Pro-Forma 101: Part 3 – How Much Money Will the Project Make for the Developer?
Pro-Forma 101 continues with an examination of the impact on development of financing interest, and a look at how developers calculate a project’s anticipated profit.
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Pro-Forma 101 continues with an examination of the impact on development of financing interest, and a look at how developers calculate a project’s anticipated profit.
A look at how a pro-forma factors in the various aspects of project development, including the costs of land acquisition, planning and design, amenities and off-site costs, and management and overhead.
To achieve a minimum level of “literacy” about the economics of development requires at least a navigational knowledge of the basic tool of real estate feasibility analysis — the pro-forma.
If your planning commission truly makes decisions that affect the well-being of the entire community, it makes sense that its membership reflects that community.
Just who does the planning commission serve? — Applicants? Citizens opposing a project? The “public”? We resume our ethics & the planning commission series with a look at this question.
A scientifically conducted survey of residents brings in the voice of the public to bear on planning issues like no forum, newspaper straw poll, or focused discussion.
Local governments that are not actively engaged in listening and adapting their services to meet the needs and expectations of their customers and citizens are setting themselves up for disappointment and failure.
What can you, as a planner or planning commissioner, do about negative attitudes towards government? You can start by doing something as simple as examining the experience citizens have when they enter the planning department office.
Have you ever bemoaned the fact that high school students don’t know much about how local government works or the importance of planning for the community’s future? Consider adding a high school student to your planning commission. Lessons from three communities.
Citizen participation is enough of a challenge in any city — but how do you deal with engaging citizens when 42% of your population is foreign-born, with people speaking many different languages?
Attorney Alan C. Weinstein provides an overview of how to avoid violating Open Meetings laws — including situations that are particularly troublesome: meetings in executive session, site-visits, “informal” meetings with staff, and electronic communications.
An introduction to the goals and structure of open meeting laws — including a look at the key question: what constitutes a “meeting”?
In Portland, food carts have really sizzled. Head downtown and you’ll find an entire city block (home to a parking lot) completely lined by food carts. A look at “food cartology.” Also: the importance of public engagement in planning.