2) is the legislative version of the...
By
Steve Davis
June 30, 2020
News & Insights
INVEST Act amendment would help finance more transit-oriented development
One of the amendments to the House’s transportation bill (INVEST Act) we are supporting would expand one of the federal government’s biggest infrastructure financing tools to include more economic development near public transportation stations—increasing private investment in transit and helping multiply the impact of the INVEST Act’s sizable increases in transit funding.
The committee markup and vote on this bill is starting today — 10 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday,...
By
Steve Davis
June 17, 2020
News & Insights
Amendments we’re tracking to the House transportation bill
The INVEST Act could be a turning point for the federal transportation program, almost hitting the mark on our principles for transportation investment. But a few key amendments could make—or break—the bill. Stay up to date here. So far more than 200 amendments have been proposed. Bookmark this page, as we’ll be posting updates to the most notable amendments that we are tracking closely. Smart Growth America is fighting for...
By
Smart Growth America
June 17, 2020
News & Insights
New House bill increases funding to infrastructure programs, prioritizes climate change mitigation
On June 3, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. This act authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years to address some of the country’s most urgent infrastructure needs, as well as the economic crisis presented by the global coronavirus pandemic. Smart Growth America’s programs are deep into the details of...
By
Smart Growth America
June 12, 2020
News & Insights
Our work continues, in solidarity
We, the LOCUS National Steering Committee and Staff, issue the following statement: LOCUS is intensely focused on creating walkable urban places for all. Unfortunately, this country’s long-standing disparities and systemic racism have been on full display with the COVID-19 health crisis, the death of George Floyd, and many others, and now the widespread anger and frustrations are spilling on our city and rural streets. Our community of responsible developers and...
By
Smart Growth America
June 3, 2020
News & Insights
LOCUS’ COVID-19 Resource Page
This page was created to provide LOCUS members and supporters with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19; we will continue to update this Resource Page as new information becomes available. Last updated on: April 21, 2020. For more information on protecting yourself and your community during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Credit: Raed Mansour via Flickr As communities across the country...
By
LOCUS Admin
April 3, 2020
News & Insights
Smart growth can provide a guide for recovery
Our economy is at a virtual standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and healthcare. Businesses of all sizes are facing an existential threat. Local municipal budgets are being gutted. As we hope for light at the end of the tunnel we’ll need to craft a smart recovery. We leaned on our experience with the stimulus of 2009 and our long expertise in infrastructure...
By
Sean Doyle
April 1, 2020
News & Insights
Introducing the REHAB Act
Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Dan Kildee (D-MI-5), Darin LaHood (R-IL-18), and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) have introduced the REHAB Act in the U.S. House (HR 6175). This legislation, if passed, will help spur private investment in affordable housing and public infrastructure in the places where it's needed most: walkable, transit-connected places. We know that a lot of people want to live in walkable areas but there just simply isn't enough supply...
By
Sean Doyle
March 11, 2020
News & Insights
Webinar recap: the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace
LOCUS & Smart Growth America recently launched the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace, an online resource to help facilitate equitable development and information sharing. It's the latest evolution of our work to ensure that new investment in Opportunity Zones benefit existing residents the community at-large instead of displacing the people the tax incentive was intended to help. Watch the recorded webinar about how to use the Marketplace. The National Opportunity Zones...
By
Smart Growth America
February 27, 2020
News & Insights
New Opportunity Zones Marketplace will help local leaders partner with developers to produce more equitable development
Smart Growth America and its LOCUS coalition of responsible real estate investors & developers today launched the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace to connect local governments, community leaders, and other stakeholders in 13 communities across the country with a national network of investors, developers, and project partners and equip all of them to work together to make smart, equitable development possible in Opportunity Zones—and beyond. When it comes to Opportunity Zones,...
By
Smart Growth America
February 18, 2020
News & Insights
Coming soon: National Opportunity Zones Marketplace
On Tuesday, February 18, LOCUS and Smart Growth America are launching the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace to facilitate and spur equitable smart growth development across the country, with a focus on Opportunity Zones. Thanks to support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Marketplace will grow into a dynamic community of public and private sector voices actively pursuing Opportunity Zone projects, equitable development ideas, and an overall approach to development that brings...
By
LOCUS Admin
February 12, 2020
News & Insights
House majority adopts Smart Growth America's unified approach to infrastructure
The House majority’s recent infrastructure proposal finally recognizes what Smart Growth America has been saying for years: We’ll never be able to build and sustain healthy, prosperous, and resilient communities without a unified approach to transportation, climate, water, land use, and community development. This is a smart first step, but the details will determine whether or not these investments improve the deep inequities in America, or just make them worse....
By
Calvin Gladney
February 7, 2020
News & Insights
Opportunity Zones aid in historic revitalization and mixed-use development in Greenfield and Montague
LOCUS’s technical assistance helped the neighboring towns of Greenfield and Montague focus their sights on two feasible development/ redevelopment projects within their respective downtown Opportunity Zones. Since the conclusion of the Academy, both Greenfield and Montague have experienced activity around their chosen projects. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Read...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Salem considers Opportunity Zones for new mixed-use and TOD development
While participating in Smart Growth America/LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy, the City of Salem focused on an underutilized plot of land adjacent to a proposed commuter rail station, and how they could encourage equitable new investment around it. LOCUS’s technical assistance presented the city with three different development scenarios to consider for future development spurred by Opportunity Zones. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Barnstable and Yarmouth aim to use Opportunity Zones to promote walkable urban form
The Cape Cod beach communities of Barnstable and Yarmouth sought guidance from LOCUS and Smart Growth America’s Form-Based Codes Institute in utilizing their respective Opportunity Zones to create a better sense of place within their communities, with a shared goal of attracting more year-round residency. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Fitchburg is well-prepared to shape future Opportunity Zone investment
LOCUS worked with the City of Fitchburg to market their Opportunity Zones to responsible developers and investors to further enhance their existing community and economic development initiatives. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Read about Fitchburg, and be sure to check out the posts for Barnstable-Yarmouth, Salem, and Greenfield-Montague. Left...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Smart growth isn't just one thing
Smart growth—building places that are healthy, resilient, and prosperous—requires tackling an almost impossibly long list of complicated issues. But Smart Growth America has the diverse experience required to move the needle. We are improving lives by improving communities with our wide span of expertise and programs—will you support more of this in 2020?
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By
Steve Davis
December 19, 2019
News & Insights
How can the change coming to suburbs be harnessed for good?
The notion of the suburbs is nestled deeply in the collective imagination in America, but as we wrote recently, “the suburbs of today aren’t necessarily the suburbs of yesteryear.” In a future that is increasingly urban, where suburbs are rapidly changing, what changes should they consider to stay prosperous and resilient? The northern Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA started capitalizing on their forgotten downtown by investing public dollars to create...
By
Steve Davis
December 10, 2019
News & Insights
What did we learn from a half-year of work on Opportunity Zones with six communities?
Throughout much of 2019, Smart Growth America’s LOCUS team worked hand-in-hand with six Massachusetts communities to harness Opportunity Zone investments to benefit rather than displace their residents, and result in walkable, mixed-use communities with a variety of employment and housing options for everyone. We spent a day earlier this month going overall we learned in a public event in Boston earlier this month. Over 100 municipal officials, real estate developers,...
By
Smart Growth America
November 27, 2019
News & Insights
$35.8 billion environmental appropriations bill approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, rejects President’s cuts
The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Interior Appropriations Act at $35.8 billion for FY 2020. The Senate’s legislation proposes funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a number of other agencies. The bill is set to be voted on by the full Senate the week of the 21st of October. Increased Environmental Protection Agency Funding The Senate Committee...
By
Smart Growth America
October 28, 2019
News & Insights
Webinar recap, Building Complete Streets: The developer's perspective
This October, we kicked off our new webinar series, Complete Streets 301: Putting people first, with our first webinar, “Building Complete Streets: The developer’s perspective.” A recording of the webinar is now available. You can also download a PDF of the presentation or read the brief recap below. A discussion recap Calvin Gladney, President and CEO of Smart Growth America kicked off the webinar by sharing his experience as a...
