Building CapaCITY Sessions 1 & 2 Wrap-Up

Building CapaCITY is new series of workshops developed by URA staff for small businesses and small developers who are interested in purchasing and redeveloping real estate.

The goal of these workshops is to reduce barriers to working with the URA.

Session 1

On Monday, May 20, the URA hosted the first session of a four-part series. Titled “Are You a Small Business that Wants to Buy Real Estate,” this session covered the risks, rewards, considerations, and resources for those interested in purchasing real estate.

The session was co-presented by finance and development experts Tom Link, director of URA’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Zak Thomas, an attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney/Outside Consultant with Neighborhood Allies, and Peter Margittai, principal at Margittai Architects.

More than 40 people attended this event. Attendees ranged from small businesses, contractors, entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations.

Following the presentation, there was a panel discussion featuring small business owners who have purchased real estate including Meredith Meyer Grelli of Wigle Whiskey and Threadbare Cider and Mead, Carleen King of Carmi Soul Food, and Brian Mendelssohn of Rowhouse Cinema and Bierport.

See photos from the event here.

Session 2

On Wednesday, May 22, the URA hosted the second workshop of the series, “Development RFP 101.”

URA’s Nathan Clark, director of Real Estate, Julie Edwards, outreach manager, and Diamonte Walker, director of  Performance and Compliance discussed:

• How the URA’s Real Estate Department fits into the URA mission
• How the URA acquires, maintains, and sells property
• The difference between a Development Request for Proposals (RFP) and a Development Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
• Why the URA issues RFP or RFQs
• The standard components of an RFP/RFQ
• How proposals are evaluated and selected
• Best practices
• And how to be notified of future URA development opportunities.

More than 40 people attended this event. Attendees ranged from small businesses, contractors, entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations.