Exploring the ideas that shape community development. Join fellow community builders for an engaging exploration of how geography, culture, and economics intersect in place-based development.

Facilitated by Ryan Terry

When does a small project become a big regulatory headache? In this Small Bites session, we’ll unpack the development “triggers” that can add complexity, cost, or delay to your project. From subdivision and zoning ordinances to stormwater rules, fire and building codes, and even how finance and market expectations influence your path—this conversation will help you spot the thresholds that matter most and navigate these pivotal points to avoid common missteps.

Presented by Elizabeth Ward Williams

What makes a pocket neighborhood truly work? In this one-hour session, Ross Chapin—the architect who literally wrote the book on pocket neighborhoods—will break down the essential design features that define a successful project. Drawing on over three decades of experience, he’ll share practical insights to help developers and architects create housing that fosters connection among residents, earns acceptance from surrounding neighbors, and leads to long-term financial viability.

Presented by Ross Chapin

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are powerful tools for addressing disinvestment and building stronger, more equitable communities. Whether you’re a new or experienced developer, understanding how to work with a CDFI can unlock critical financing for your affordable housing, mixed-income, or mixed-use project. In this session, ANDP, a U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI based in Atlanta, and Incremental Development Alliance (IDA) Faculty will walk you through what it takes to prepare your organization and your project to access CDFI funding.

Presented by Sara Haas and Eric Kronberg

Historic properties are some of the most charming and well-performing projects, but they come with challenges. Understanding the different levels of historic preservation and incentives can be difficult, especially when assessing a potential project. In this talk we’ll cover the basics of historic preservation at each level including local, state, and federal regulations and what they mean to a project

Presented by Ivan Gonzalez

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) pilot program, a faith-based initiative aimed at addressing the growing need for attainable housing in Midwest communities. This session will showcase the development of a YIGBY pilot in Michigan, offering an inside look at how faith-based organizations, local governments, and community stakeholders are coming together to reimagine the use of church-owned land as a platform for housing solutions.

Presented by Jenifer Acosta

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

This session will cover the history and unique functions of land banks and how to evaluate if a land bank is right for your community. Participants will hear about land banks of various sizes and geographies that have built partnerships to support affordable housing, uplift racial equity, and address community priorities.

Presented by Brian Larkin

This session will give a brief overview of a 2024 county-wide (Van Buren) housing study in SW Michigan. Then expect a deeper review of a Housing Strategic Plan with implementation or action items. This study may be especially of interest to aspiring and practicing small scale developers living in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Holland.

Presented by Sharon Woods and Carmine Avantini

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a lecture and happy hour celebrating projects, policies, and people that have created a healthier environment for small-scale developers, offering inspiration for how you can implement similar improvements within your own community. Bring your questions for our interactive Q&A and connect with attendees afterward.

Managing environmental liability is certainly not the most thrilling part of a redevelopment success, but if not incorporated into the project from the very beginning, this critical element may hamstring your project before you get started.  This Small Bites topic will highlight common environmental issues confronted in small site redevelopment.

Presented by Chris Harrell

Starting in 2025, Small Bites sessions are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today!

You’ve probably been in this situation: A great lot is available on a prime corner at a seemingly fair price… should you buy it for your next project? Join us for this session on how to navigate zoning regulations to increase your potential for success.

Presented by Dan Zack

Starting in 2025, Small Bites sessions are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today!

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a discussion led by Alli Thurmond Quinlan, Acting Executive Director and Faculty Member at IncDev Alliance and Principal Architect and Landscape Architect at Flintlock LAB.

Photo credit: Fresno Bee

Savvy entrepreneurs look for market segments where latent demand is high and competition is low. Learn to shrug off conventional thinking and spot real estate opportunities that others miss.

Presented by Jennifer Krouse

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

A deep dive into the art and science of designing facades that are both practical and visually striking. Learn how to enhance streetscapes and community identity while staying budget-conscious.

Presented by Lew Oliver

Starting in 2025, Small Bites sessions are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today!

This Workshop on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment.

The affordable housing crisis affecting many areas of the United States requires the creativity and participation of a number of important partners working to solve the problem. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can play an important role in helping complete the financing puzzle for housing projects.

Presented by John Zody

Starting in 2025, Small Bites sessions are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today!

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a lecture by Alli Thurmond Quinlan, Acting Director and Faculty Member at IncDev Alliance and Principal Architect and Landscape Architect at flintlock LAB.

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a lecture by Alli Thurmond Quinlan, Acting Director and Faculty Member at IncDev Alliance and Principal Architect and Landscape Architect at flintlock LAB.

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a lecture by Join us for a free lecture by Jen Acosta, an IncDev Faculty Member!

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a lecture by Jen Acosta, Faculty Member at IncDev Alliance. 

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood?  Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community?

Join us for a free lecture by Jen Acosta, an IncDev Faculty Member!

This session is tailored for property owners, managers, and developers who aim to streamline operations, enhance tenant satisfaction, and boost their bottom line. Whether you're managing your first property or seeking innovative ways to scale, this training is your roadmap to achieving exceptional results. Don’t miss out—transform your property management approach today!

Presented by Bruzenskey Bois

Starting in 2025, Small Bites sessions are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members only. Become a member today!