By
Natasha Riveron
October 16, 2019
News & Insights
Registration now open for the 2019 LOCUS Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Convening
LOCUS is pleased to announce the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy Convening! On November 15, public and private sector leaders will be meeting to share their expertise and national best practices to advocate for walkable and equitable communities. The convening will also bring together the communities that received technical assistance during LOCUS’ Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy; 6 municipalities from across Massachusetts will present their findings from their past 6...
By
Smart Growth America
October 4, 2019
News & Insights
Working to ensure that Opportunity Zones are a force for good in your community
With the creation of a new national academy for Opportunity Zones, Smart Growth America and our LOCUS coalition of responsible real estate investors continue to be on the forefront of helping communities use this tax incentive as a force for equitable growth that’s mutually beneficial for both investors and most importantly the people who live and do business in them. The Griffin Park housing project (foreground) in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood...
By
Steve Davis
October 1, 2019
News & Insights
The Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Growth America Launch National Opportunity Zones Academy
Names Five Cities as Participants: Chicago, Greater Miami and the Beaches, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Norfolk, VA. The Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Growth America today announced the launch of the National Opportunity Zones Academy, which will help cities drive sustainable growth in Opportunity Zones by attracting socially responsible investment. Five cities have been selected to participate in the Academy including Chicago, Greater Miami and the Beaches, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Norfolk, VA....
By
Smart Growth America
September 17, 2019
News & Insights
LOCUS Massachusetts Chapter endorses multi-state Transportation & Climate Initiative
Image: Adam E. Moreira Transportation has been front and center in Massachusetts politics this summer. Between derailments on the Red and Green Lines and subsequent delays, to the release of a long-awaiting congestion study by MassDOT, the heat is on the Baker administration in the Bay State to act swiftly in a moment that top officials describe as a “tipping point.” And as the congestion report points out, the state’s...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 27, 2019
News & Insights
LOCUS Mass and Brockton host event for developers to learn more about Opportunity Zones
Rob May, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Brockton, guides a walking tour of the city's downtown Opportunity Zone. (Staff photo) LOCUS and the City of Brockton, Massachusetts hosted a LinkUP event in June to bring together development professionals and learn more about key parcels in the city’s Opportunity Zones. On a rainy June morning, leaders from LOCUS Massachusetts met with a variety of state, regional,...
By
Connor Ring
July 8, 2019
News & Insights
Meet the winners of the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Awards
Each year LOCUS honors some of the nation's leading developers for their work with the Leadership Awards, awarded based on their exemplary commitment to public leadership, triple-bottom-line development, and smart growth. We received a record number of nominations this year and whittled those down to three finalists in each category (see all the finalists here). The winners were announced at the LOCUS President’s Reception and Awards Dinner during the 2019...
By
LOCUS Admin
July 4, 2019
News & Insights
Suburban business parks are dead, and six other things we learned at the LOCUS Leadership Summit
Opportunity Rising, last week’s LOCUS National Leadership Summit in Arlington, VA, was a vital gathering, uniting responsible real estate developers and investors with local elected officials and transportation and land-use planners. During the wide range of workshops, panels and sessions, Smart Growth America staff absorbed a few important themes and ideas. Here are seven. Opportunity Zones are far from a foolproof lifter of all boats As the theme of the...
By
Smart Growth America
July 3, 2019
News & Insights
Six Massachusetts communities kick off first-ever academy on Opportunity Zones
Smart Growth America CEO Calvin Gladney speaking at the kick-off meeting. (Staff photo) The 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy kicked off last Sunday with four teams from Massachusetts convening in Washington, DC to learn and strategize about how to use the new federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to spur private, triple-bottom-line development and investment in their communities. The newly created Opportunity Zones incentive will bring trillions of dollars in new...
By
Connor Ring
July 3, 2019
News & Insights
Seen and heard at the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit
The view of Washington, DC from the LOCUS Leadership Summit. (Image: staff) This week the LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising brought forward-thinking real estate developers and investors who are creating sustainable communities together with local elected officials and transportation and land-use planners. The breadth of topics covered at this year's Summit reflected the breadth of expertise among attendees. While the conference's main sessions and keynotes were held on Monday (June...
By
Austin Parks
June 28, 2019
News & Insights
Cities subsidizing sprawl will miss out on the benefits of walkability
Our new Foot Traffic Ahead report shows that walkable neighborhoods are in high demand in all of the country’s biggest metro areas but also massively undersupplied, leading to price premiums that make it a challenge for everyone to experience the benefits of living in them. Over roughly the last decade since the recession of 2008-09, there has been a sizable shift toward more development in walkable urban areas in the...
By
Steve Davis
June 25, 2019
News & Insights
Foot Traffic Ahead: 2019
Foot Traffic Ahead 2019 ranks the 30 largest metros in the United States based on the percentage of office, retail and rental multi-family space each metro has in their walkable urban places (WalkUPs). The report powerfully illustrates the price premiums investors and buyers are willing to pay to live or work in walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods—and why we urgently need to build more of them. There are 761 regionally significant WalkUPs...
By
3lane
June 24, 2019
News & Insights
Ready, set, develop: the 2019 LOCUS Smart Growth Showcase
The first ever Smart Growth Showcase is designed to connect shovel-ready projects that represent best practices and innovations in smart growth development with investment partners that can bring them to life. While representatives from each of the five featured will be at the LOCUS Leadership Summit next week, LOCUS is giving you a sneak peek of the projects today. Each project was selected for its potential to positively impact the...
By
Austin Parks
June 19, 2019
News & Insights
2019 LOCUS Award Finalists Announced
Since 2012, the LOCUS Leadership Awards have honored real estate developers and investors, companies, and projects who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to public leadership, triple-bottom-line development, and smart growth. This year, LOCUS received a record number of nominations for the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Awards. Together, eight finalists have been selected in the Company of the Year, Project of the Year, and Richard Baron Affordable Housing Award categories. They will be...
By
LOCUS Admin
June 19, 2019
News & Insights
Meet the inaugural class of LOCUS’ Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy
How can cities and towns maximize the positive impact of their Opportunity Zones? The answer is different for every community, and that’s why LOCUS and Smart Growth America are offering tailored technical assistance to six Massachusetts communities in the first-of-its-kind Opportunity Zones Academy. LOCUS is excited to announce the selection of six communities in Massachusetts to participate in the first-ever Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Cohorts representing Salem, Fitchburg, Yarmouth and...
By
LOCUS Admin
June 6, 2019
News & Insights
How one city is priming itself for Opportunity Zone investment
How does a city make sure it’s ready for investment? A question weighing on many municipal minds is how to organize planning, economic development strategies, and zoning regulations to make it clear to residents, developers, and investors that this is the right place to be. Further, how does a community encourage investment without sacrificing the characteristics that make it an attractive community to its residents? Brockton, Massachusetts, a Gateway City...
By
Smart Growth America
May 17, 2019
News & Insights
2019 Federal Financing Toolkit
As demand for smart growth development rises across the country, real estate developers and investors as well as local elected officials are looking for innovative approaches to finance these complex projects. Dozens of federal programs are designed to help, and a new resource from LOCUS provides an overview of all of those programs in one convenient place. The 2019 Federal Financing Toolkit has been updated and expanded to include 90...
By
3lane
April 10, 2019
News & Insights
Get schooled with the Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy
LOCUS has provided technical assistance to Massachusetts communities, including Union Square in Somerville, to implement smart growth planning practices. Photo by Kristin Chalmers Photography. Today, LOCUS and Smart Growth America are launching the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy, a five-month technical assistance program, with the goal of building the capacity of three to five Massachusetts communities to leverage their designation as Opportunity Zones.
Register for...
By
Austin Parks
April 1, 2019
News & Insights
Matchmakers for smart growth
The types of development projects that contribute to vibrant walkable, equitable, and sustainable communities can be complicated and often challenging to finance. So we're doing something new to connect potential investors and developers with smart growth projects in search of a partner: the LOCUS Smart Growth Showcase. During the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising, anyone with a thoughtful smart growth project potentially having a challenging time with financing—town planners,...
