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Innovative Leadership in Housing Affordability: Insights from HR&A Advisors’ Directors

October 18, 2024 / No Comments

At HR&A Advisors, addressing the complex challenges of housing affordability requires innovative approaches and dedicated leadership. Directors Ada Peng and Peter Brewton shared insights from working in housing affordability, emphasizing how leadership means navigating complexities, fostering teamwork, and creating lasting impact. If you’re passionate about making a difference tackling the housing crisis and are interested in a leadership role in our housing practice, we’re hiring!

 

What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you encounter when tackling complex housing issues?

 

Ada: Housing projects often involve a wide array of stakeholders across different levels. As consultants, we strive to help our clients achieve specific housing outcomes like reducing housing burdens for renters or homeowners. However, moving from conceptual program design to real-world implementation requires a deep understanding of local contexts and figuring out where processes get stuck on the ground. At the same time, navigating the complexity successfully is also one of the most rewarding aspects of the work.

 

It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with people directly involved in implementing policies and programs and support them to make the greatest impact. Housing isn’t just about numbers — it’s about how those numbers translate into real change in people’s lives. That transition, from measuring outcomes to understanding their impact on daily life, is what drives me.

 

 

Peter: I completely agree. Housing and affordable housing, in particular, can sometimes feel overwhelming. The U.S. faces a shortage of millions of homes, and housing has become less affordable in almost every region where I’ve worked over the last decade. Even with massive projects like the $3.6 billion Amazon Housing Equity Fund, which HR&A helped design and execute and aims to create or preserve over 35,000 affordable homes, there is so much more work to do.

 

With that in mind, it’s essential to celebrate wins. Every time we launch a fund or close a deal, it’s a victory that took the efforts of many stakeholders. Those moments — whether it’s a ribbon cutting or a fund announcement — are always worth celebrating alongside incredible colleagues who pour their passion into making these projects a reality.

 

What innovative approaches are you exploring to address affordable housing challenges?

 

Ada: One approach we’ve been focusing on is naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) preservation strategies, especially in urban areas. We’re also exploring master leasing strategies to incentivize private landlords to accept housing vouchers, which can help maximize housing stock in a resource-constrained environment. Additionally, we’re working on innovative funding models that go beyond the traditional low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) to meet growing demand.

 

Peter: Another area where we’re innovating is in building the capacity of public agencies to take a more active role in addressing affordable housing needs. We’re working with one housing authority in a major city to evaluate how they can increase the number of projects they own and manage. This aligns with our work across the country, where public agencies are seeking to have a larger role in housing development. Innovative housing projects require a mix of public policy expertise, understanding of deal economics, and risk management, which is where the diverse knowledge of HR&A’s housing practice is a real differentiator.

 

 

How has your leadership style fostered team growth and professional development in your teams?

 

Ada: For me, leadership is about mentorship and understanding the individual needs of team members. Everyone brings different levels of experience and perspectives to a project.  I believe the best results come from nurturing individual growth while keeping a clear focus on delivering excellent results for our clients.

 

HR&A fosters a collaborative environment where you can grow your skills across different areas—whether it’s policy design, financial analysis, or stakeholder engagement. There’s always something new to learn, and the company encourages Directors to not only lead but also continuously build their expertise.

 

Peter: Affordable housing involves unique financing structures and concepts and helping junior staff, many of whom are new to affordable housing, navigate this world is really rewarding. I take a coaching approach, similar to how I coach my son’s soccer team. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing our team execute what we’ve been trying to teach in a game. The same feeling applies when you notice an analyst have that “light bulb” moment when they grasp a concept or strategy. I learned by sitting side by side with mentors who taught me to always ask “why” and to approach every housing project with a deep understanding — not just plug-and-play knowledge. I try to pay that forward.

 

At HR&A, new Directors are given significant responsibility from the start. Directors are expected to bring skills and experience to the table, but also to drive their own learning. The projects we work on have real, tangible impact, and that’s the most exciting part — your decisions matter. For me, the opportunity to take on more responsibility and approach projects with an entrepreneurial mindset has been the biggest driver of my professional development.

 

 

Can you share a specific project that successfully improved housing affordability for a community?

 

Peter: One project that stands out is Wake County’s affordable housing development program, which I was involved with early in my HR&A career. Back in 2016, HR&A conducted a housing needs assessment for Wake County and developed its strategic housing plan, which identified the need for such a program to stimulate low-income housing tax credit production. The program made a significant impact, quadrupling the annual production of 4% low-income housing tax credit units in the county. It’s a prime example of how thoughtful planning and implementation can truly transform a community.

