Financing Smart Growth

Описание: Presenters Ben Casiano and Drew Alexander discuss smart growth, financing smart growth and some of the public policy issues to overcome to make smart growth happen.

About the Presenters:

Ben Casiano is an ISG board member and an associate project manager for NW Real Estate Capital Corp., a 501(c)(3) low-income housing developer. In this role, Ben oversees construction schedules, manages multi-million-dollar construction budgets, assesses financial feasibility of proposed projects and provides financial analysis and reporting of projects in lease-up.

Ben’s past experience includes managing a portfolio of distressed commercial properties in the Midwest and on the West Coast in various stages of rehab and stabilization for a debt fund. He most recently worked in construction lending for a national bank overseeing hospitality, office and retail construction projects as well as residential subdivision developments. Ben has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Oregon and a Master’s in Real Estate from Georgetown University.

Drew Alexander has been involved with planning and development for more than 10 years, with experience ranging from zoning to capital asset management. He’s intrigued by urban environments and the collaborative efforts that are often necessary to accomplish smart growth.

Currently, Drew is the Capital Asset and Development Manager at Boise State University where he helps guide the University’s existing physical plant, as well as its expansion and growth. Prior to joining Boise State, he worked for a community development consulting firm focusing on development policy and analysis. Drew’s career began as a land use planner for the City of Aspen. He holds degrees in urban planning and development as well as public administration.

About the Citizens Planning Academy:

Started as a collaboration of Idaho Smart Growth and the University of Idaho’s College of Law in Boise and Bioregional Planning Program, these monthly sessions are designed to help citizens become effective advocates on a wide range of planning topics.

Learn more about the Citizens Planning Academy here: idahosmartgrowth.org/citizens-planning-academy/