By
Austin Parks
March 27, 2019
News & Insights
Nominations open for the 2019 LOCUS National Leadership Awards
LOCUS President Jair Lynch (L) and Director Christopher Coes (R) recognize Shannon Morgan, Chief Development Officer at Shelborne Development in Detroit, MI, with the Richard Baron Award for Affordable Housing at the 2018 LOCUS National Leadership Summit. Do you know a real estate developer, investor, or company creating great walkable places and demonstrating exemplary public leadership to advance smart growth development? If so, nominate them for the 2019 LOCUS National...
By
LOCUS Admin
March 8, 2019
News & Insights
Local leader takes action on Opportunity Zones
Downtown Pine Bluff. Photo courtesy of Bruce Lockett Much of the buzz around Opportunity Zones has centered on big cities, but Councilman Bruce Lockett of Pine Bluff, Arkansas is determined to show potential investors that his community—and other small towns like it—should not be overlooked. Last year, he championed a local ordinance to create a task force of community stakeholders charged with raising Pine Bluff’s profile and attracting investment to...
By
Austin Parks
February 7, 2019
News & Insights
Sprawl or smart growth: the future of Opportunity Zones
The newly created Opportunity Zones program will likely go down as the largest and most significant federal community development initiative in U.S. history, with trillions of dollars in new private investment about to start flowing into pre-designated low-income communities around the country. The biggest question today is this: will these investments benefit the people living in these communities now, or will they be displaced as new interest and development brings...
By
Smart Growth America
December 13, 2018
News & Insights
LOCUS Opportunity Zones National Ranking Report
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included a new powerful economic development tax incentive - Opportunity Zones - designed to encourage long-term private capital investment in America’s low-income communities. With over 8,700 Opportunity Zones - spanning the entire continental US, the District of Columbia and US territories - now eligible to tap into over $6 trillion dollars of unrealized capital gains to support redevelopment projects and new businesses,...
By
3lane
December 13, 2018
News & Insights
We can't stop talking about these Summit speakers
This post was written by guest contributor Joyce Mandell, the founder and director of Jane Jacobs in the Woo, a blog that sparks dialogue about the future of Worcester, MA, drawing inspiration from urban design legend Jane Jacobs’ vision of community-based planning. The write-ups have been lightly edited for length and clarity. It's been a little over one month since real estate industry insiders and policy makers came together to...
By
Austin Parks
December 6, 2018
News & Insights
Seen and heard at the 2018 LOCUS New England Summit
Over 100 developers, planners, elected officials, and community advocates gathered in Boston last week at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit to discuss innovations in smart growth and the future of development in New England. Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash kicked off the summit with a keynote address, proclaiming that "all good development is local." Throughout the day, attendees and speakers gave life to this...
By
Austin Parks
November 1, 2018
News & Insights
LOCUS Massachusetts announces 2018 New England Leadership Award winners
Left to right: Christopher Coes, Director of LOCUS; Jair Lynch, President/CEO of Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners and President of LOCUS; Jim Goldenberg, Principal, Cathartes; Doug Landry, VP for Real Estate Development at Tighe & Bond and President of LOCUS Massachusetts; Elijah Plymesser, Director of LOCUS Massachusetts. At the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, the finalists and winners of three awards—Project, Developer, and Partnership of the Year—were recognized. Last...
By
eplymesser
November 1, 2018
News & Insights
Discover Boston's most investment-friendly Opportunity Zones at the LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
On October 24, LOCUS and The George Washington University’s Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis (CREUA) will unveil their ranking of the most investable Opportunity Zones in Massachusetts. This announcement will take place during the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit.
Register Now
LOCUS Director Christopher Coes will be joined by Dr. Tracy Loh, Senior Data Scientist at GWU’s CREUA, to identify which...
By
LOCUS Admin
October 2, 2018
News & Insights
Are you ready for a rising tide? Climate resiliency at next month's LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
Join LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts for a lively Building for Resiliency panel at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 at the Boston Society of Architects in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >> Boston is not alone in dealing with the challenges of climate adaptation. All around the globe coastal cities are scrambling to adapt their built environments and communities to the coming challenges of climate change....
By
LOCUS Admin
September 29, 2018
News & Insights
Find out what's happening on Beacon Hill at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
Join LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts for for a lively Policy Discussion panel at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 at the Boston Society of Architects in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >> Expert speakers will focus on current legislation being reviewed by lawmakers on Beacon Hill, such as the Governor's Housing Choice Initiative and Great Neighborhoods Legislation. They will also provide a local lens on zoning...
By
LOCUS Admin
September 6, 2018
News & Insights
Showcase a development opportunity at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are excited to announce the first ever New England Development and Investment Showcase at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit on October 24, 2018. The Showcase is a space for town planners, economic development directors, chamber of commerce leaders, and anyone with challenging development opportunities to exhibit their project sites to a diverse group of real estate and economic development industry insiders. Learn more and...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 27, 2018
News & Insights
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to speak at 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are pleased to announce Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the morning keynote speaker during the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >>> Building prosperity across Massachusetts Since 2015, Secretary Ash has directed and executed Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's agenda on housing and community development, job creation, business development,...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 23, 2018
News & Insights
Critical reforms to encourage transit-oriented development are en route
On January 14th, the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (Build HUBS) Act was introduced by bipartisan champions Sen. Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Sen. Curtis (R-UT), Rep. Friedman (D-CA), and Rep. Lawler (R-NY). This legislation will make critical reforms to the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) programs to support the creation of more transit-oriented development (TOD) projects. Communities across the country are...
By
Elisa Ramirez
January 16, 2026
News & Insights
Webinar: Utilizing the Opportunity Zone tool for residential development
With Congress poised to potentially extend the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) tax incentive, it is a critical time for developers and communities to revisit successful uses of the tool from across the country. In this webinar, hear from experts who are turning OZ investment into positive results. Featured speakers include Natalie Mason, Executive Vice President at Capital Square, Sharetta Smith, Mayor of Lima, OH, and Robin Schabes, Director of Chicagoland...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
Webinar: Approaches to building small scale and missing middle housing
From missing starter homes for young families to a dearth of homes available for seniors hoping to downsize but stay in their communities, the impacts of so-called “missing middle housing” are being felt throughout the country. This webinar features experts who are leading the way in infill development, sustainable housing, and community-based planning solutions. Featured speakers include Jim Heid, Founder of UrbanGreen + CRAFT Development Founder, Shannon Morgan, President and...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
Webinar: Innovative approaches to housing development
Alternative approaches in financing or project development can be slow to move from one community to another. In this webinar, hear from leaders championing new models for funding and constructing smart growth-aligned housing types such as co-ops and affordable housing, including Josh Morrison, COO and Co-founder at Frolic Community, Sherry Taylor, Executive Director of Durham Community Land Trustees, and Dave Foster of BDP Impact Real Estate.* *We received an updated...
By
Rachel Ellis
December 17, 2025
News & Insights
LOCUS member spotlight: Taidgh McClory, THM Advisors
In this LOCUS Member Spotlight, meet Taidgh McClory, founder of THM Advisors, a social impact enterprise advancing equitable development and investment strategies that create lasting community value. Based in Boston, Taidgh has long worked at the intersection of smart growth, equity, and triple-bottom-line real estate, helping public, private, and philanthropic partners design projects that align economic returns with social impact. A longtime supporter of Smart Growth America, Taidgh shares insights...
