Community Buy-In: Turning NIMBYs Into Project Advocates ASK: How do I deal with community opposition that could kill my project even after planning staff is on board? ANSWER: Entitlement risk doesn’t end when planning staff gives a thumbs up. Community opposition often called NIMBYism (“Not In My Backyard”) can derail a project in public hearings, […]

How to Get the City On Board with a New Development Concept ASK: I have a new development concept I’m excited about, but how do I get the city on board before I spend months (and money) on plans? ANSWER: The fastest way to lose time and trust with a city is to drop a […]

Why Are Utilities Always the Last Thing You Hear About and the First Thing That Delays Your Project? ASK: We got through planning approvals, but now the utility company is holding us up. How can I avoid this on the next deal? ANSWER: Utilities are one of the most common (and expensive) sources of surprise […]

What’s the First Step Before You Buy Land for Development? ASK: I found a property that looks promising. Should I make an offer now, or do more homework first? ANSWER: Before writing an offer, pause. The first step in any development deal is feasibility. You need to know if the land can actually support what […]

How Do I Keep My Real Estate Deal Alive When Entitlements Stall? ASK: What do I do when my deal is stuck in zoning and I’m running out of time with my buyer or tenant? ANSWER: Entitlements are the invisible deal-killer in real estate. You can have a site, a buyer, and a timeline, and […]