LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors

We’re excited to announce that Smart Growth America and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors have joined the YIMBY Caucus, a coalition dedicated to tackling the housing crisis. Learn more about how the caucus: https://lnkd.in/emWFskVF   The housing crisis impacts every part of the country, and SGA is committed to advancing solutions that prioritize housing affordability, accessibility, and supply. Being part of the YIMBY Caucus allows us to amplify our vision of more homes in more places for more people. Katharine Burgess Michael Rodriguez, AICP Calvin Gladney, LEED AP

Our Director of Research, Michael Rodriguez, AICP, wrote a piece for Shelterforce about transit-oriented development. Read more about policy strategies and collaborative approaches that make help ensure this equitable outcomes ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eV4rphev At Smart Growth America, we believe that investing in transit-oriented development can serve as a pathway to sustainable growth. But, it’s essential to ensure these projects truly benefit everyone, especially longstanding residents at risk of displacement.

Transit-oriented development funding—especially through programs like TIFIA and RRIF—has been a huge focus for LOCUS' federal advocacy! We thank Build America Bureau at the U.S. Department of Transportation for broadening their scope for infrastructure development by including real estate projects. Check out this podcast with Dr. Morteza F., director of the Build America Bureau, and Ron Gart to learn more about these efforts ⤵ https://lnkd.in/gyt4eBRZ

We’re hiring a Senior Manager of Advocacy to help shape the future of housing and transit-oriented development policy! Learn more about the position and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eXbTNX5h If you’re passionate about building equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities, this is your chance to join a dynamic team that drives change. This role will involve leading campaigns for our LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors coalition, collaborating with partners, and advocating for smarter investments in our nation's infrastructure.

We are deeply saddened by the news of Bernie Glieberman's passing. As a founding member of LOCUS, Bernie helped shape our vision and work from the very beginning. He was a beloved friend, father, and a devoted leader in the advancement of inclusive development in communities nationwide. He will be missed. Learn more about Bernie and his impact in this blog post: ➡ https://lnkd.in/eXA29ctG

Our LOCUS chair, Alecia Hill, MPA, will be on a financing panel at the CREW DC Affordable Housing Summit on September 19 in Washington, DC 👏 Learn more about the summit and if you're local, be sure to register to attend! ➡ https://lnkd.in/ds5shn24

This new fact sheet from the Biden-Harris Administration outlines a more streamlined process for funding transit-oriented development projects under TIFIA and RRIF! https://lnkd.in/eWYGys6r We thank the administration for their efforts in mitigating barriers to affordable housing by finding ways to save developers time and money on equitable, transit-oriented development projects!

Our LOCUS Chair and Vice President of Impact Investments, Alecia Hill, MPA, will be speaking at the Diversity in Commercial Real Estate 2024 Conference July 25-28, 2024 at Columbia University in New York City! Alecia will be on the Breaking Barriers: Women in Commercial Real Estate panel. Learn more about the conference and consider attending! ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eX2F9D6K

📣 We're excited to announce the roll out of our new and improved programmatic priorities! LOCUS’ mission reflects Smart Growth America's North Star 🌟, envisioning a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. Together with our Steering Committee, we updated our priorities to enhance our ability to focus on equitable development and shared prosperity in our work. Read more about our three priorities ⤵ https://lnkd.in/evzUirmW

Check out our LOCUS Chair, Alecia Hill, MPA, in action! She spoke about equitable transit oriented development during a Future of Transportation Caucus Congressional briefing 👏