By
Chris Rall
November 4, 2025
News & Insights
Reforming transit-oriented development financing at the federal level to unlock housing and economic growth
The federal government has two strong transit-oriented development financing programs, RRIF & TIFIA, but both have been plagued by administrative burden for a decade. Smart Growth America’s LOCUS coalition believes that now is a key opportunity to improve government efficiency, strengthen public-private partnerships, and unlock economic growth through transit-oriented development. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a boon for transit systems and communities because it spurs economic growth, fosters walkable, connected neighborhoods,...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
August 26, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack: Innovative approaches to financing housing development webinar recap
On Thursday, July 24th, LOCUS and Smart Growth America hosted the third webinar in the “Building the Stack” series. This series of conversations with real estate developers and community partners focuses on demystifying how to finance and build high-interest projects. This recent webinar focused on innovative approaches to financing housing development and featured three speakers from across the country. Alternative approaches in financing or project development can be slow to...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
August 22, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack: Opportunity Zones for residential development webinar recap
On Thursday, June 5th, LOCUS and Smart Growth America kicked off the “Building the Stack” webinar series, a series of conversations with real estate developers and community partners focused on demystifying how to finance and build high interest projects, with the first webinar on utilizing the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to build housing. The Building the Stack series is designed to dig into the challenges with developing key project...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
July 3, 2025
News & Insights
Opportunity Zones for Impact: Tell Congress to pass reforms to the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive
The comprehensive tax package passed by the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives includes a renewal and extension of the Opportunity Zone tax incentive (OZs). Don’t miss your opportunity to tell Congress to prioritize transparency and affordability in an extension of the OZ program! What are Opportunity Zones? The Opportunity Zones tax incentive is a tool designed to catalyze investment and growth in distressed communities. The tool operates by providing a...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
June 9, 2025
News & Insights
Red light, green light: What smart growth provisions are passing go in the pending House tax legislation
Major tax legislation is an opportunity for Congress to incentivize and unleash investment in housing and development through the tax code—are they taking the action the country so critically needs? The Republican-controlled Congress passed a sweeping budget resolution in April that allowed them to begin drafting the changes to the tax code that will shape the future of development and impact smart growth efforts nationwide. The tax code has traditionally...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
May 21, 2025
News & Insights
Building the stack webinar series: Financing smart growth real estate projects
Join LOCUS and an exciting selection of guest speakers, who together, will dive into a series of webinars on how to finance and build missing middle housing, how to utilize the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to build residential units, and how to utilize creative financing approaches to facilitate projects that meet urgent community needs. Over the course of three Thursdays this summer, LOCUS and Smart Growth America will host...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
May 19, 2025
News & Insights
The developer’s perspective: Tax priorities for smart growth
The tax debate in Congress is on, but what should legislators focus on if they want to create homes, drive revitalization, and create vibrant communities through the tax code? LOCUS, a national coalition of purpose-driven real estate developers and investors, weigh in based on their experience on the ground. Photo courtesy of Don Clotfelter on Flickr. It is a daunting moment for communities: the majority of rural communities are shrinking,...
By
Kennedy O'Dell
March 25, 2025
News & Insights
Budget reconciliation: Smart growth implications
The coming months represent a pivotal window for the future of many government programs as well as projects that rely on tax credits or federal grants. The outcome of ongoing Congressional discussions about the esoteric budget reconciliation process could shape our communities for the next several decades. LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for sustainable, equitable, walkable development, stands ready to support developers...
By
3lane
February 20, 2025
News & Insights
Reinvigorating Opportunity Zones to deliver housing and smart growth
The Trump-era Opportunity Zone tax incentive brought capital gains into community development in a new way. With Congress poised to consider extending the program in a tax package, it is an opportune time to highlight high-impact reforms that could help the tool better deliver much-needed homes, especially in locations with good access to jobs and amenities. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the Opportunity Zones tax incentive (OZs),...
By
3lane
March 14, 2025
News & Insights
Honoring LOCUS founding member Bernie Glieberman: A visionary leader in smart growth development
LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s advocacy coalition for triple-bottom-line real estate developers, is deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie Glieberman, a founding member of LOCUS and visionary developer. Bernie’s dedication to ensuring accessible housing and livable neighborhoods for everyday Americans helped shape LOCUS’ mission from its earliest days. His vision and unwavering commitment to improving communities will continue to live on and inspire LOCUS's work. Bernie was a beloved friend,...
By
Rachel Ellis
September 16, 2024
News & Insights
Honoring LOCUS founding member Bernie Glieberman: A visionary leader in smart growth development
LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s advocacy coalition for triple-bottom-line real estate developers, is deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie Glieberman, a founding member of LOCUS and visionary developer. Bernie’s dedication to ensuring accessible housing and livable neighborhoods for everyday Americans helped shape LOCUS’ mission from its earliest days. His vision and unwavering commitment to improving communities will continue to live on and inspire LOCUS's work. Bernie was a beloved friend,...
By
Rachel Ellis
September 16, 2024
News & Insights
TIFIA’s first transit-oriented development loan approval
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an important priority of LOCUS to advance sustainable, equitable, walkable development in America’s metropolitan areas. To meet that goal, LOCUS has long advocated for TIFIA, an important tool to advance TOD, helping to secure a win through the passage of the FAST Act in 2015. Recently, the first loan was approved through the TIFIA Transit Oriented Development provisions in Washington state—this is an important milestone, and...
By
Franklin Thornton
June 5, 2024
News & Insights
Announcing five new member of the LOCUS Steering Committee
We are excited to announce the addition of five esteemed members to the LOCUS Steering Committee. LOCUS, a program of Smart Growth America, is dedicated to promoting equitable and sustainable development practices across the United States through federal advocacy. With the inclusion of these accomplished professionals—who bring invaluable expertise and passion—we can continue our efforts in advancing legislation and federal-level programs that foster vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient communities nationwide....
By
Rachel Ellis
March 25, 2024
News & Insights
Q&A with the new LOCUS Chair, Alecia Hill
Earlier this month, Alecia Hill was elected to become the next Chair of LOCUS, stepping into the role that Jair Lynch held for eight years. Alecia is a Vice President at FCP and is responsible for expanding the firm’s impact investing initiatives and affordable housing preservation multifamily platform. In this Q&A, I had the opportunity to chat with Alecia, to hear her thoughts on LOCUS now and what she hopes...
By
Eric Cova
March 21, 2024
News & Insights
Q&A with Jair Lynch, outgoing President of LOCUS
After over eight years at the helm, today Jair Lynch is transitioning from his role as President of LOCUS, Smart Growth America's coalition of triple-bottom-line real estate developers and investors. Jair's leadership has been pivotal in championing the mission of creating equitable, walkable communities across America. Under his guidance, LOCUS has seen a renewed commitment to inclusive development, marked by fresh perspectives and collaborative initiatives that prioritize the well-being of...
By
Eric Cova
March 6, 2024
News & Insights
Commercial to Residential? White House Highlights Programs that Could Help Vacancies in Downtowns
In the face of the well-documented housing crisis, and amidst a changing landscape for office and commercial buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House released a guidebook of programs that would assist commercial to residential conversions. As local government leaders, developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders debate strategies to revitalize their downtowns, this guidebook is a nod toward the massive opportunity available to address the low housing supply by...
By
Franklin Thornton
December 7, 2023
News & Insights
Three bills that would advance equitable, sustainable development
Flickr photo by La Citta Vita LOCUS, a coalition of triple-bottom-line real estate developers convened by Smart Growth America, made significant advocacy efforts this summer. The coalition’s work aims to advance legislation that could lead to more equitable, sustainable development and better connectivity between land use and transportation policy. A core focus of this advocacy work has been establishing strategies to deliver more mixed-income and mixed-use development near transit. Below...
By
Franklin Thornton
September 22, 2023
News & Insights
New White House actions on equitable community development
Building on its earlier series of executive orders on advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities (EO 13985 and 14091), the Biden administration has announced a series of interagency actions and principles to strengthen equitable urban development. The proposed actions address federal infrastructure investment, land use, housing, and regional planning policies. Flickr photo by Gage Skidmore New ICIC actions Formed in 2022, the Interagency Community Investment Committee (ICIC) is a...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 2, 2023
News & Insights
Foot Traffic Ahead 2023
Foot Traffic Ahead 2023 ranks the top 35 metro areas by their walkable urbanism using an index that considers premiums in commercial rents, multifamily rental rates, and for-sale home prices. Co-authored by Michael Rodriguez, AICP, and Christopher B. Leinberger, and using data from Yardi Matrix and Rocktop Partners, the report finds that the demand for walkable urban real estate far exceeds supply. Read our press release here. Foot Traffic Ahead...
