Building equity from the ground up
Our real estate team is helping create opportunity with underrepresented developer services. Program Lead Matt Paschall (pictured left) and Partner Don Bernards (pictured right) are bringing the “S” in environmental, social and governance (ESG) to life through a passion for equity and opportunity expressed through their budding Underrepresented Developer Services offering. These services help developers who have historically experienced barriers to entry in real estate, including Black, indigenous and people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and women.
Engaging community leaders
In April, Matt and Don’s team engaged community leaders, investors and real estate developers at the 2022 DevelUP: affordable housing workshop in Milwaukee. The event brought together professionals from across the U.S. for an opportunity to network and tap into deep industry knowledge from experienced housing industry professionals — all with the goal of building equity in the community development industry.
To keep the momentum going, the team held a virtual DevelUP Think Tank in August. In this Shark Tank-style event, underrepresented developers presented their development ideas to a panel of real estate titans, who then provided financial advice and development insights.
Project pitches included affordable housing and commercial projects in places like Minneapolis, Chicago, Baltimore and Louisville.
“Through these events, we hope to establish ourselves as the leaders in partnering with developers to create opportunities at every level,” said Matt. “From project managers to local construction firms to homeowners and renters, every project will offer a chance for people of color and other underrepresented groups to get involved in building wealth and building communities.”
