Building a Team for Equitable Development

Introduction

Equitable development doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a coordinated team of professionals, partners, and community stakeholders who understand the mission as much as the mechanics. For new developers, assembling the right team can be one of the most important (and most overlooked) steps in ensuring a project’s success.

1. Start with Mission Alignment

Every member of your development team—from architects to lenders—should share your values around equitable growth. Technical skill is important, but alignment around purpose ensures that decisions support both financial performance and community impact.

Ask early:

Has this person or firm worked on community-oriented projects before?
Do they understand the importance of affordability, accessibility, or local hiring?
Are they comfortable balancing timelines with engagement?

Mission alignment keeps everyone moving toward the same outcome, even when challenges arise.

2. The Core Team Members

Most successful equitable developments share a common team structure.

Key roles include:

Developer/Project Lead: Oversees vision, coordination, and financing.
Commercial Real Estate Advisor: Identifies suitable properties, negotiates acquisitions, and helps structure deals.
Architect and Engineer: Translate the vision into a workable design that meets zoning and code requirements.
Contractor/Builder: Manages construction and ensures cost and quality control.
Attorney: Handles contracts, zoning compliance, and incentive documentation.
Financial Consultant: Structures layered financing and models return scenarios.
Community Partner or Liaison: Ensures neighborhood voices are included throughout planning and implementation.

3. Building Strategic Partnerships

Beyond your core team, strong partnerships expand capacity.

Nonprofit or Faith-Based Partners: Bring local credibility and community trust.
Anchor Institutions: Universities, hospitals, or corporations can lend stability and resources.
Local Businesses: Serve as tenants or service providers that strengthen neighborhood economies.
Public Agencies: Offer guidance on incentives, zoning approvals, and long-term compliance.

These partnerships not only improve access to funding and expertise but also help your project gain legitimacy and community support.

4. Communication is Everything

Even the best teams struggle without clear communication.
Establish early expectations for:

Decision-making authority
Meeting frequency
Transparency around budget and scope
Shared success metrics

Regular check-ins and clear documentation prevent misunderstandings and keep projects on track.

5. How I Can Help

My role is to help new equitable developers build their team intentionally—connecting them with trusted professionals who understand both the real estate and community sides of the equation. Whether it’s introducing a zoning attorney, finding a contractor experienced in adaptive reuse, or connecting with a community organization, I act as a bridge between vision and execution.

Conclusion

An equitable development project is only as strong as the team behind it. By prioritizing mission alignment, open communication, and local partnerships, developers can create projects that are financially sound and socially impactful.

If you’re starting to assemble your team, I’d be glad to help you identify professionals who share your goals for community-centered development.