By
3lane
January 25, 2023
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: David Grannis
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
October 24, 2022
News & Insights
Welcoming three new LOCUS Steering Committee members
LOCUS, SGA’s coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for walkable, attainable housing near transit, is excited to announce the addition of three new Steering Committee members! Over the years, LOCUS has achieved many important milestones such as the introduction of the REHAB Act, the publication of the Great Real Estate Reset, and foundational work in Opportunity Zones. These successes are due in large part to the expertise...
By
Eric Cova
October 4, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Cathy Sloss Jones
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
June 6, 2022
News & Insights
Biden Equity Action Plan impacts on housing and land use
The Biden Administration showcased its intentions to embed equity throughout the federal government with the recent release of the first-ever Equity Actions Plans for over 90 federal agencies. The plans detail department-specific goals and operational priorities to improve the delivery of equitable outcomes for all Americans through systemic reforms and investments in historically underserved communities. The actions proposed in these plans will have broad impacts on land use, infrastructure investment,...
By
LOCUS Admin
May 19, 2022
News & Insights
SGA's take on introduced opportunity zone reform bill
Last week, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bicameral bill aiming to reform opportunity zones, the Opportunity Zones Transparency, Extension, and Improvement Act. Smart Growth America (SGA) views the opportunity zone reform bill as a necessary step to improve transparency and the likelihood of more equitable outcomes through opportunity zones, which have not benefited the historically underserved communities, nor the small, minority-owned and legacy businesses, as intended. Additionally, SGA...
By
Eric Cova
April 20, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Shannon Morgan
Latin for "place," LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. The LOCUS member spotlight...
By
Jared Klukas
April 6, 2022
News & Insights
LOCUS Member Spotlight: Dinkar Ganti
Latin for "place", LOCUS is a national network of real estate developers, investors, and professionals, united to advance equitable, walkable urban development in communities across the country. Together LOCUS members work to increase funding and financing for smart growth development; improve regulations at all levels of government to support smart growth; and change federal programs to improve housing and transportation options for all Americans. Learn more. LOCUS is excited to...
By
Jared Klukas
March 16, 2022
News & Insights
So you’re joining us for the 2022 Equity Summit
What you need to know about joining the Equity Summit next week, answers to your frequently asked questions, and more! Smart Growth America hosted our first-ever Equity Summit last year to bring a discussion of racial equity to the smart growth movement and make the case that smart growth without a focus on equity isn’t smart growth at all. Speakers discussed how to promote equity in housing and land use,...
By
Helen Hope
January 5, 2022
News & Insights
Fourth session of Commonwealth Communities leads to dynamic conversation on how to cultivate equity in municipal budgeting practices
Ryan Bowers, Co-Founder of Activest presents on his budgeting for equity framework during the fourth session of Commonwealth Communities. Engaging in equitable budgeting practices is important on all levels of government, but especially at the local level, it is essential to ensure that community members are informed and empowered to participate in budgetary practices. In the next-to-last session of Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future, expert speakers...
By
Megan Wright
November 30, 2021
News & Insights
Second session of Commonwealth Communities inspires engaging conversation about small business development
Clockwise from top left: Bobby Boone, Founder and Chief Strategist of &Access; Calvin Gladney, President and CEO of Smart Growth America; Ilana Preuss, Founder and CEO of Recast City; and Tina Leone, CEO of Ballston BID. On Wednesday, October 20, Smart Growth America and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors held the second session of Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future- a 5-part virtual series of...
By
Megan Wright
October 27, 2021
News & Insights
Commonwealth Communities Kicks Off With Engaging, Expert-Led Session on Walkability
Clockwise from top left: Jeff Speck, Principal, Speck & Associates; Douglas Landry, President, LOCUS Massachusetts; The Honorable Robbyn Lewis, Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates; The Honorable John Robert Smith, Senior Policy Advisor, Smart Growth America; and Stacey Beutell, Executive Director, WalkBoston On Wednesday, October 6, Smart Growth America and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors kicked off Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future—a 5-part virtual series...
By
Megan Wright
October 14, 2021
News & Insights
Request for proposal: consultant for LOCUS Massachusetts
LOCUS Massachusetts is looking for a consultant specializing in real estate development and land use. Read the full project description below. Scope and Anticipated Deliverables SGA is in search of a Massachusetts-based consultant specialized in real estate development and land use (individual consultant or dedicated individual within a firm) to fulfill the following scope and provide the following deliverables. The consultant should have expertise in and commitment to Smart Growth,...
By
Helen Hope
August 30, 2021
News & Insights
How would the American Jobs Plan address insufficiencies in affordable housing and equitable development?
Following up on our previous overview of the American Jobs Plan, we explore some specific provisions related to land use and development intended to address national insufficiencies in affordable housing and related infrastructure, and also make some recommendations to improve it. Within the expansive American Jobs Plan, there are four land use and development proposals that we especially want to highlight that are vital parts of the puzzle for producing...
By
Smart Growth America
April 27, 2021
News & Insights
Watch the REHAB Act webinar
Everyone who wants to live in a walkable area should be able to, but there just simply isn’t enough supply. New development is dramatically skewed towards sprawling suburbs on the fringes of town far from jobs and affordable transportation. The REHAB Act—Revitalizing Economies, Housing, And Businesses Act—is a bipartisan bill that would create a federal tax credit to support redeveloping old (but non-historic) buildings near public transportation. Watch a brief...
By
Smart Growth America
March 30, 2021
News & Insights
Now hiring: Vice President, Land Use and Development
Position summary Reporting to SGA’s President & CEO, the VP will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Land Use and Development (LUD) Team, leading and motivating LUD staff, and helping to create a vision for the LUD team and SGA’s niche in the national conversation on housing, land use, zoning, community revitalization finance (e.g., opportunity zones) and equitable development, including issues of racial equity and economic inclusion....
By
Smart Growth America
March 30, 2021
News & Insights
Congress: Pass the REHAB Act for more equitable, walkable communities
Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) re-introduced the Revitalizing Economies, Housing, and Businesses (REHAB) Act of 2021, a bill that provides incentives to develop more housing in areas near transit, creating more opportunities to live in walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods. Join LOCUS and the bill’s original congressional sponsor on Monday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET for a brief presentation about the REHAB Act, a discussion about how it would work, and...
By
Helen Hope
March 2, 2021
News & Insights
Smart Growth America and LOCUS veteran tapped to serve the Biden-Harris administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation
Smart Growth America is pleased to share the exciting but bittersweet news that Christopher Coes, Smart Growth America vice president of land use and development and Director of SGA’s LOCUS coalition of real estate developers and investors, has been selected by the Biden-Harris administration to serve in the U.S. Department of Transportation as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy. “It has been a pleasure of a lifetime to work...
By
Smart Growth America
January 20, 2021
News & Insights
LOCUS LinkUps heading to Chicagoland this spring for spotlight on Opportunity Zones
LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors is pleased to announce its latest LOCUS LinkUp, Pathways to Opportunity—a four-part, virtual series of networking and dealmaking events for responsible real estate developers and social impact investors interested in learning more about real estate project and business investment opportunities in Chicagoland’s Opportunity Zones. Pathways to Opportunity will be hosted in partnership with the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium as part of its ongoing...
By
LOCUS Admin
January 7, 2021
News & Insights
Congress' COVID relief is welcome, but "must simply be a downpayment, with more help on the way"
Late last night, after months of fruitless negotiations and inaction, Congress finally passed a $900-billion COVID relief package at the same time as a $1.4-trillion omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through the end of the FY 21 fiscal year. Congress’ actions are a good start, but America needs more in order to survive and bounce back from this health and economic crisis. This bill must simply be a...
By
Smart Growth America
December 23, 2020
News & Insights
The Great Real Estate Reset
Real estate plays a defining role in the American economy and in every American’s life, but the industry is failing to keep up with changing demands and build resilient, affordable, diverse communities where everyone can prosper. The industry at large is risking not just another market crash but also becoming a central contributor to growing inequity, climate disruption, and the deterioration of American political and social cohesion. It’s time for...
By
3lane
December 17, 2020
News & Insights
Segregation persists, climate change is here, and demographics are rapidly shifting: It's time for a Great Real Estate Reset
Real estate plays a defining role in our economy and in every American’s life, but the industry is failing to fully address persistent segregation by race and income, pent-up demand for more attainable housing, destabilized regional housing markets fueled by climate change, and other converging trends. The industry at large is risking not just another market crash but also becoming a central contributor to growing inequity, climate disruption, and the...
By
Steve Davis
December 17, 2020
News & Insights
How the Biden administration can make immediate strides on climate and racial equity
Updated: The recommendations memo was revised and updated below. The spread of COVID-19 has sent the United States plummeting into an unprecedented national crisis, but it has also illuminated the path forward. Smart Growth America, along with some of our programs, identified immediate executive actions and long-term policy changes that the incoming Biden administration can implement to eliminate structural inequities and address catastrophic global climate change. Last week, Smart Growth...
By
Smart Growth America
November 18, 2020
News & Insights
New report: Are Opportunity Zones boosting the prospects of small businesses?
The massive new Opportunity Zone tax incentive was conceived as a tool to promote economic development, job creation, poverty reduction, and support for new businesses in areas of concentrated poverty. A couple years in, is it having the desired effects? Are the investments supporting small business stability and growth, especially for minority-owned legacy businesses? Our new report takes a closer look.
We held an online discussion of the findings...
By
Steve Davis
October 29, 2020
News & Insights
All eyes on Congress as they negotiate a fourth phase of COVID-19 relief
With the country still in urgent need of more economic relief from the pandemic, Congress continues to be deadlocked on producing a legislative package. Senate Republicans unveiled the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act last week—their latest legislative response to COVID-19 following the HEROES Act passed by the House more than two months ago. When it comes to a final stimulus package, Smart Growth America and specifically...
By
Smart Growth America
August 6, 2020
News & Insights
New House climate plan endorses Smart Growth America’s holistic recommendations for reducing emissions
The House Select Committee on Climate Change released a new legislative blueprint this week for tackling the climate crisis that incorporates many of SGA’s recommendations across our programs, demonstrating how smart growth is at the core of any potential plan to reduce emissions.
UPDATE 7/9/2020. Note: Our post summarizes the committee’s plan as targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and net-negative emissions afterward. This is documented on page...
By
Steve Davis
July 2, 2020
News & Insights
House’s massive infrastructure bill brings housing, land use and transportation together
This week the House will consider the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that reflects many of Smart Growth America’s core priorities, including a new kind of transportation bill, billions to invest in new or rehabilitated affordable housing, and support for more inclusive and equitable development around transit to help give more Americans access to opportunity. The Moving Forward Act (HR 2) is the legislative version of the...
By
Steve Davis
June 30, 2020
News & Insights
INVEST Act amendment would help finance more transit-oriented development
One of the amendments to the House’s transportation bill (INVEST Act) we are supporting would expand one of the federal government’s biggest infrastructure financing tools to include more economic development near public transportation stations—increasing private investment in transit and helping multiply the impact of the INVEST Act’s sizable increases in transit funding.
The committee markup and vote on this bill is starting today — 10 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday,...
By
Steve Davis
June 17, 2020
News & Insights
Amendments we’re tracking to the House transportation bill
The INVEST Act could be a turning point for the federal transportation program, almost hitting the mark on our principles for transportation investment. But a few key amendments could make—or break—the bill. Stay up to date here. So far more than 200 amendments have been proposed. Bookmark this page, as we’ll be posting updates to the most notable amendments that we are tracking closely. Smart Growth America is fighting for...
By
Smart Growth America
June 17, 2020
News & Insights
New House bill increases funding to infrastructure programs, prioritizes climate change mitigation
On June 3, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. This act authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years to address some of the country’s most urgent infrastructure needs, as well as the economic crisis presented by the global coronavirus pandemic. Smart Growth America’s programs are deep into the details of...
By
Smart Growth America
June 12, 2020
News & Insights
Our work continues, in solidarity
We, the LOCUS National Steering Committee and Staff, issue the following statement: LOCUS is intensely focused on creating walkable urban places for all. Unfortunately, this country’s long-standing disparities and systemic racism have been on full display with the COVID-19 health crisis, the death of George Floyd, and many others, and now the widespread anger and frustrations are spilling on our city and rural streets. Our community of responsible developers and...
By
Smart Growth America
June 3, 2020
News & Insights
LOCUS’ COVID-19 Resource Page
This page was created to provide LOCUS members and supporters with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19; we will continue to update this Resource Page as new information becomes available. Last updated on: April 21, 2020. For more information on protecting yourself and your community during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Credit: Raed Mansour via Flickr As communities across the country...
By
LOCUS Admin
April 3, 2020
News & Insights
Smart growth can provide a guide for recovery
Our economy is at a virtual standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and healthcare. Businesses of all sizes are facing an existential threat. Local municipal budgets are being gutted. As we hope for light at the end of the tunnel we’ll need to craft a smart recovery. We leaned on our experience with the stimulus of 2009 and our long expertise in infrastructure...
By
Sean Doyle
April 1, 2020
News & Insights
Introducing the REHAB Act
Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Dan Kildee (D-MI-5), Darin LaHood (R-IL-18), and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) have introduced the REHAB Act in the U.S. House (HR 6175). This legislation, if passed, will help spur private investment in affordable housing and public infrastructure in the places where it's needed most: walkable, transit-connected places. We know that a lot of people want to live in walkable areas but there just simply isn't enough supply...
By
Sean Doyle
March 11, 2020
News & Insights
Webinar recap: the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace
LOCUS & Smart Growth America recently launched the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace, an online resource to help facilitate equitable development and information sharing. It's the latest evolution of our work to ensure that new investment in Opportunity Zones benefit existing residents the community at-large instead of displacing the people the tax incentive was intended to help. Watch the recorded webinar about how to use the Marketplace. The National Opportunity Zones...
By
Smart Growth America
February 27, 2020
News & Insights
New Opportunity Zones Marketplace will help local leaders partner with developers to produce more equitable development
Smart Growth America and its LOCUS coalition of responsible real estate investors & developers today launched the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace to connect local governments, community leaders, and other stakeholders in 13 communities across the country with a national network of investors, developers, and project partners and equip all of them to work together to make smart, equitable development possible in Opportunity Zones—and beyond. When it comes to Opportunity Zones,...
By
Smart Growth America
February 18, 2020
News & Insights
Coming soon: National Opportunity Zones Marketplace
On Tuesday, February 18, LOCUS and Smart Growth America are launching the National Opportunity Zones Marketplace to facilitate and spur equitable smart growth development across the country, with a focus on Opportunity Zones. Thanks to support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Marketplace will grow into a dynamic community of public and private sector voices actively pursuing Opportunity Zone projects, equitable development ideas, and an overall approach to development that brings...
By
LOCUS Admin
February 12, 2020
News & Insights
House majority adopts Smart Growth America's unified approach to infrastructure
The House majority’s recent infrastructure proposal finally recognizes what Smart Growth America has been saying for years: We’ll never be able to build and sustain healthy, prosperous, and resilient communities without a unified approach to transportation, climate, water, land use, and community development. This is a smart first step, but the details will determine whether or not these investments improve the deep inequities in America, or just make them worse....
By
Calvin Gladney
February 7, 2020
News & Insights
Opportunity Zones aid in historic revitalization and mixed-use development in Greenfield and Montague
LOCUS’s technical assistance helped the neighboring towns of Greenfield and Montague focus their sights on two feasible development/ redevelopment projects within their respective downtown Opportunity Zones. Since the conclusion of the Academy, both Greenfield and Montague have experienced activity around their chosen projects. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Read...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Salem considers Opportunity Zones for new mixed-use and TOD development
While participating in Smart Growth America/LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy, the City of Salem focused on an underutilized plot of land adjacent to a proposed commuter rail station, and how they could encourage equitable new investment around it. LOCUS’s technical assistance presented the city with three different development scenarios to consider for future development spurred by Opportunity Zones. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Barnstable and Yarmouth aim to use Opportunity Zones to promote walkable urban form
The Cape Cod beach communities of Barnstable and Yarmouth sought guidance from LOCUS and Smart Growth America’s Form-Based Codes Institute in utilizing their respective Opportunity Zones to create a better sense of place within their communities, with a shared goal of attracting more year-round residency. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Fitchburg is well-prepared to shape future Opportunity Zone investment
LOCUS worked with the City of Fitchburg to market their Opportunity Zones to responsible developers and investors to further enhance their existing community and economic development initiatives. This post is part of a series summarizing the experience and outcomes of the inaugural class of Smart Growth America and LOCUS’s Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Read about Fitchburg, and be sure to check out the posts for Barnstable-Yarmouth, Salem, and Greenfield-Montague. Left...
By
Smart Growth America
February 4, 2020
News & Insights
Smart growth isn't just one thing
Smart growth—building places that are healthy, resilient, and prosperous—requires tackling an almost impossibly long list of complicated issues. But Smart Growth America has the diverse experience required to move the needle. We are improving lives by improving communities with our wide span of expertise and programs—will you support more of this in 2020?
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By
Steve Davis
December 19, 2019
News & Insights
How can the change coming to suburbs be harnessed for good?
The notion of the suburbs is nestled deeply in the collective imagination in America, but as we wrote recently, “the suburbs of today aren’t necessarily the suburbs of yesteryear.” In a future that is increasingly urban, where suburbs are rapidly changing, what changes should they consider to stay prosperous and resilient? The northern Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA started capitalizing on their forgotten downtown by investing public dollars to create...
By
Steve Davis
December 10, 2019
News & Insights
What did we learn from a half-year of work on Opportunity Zones with six communities?
Throughout much of 2019, Smart Growth America’s LOCUS team worked hand-in-hand with six Massachusetts communities to harness Opportunity Zone investments to benefit rather than displace their residents, and result in walkable, mixed-use communities with a variety of employment and housing options for everyone. We spent a day earlier this month going overall we learned in a public event in Boston earlier this month. Over 100 municipal officials, real estate developers,...
By
Smart Growth America
November 27, 2019
News & Insights
$35.8 billion environmental appropriations bill approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, rejects President’s cuts
The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Interior Appropriations Act at $35.8 billion for FY 2020. The Senate’s legislation proposes funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a number of other agencies. The bill is set to be voted on by the full Senate the week of the 21st of October. Increased Environmental Protection Agency Funding The Senate Committee...
By
Smart Growth America
October 28, 2019
News & Insights
Webinar recap, Building Complete Streets: The developer's perspective
This October, we kicked off our new webinar series, Complete Streets 301: Putting people first, with our first webinar, “Building Complete Streets: The developer’s perspective.” A recording of the webinar is now available. You can also download a PDF of the presentation or read the brief recap below. A discussion recap Calvin Gladney, President and CEO of Smart Growth America kicked off the webinar by sharing his experience as a...
By
Natasha Riveron
October 16, 2019
News & Insights
Registration now open for the 2019 LOCUS Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Convening
LOCUS is pleased to announce the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy Convening! On November 15, public and private sector leaders will be meeting to share their expertise and national best practices to advocate for walkable and equitable communities. The convening will also bring together the communities that received technical assistance during LOCUS’ Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy; 6 municipalities from across Massachusetts will present their findings from their past 6...
By
Smart Growth America
October 4, 2019
News & Insights
Working to ensure that Opportunity Zones are a force for good in your community
With the creation of a new national academy for Opportunity Zones, Smart Growth America and our LOCUS coalition of responsible real estate investors continue to be on the forefront of helping communities use this tax incentive as a force for equitable growth that’s mutually beneficial for both investors and most importantly the people who live and do business in them. The Griffin Park housing project (foreground) in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood...
By
Steve Davis
October 1, 2019
News & Insights
The Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Growth America Launch National Opportunity Zones Academy
Names Five Cities as Participants: Chicago, Greater Miami and the Beaches, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Norfolk, VA. The Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Growth America today announced the launch of the National Opportunity Zones Academy, which will help cities drive sustainable growth in Opportunity Zones by attracting socially responsible investment. Five cities have been selected to participate in the Academy including Chicago, Greater Miami and the Beaches, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Norfolk, VA....
By
Smart Growth America
September 17, 2019
News & Insights
LOCUS Massachusetts Chapter endorses multi-state Transportation & Climate Initiative
Image: Adam E. Moreira Transportation has been front and center in Massachusetts politics this summer. Between derailments on the Red and Green Lines and subsequent delays, to the release of a long-awaiting congestion study by MassDOT, the heat is on the Baker administration in the Bay State to act swiftly in a moment that top officials describe as a “tipping point.” And as the congestion report points out, the state’s...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 27, 2019
News & Insights
LOCUS Mass and Brockton host event for developers to learn more about Opportunity Zones
Rob May, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Brockton, guides a walking tour of the city's downtown Opportunity Zone. (Staff photo) LOCUS and the City of Brockton, Massachusetts hosted a LinkUP event in June to bring together development professionals and learn more about key parcels in the city’s Opportunity Zones. On a rainy June morning, leaders from LOCUS Massachusetts met with a variety of state, regional,...
By
Connor Ring
July 8, 2019
News & Insights
Meet the winners of the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Awards
Each year LOCUS honors some of the nation's leading developers for their work with the Leadership Awards, awarded based on their exemplary commitment to public leadership, triple-bottom-line development, and smart growth. We received a record number of nominations this year and whittled those down to three finalists in each category (see all the finalists here). The winners were announced at the LOCUS President’s Reception and Awards Dinner during the 2019...
By
LOCUS Admin
July 4, 2019
News & Insights
Suburban business parks are dead, and six other things we learned at the LOCUS Leadership Summit
Opportunity Rising, last week’s LOCUS National Leadership Summit in Arlington, VA, was a vital gathering, uniting responsible real estate developers and investors with local elected officials and transportation and land-use planners. During the wide range of workshops, panels and sessions, Smart Growth America staff absorbed a few important themes and ideas. Here are seven. Opportunity Zones are far from a foolproof lifter of all boats As the theme of the...
By
Smart Growth America
July 3, 2019
News & Insights
Six Massachusetts communities kick off first-ever academy on Opportunity Zones
Smart Growth America CEO Calvin Gladney speaking at the kick-off meeting. (Staff photo) The 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy kicked off last Sunday with four teams from Massachusetts convening in Washington, DC to learn and strategize about how to use the new federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive to spur private, triple-bottom-line development and investment in their communities. The newly created Opportunity Zones incentive will bring trillions of dollars in new...
By
Connor Ring
July 3, 2019
News & Insights
Seen and heard at the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit
The view of Washington, DC from the LOCUS Leadership Summit. (Image: staff) This week the LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising brought forward-thinking real estate developers and investors who are creating sustainable communities together with local elected officials and transportation and land-use planners. The breadth of topics covered at this year's Summit reflected the breadth of expertise among attendees. While the conference's main sessions and keynotes were held on Monday (June...
By
Austin Parks
June 28, 2019
News & Insights
Cities subsidizing sprawl will miss out on the benefits of walkability
Our new Foot Traffic Ahead report shows that walkable neighborhoods are in high demand in all of the country’s biggest metro areas but also massively undersupplied, leading to price premiums that make it a challenge for everyone to experience the benefits of living in them. Over roughly the last decade since the recession of 2008-09, there has been a sizable shift toward more development in walkable urban areas in the...
By
Steve Davis
June 25, 2019
News & Insights
Foot Traffic Ahead: 2019
Foot Traffic Ahead 2019 ranks the 30 largest metros in the United States based on the percentage of office, retail and rental multi-family space each metro has in their walkable urban places (WalkUPs). The report powerfully illustrates the price premiums investors and buyers are willing to pay to live or work in walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods—and why we urgently need to build more of them. There are 761 regionally significant WalkUPs...
By
3lane
June 24, 2019
News & Insights
Ready, set, develop: the 2019 LOCUS Smart Growth Showcase
The first ever Smart Growth Showcase is designed to connect shovel-ready projects that represent best practices and innovations in smart growth development with investment partners that can bring them to life. While representatives from each of the five featured will be at the LOCUS Leadership Summit next week, LOCUS is giving you a sneak peek of the projects today. Each project was selected for its potential to positively impact the...
By
Austin Parks
June 19, 2019
News & Insights
2019 LOCUS Award Finalists Announced
Since 2012, the LOCUS Leadership Awards have honored real estate developers and investors, companies, and projects who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to public leadership, triple-bottom-line development, and smart growth. This year, LOCUS received a record number of nominations for the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Awards. Together, eight finalists have been selected in the Company of the Year, Project of the Year, and Richard Baron Affordable Housing Award categories. They will be...
By
LOCUS Admin
June 19, 2019
News & Insights
Meet the inaugural class of LOCUS’ Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy
How can cities and towns maximize the positive impact of their Opportunity Zones? The answer is different for every community, and that’s why LOCUS and Smart Growth America are offering tailored technical assistance to six Massachusetts communities in the first-of-its-kind Opportunity Zones Academy. LOCUS is excited to announce the selection of six communities in Massachusetts to participate in the first-ever Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy. Cohorts representing Salem, Fitchburg, Yarmouth and...
By
LOCUS Admin
June 6, 2019
News & Insights
How one city is priming itself for Opportunity Zone investment
How does a city make sure it’s ready for investment? A question weighing on many municipal minds is how to organize planning, economic development strategies, and zoning regulations to make it clear to residents, developers, and investors that this is the right place to be. Further, how does a community encourage investment without sacrificing the characteristics that make it an attractive community to its residents? Brockton, Massachusetts, a Gateway City...
By
Smart Growth America
May 17, 2019
News & Insights
2019 Federal Financing Toolkit
As demand for smart growth development rises across the country, real estate developers and investors as well as local elected officials are looking for innovative approaches to finance these complex projects. Dozens of federal programs are designed to help, and a new resource from LOCUS provides an overview of all of those programs in one convenient place. The 2019 Federal Financing Toolkit has been updated and expanded to include 90...
By
3lane
April 10, 2019
News & Insights
Get schooled with the Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy
LOCUS has provided technical assistance to Massachusetts communities, including Union Square in Somerville, to implement smart growth planning practices. Photo by Kristin Chalmers Photography. Today, LOCUS and Smart Growth America are launching the 2019 Massachusetts Opportunity Zones Academy, a five-month technical assistance program, with the goal of building the capacity of three to five Massachusetts communities to leverage their designation as Opportunity Zones.
Register for...
By
Austin Parks
April 1, 2019
News & Insights
Matchmakers for smart growth
The types of development projects that contribute to vibrant walkable, equitable, and sustainable communities can be complicated and often challenging to finance. So we're doing something new to connect potential investors and developers with smart growth projects in search of a partner: the LOCUS Smart Growth Showcase. During the 2019 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Opportunity Rising, anyone with a thoughtful smart growth project potentially having a challenging time with financing—town planners,...
By
Austin Parks
March 27, 2019
News & Insights
Nominations open for the 2019 LOCUS National Leadership Awards
LOCUS President Jair Lynch (L) and Director Christopher Coes (R) recognize Shannon Morgan, Chief Development Officer at Shelborne Development in Detroit, MI, with the Richard Baron Award for Affordable Housing at the 2018 LOCUS National Leadership Summit. Do you know a real estate developer, investor, or company creating great walkable places and demonstrating exemplary public leadership to advance smart growth development? If so, nominate them for the 2019 LOCUS National...
By
LOCUS Admin
March 8, 2019
News & Insights
Local leader takes action on Opportunity Zones
Downtown Pine Bluff. Photo courtesy of Bruce Lockett Much of the buzz around Opportunity Zones has centered on big cities, but Councilman Bruce Lockett of Pine Bluff, Arkansas is determined to show potential investors that his community—and other small towns like it—should not be overlooked. Last year, he championed a local ordinance to create a task force of community stakeholders charged with raising Pine Bluff’s profile and attracting investment to...
By
Austin Parks
February 7, 2019
News & Insights
Sprawl or smart growth: the future of Opportunity Zones
The newly created Opportunity Zones program will likely go down as the largest and most significant federal community development initiative in U.S. history, with trillions of dollars in new private investment about to start flowing into pre-designated low-income communities around the country. The biggest question today is this: will these investments benefit the people living in these communities now, or will they be displaced as new interest and development brings...
By
Smart Growth America
December 13, 2018
News & Insights
LOCUS Opportunity Zones National Ranking Report
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included a new powerful economic development tax incentive - Opportunity Zones - designed to encourage long-term private capital investment in America’s low-income communities. With over 8,700 Opportunity Zones - spanning the entire continental US, the District of Columbia and US territories - now eligible to tap into over $6 trillion dollars of unrealized capital gains to support redevelopment projects and new businesses,...
By
3lane
December 13, 2018
News & Insights
We can't stop talking about these Summit speakers
This post was written by guest contributor Joyce Mandell, the founder and director of Jane Jacobs in the Woo, a blog that sparks dialogue about the future of Worcester, MA, drawing inspiration from urban design legend Jane Jacobs’ vision of community-based planning. The write-ups have been lightly edited for length and clarity. It's been a little over one month since real estate industry insiders and policy makers came together to...
By
Austin Parks
December 6, 2018
News & Insights
Seen and heard at the 2018 LOCUS New England Summit
Over 100 developers, planners, elected officials, and community advocates gathered in Boston last week at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit to discuss innovations in smart growth and the future of development in New England. Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash kicked off the summit with a keynote address, proclaiming that "all good development is local." Throughout the day, attendees and speakers gave life to this...
By
Austin Parks
November 1, 2018
News & Insights
LOCUS Massachusetts announces 2018 New England Leadership Award winners
Left to right: Christopher Coes, Director of LOCUS; Jair Lynch, President/CEO of Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners and President of LOCUS; Jim Goldenberg, Principal, Cathartes; Doug Landry, VP for Real Estate Development at Tighe & Bond and President of LOCUS Massachusetts; Elijah Plymesser, Director of LOCUS Massachusetts. At the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, the finalists and winners of three awards—Project, Developer, and Partnership of the Year—were recognized. Last...
By
eplymesser
November 1, 2018
News & Insights
Discover Boston's most investment-friendly Opportunity Zones at the LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
On October 24, LOCUS and The George Washington University’s Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis (CREUA) will unveil their ranking of the most investable Opportunity Zones in Massachusetts. This announcement will take place during the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit.
Register Now
LOCUS Director Christopher Coes will be joined by Dr. Tracy Loh, Senior Data Scientist at GWU’s CREUA, to identify which...
By
LOCUS Admin
October 2, 2018
News & Insights
Are you ready for a rising tide? Climate resiliency at next month's LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
Join LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts for a lively Building for Resiliency panel at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 at the Boston Society of Architects in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >> Boston is not alone in dealing with the challenges of climate adaptation. All around the globe coastal cities are scrambling to adapt their built environments and communities to the coming challenges of climate change....
By
LOCUS Admin
September 29, 2018
News & Insights
Find out what's happening on Beacon Hill at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
Join LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts for for a lively Policy Discussion panel at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 at the Boston Society of Architects in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >> Expert speakers will focus on current legislation being reviewed by lawmakers on Beacon Hill, such as the Governor's Housing Choice Initiative and Great Neighborhoods Legislation. They will also provide a local lens on zoning...
By
LOCUS Admin
September 6, 2018
News & Insights
Showcase a development opportunity at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are excited to announce the first ever New England Development and Investment Showcase at the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit on October 24, 2018. The Showcase is a space for town planners, economic development directors, chamber of commerce leaders, and anyone with challenging development opportunities to exhibit their project sites to a diverse group of real estate and economic development industry insiders. Learn more and...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 27, 2018
News & Insights
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to speak at 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit
LOCUS and LOCUS Massachusetts are pleased to announce Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the morning keynote speaker during the 2018 LOCUS New England Leadership Summit, happening October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Register here >>> Building prosperity across Massachusetts Since 2015, Secretary Ash has directed and executed Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's agenda on housing and community development, job creation, business development,...
By
LOCUS Admin
August 23, 2018
News & Insights
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