 

By 2022, when I joined HR&A, the county asked us to help administer that year’s round of projects. This was my introduction to HR&A’s full-spectrum housing practice, from theoretical planning to bringing deals to the Board of Commissioners for funding approval. The program has had significant impact, quadrupling the annual production of 4% low-income housing tax credit units in the county — just as we had projected. It’s a great example of how thoughtful planning and implementation can make a real difference in a community.

 

Ada: A great example is the California Dream for All program, which supports first-time homebuyers through a shared appreciation down payment assistance model. The State Treasurer’s office launched this statewide program in 2022, which was a first-of-its-kind for California, where housing needs and affordability vary drastically by region. The challenge was to design a program that could cater to local variances, while maximizing benefits for end users.

 

 

What was particularly rewarding was how quickly the program moved from concept to implementation. The state initially allocated $300 million, which helped over 2,000 first-time homebuyers, followed by another $220 million, reaching 1,700 first-generation homebuyers. Seeing that process unfold — from designing the program, talking with stakeholders, and learning from national best practices to project implementation and expanding first-generation homeownership — has been incredibly fulfilling.

¡En Conversación! Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Engaging Community and Leveraging International Perspectives

October 15, 2024 / No Comments

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the experiences and perspectives of Hispanic and Latine/o HR&Aers. We sat down with Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Juan Sebastián Herrera, & Alejandra Cabrales, to learn about how their personal experiences have influenced their professional work as well as what they’ve learned from working with Latine/o communities.

 

How has your background influenced your approach to your work, and how does your identity connect to what you’re doing day-to-day?

 

Alejandra: I was born in Mexico and moved to LA when I was seven. Growing up in a predominantly migrant community, I started thinking about the built environment and how it impacts families like mine. We were a transit-dependent family in LA, which had notoriously poor public transportation at the time.

 

I remember wondering, Who’s on the bus? Why are they on the bus? It was clear to me that access to transportation shaped the opportunities we had. Over time, I saw LA’s public transportation system develop and improve, and I personally felt the impact. I could access internships and music programs across the city because of these changes.

 

 

That experience made me realize I wanted to pursue a career that had a community impact. I constantly thought, Why aren’t people like my family ever brought to the table? Communities like ours are often the ones most affected by these decisions, yet we’re left out of the conversation. This is why I came to HR&A. Whether it’s community engagement or policy work, I try to elevate community perspectives. My focus is always on who’s often left out and how we can bridge that gap.

 

Juan: Coming from Latin America, I’ve noticed some stark contrasts between governance structures here in the U.S. and back home. In Latin America, governments often play a more visible role in providing public goods and services. But in the U.S., there’s a heavier reliance on the private sector to fill the gaps.

 

This dynamic has been eye-opening for me. I’ve become particularly interested in how public and private sectors collaborate — or fail to collaborate — and the impact that has on communities. At HR&A, this sensibility informs my approach to projects, particularly when they intersect with social equity and public policy.

 

I work a lot in on our public options projects. It’s through that lens that I analyze governance structures and the role they play in shaping our cities. My experience growing up in Latin America helps me bring a unique perspective to these projects, especially when it comes to equity and public policy.

 

Andrea: I want to emphasize how invaluable Juan’s perspective is. In urban policy, we often look at case studies or best practices, and we assume that all the answers are here in the U.S. The truth is, a lot of innovation — particularly in how local governments engage with communities — can come from other countries.

 

 

I come from a mixed background myself. My father was Jewish and grew up in the projects of Coney Island, and my mother grew up one of eight siblings in the Dominican Republic. I’ve seen how both of their upbringings shaped and informed their paths in life. My background has given me a sensitivity to what people say when they think no one is listening — particularly about how power considers marginalized communities.  My identity plays a significant role in my work because I am driven to support visionary Latinx leaders. I entered this field 24 years ago, motivated by the goal of helping elect the first Puerto Rican Mayor of New York City. Though that candidate lost, and New York has yet to see a Latinx Mayor, progress is being made elsewhere — we’ve had a Latinx Mayor in Los Angeles.

 

It brings me deep personal fulfillment to support leaders like Lina Hidalgo in Harris County, the first Puerto Rican Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Chicago, and various mayors on the island. I understand how challenging it is to gain and retain power in these spaces, which makes these opportunities all the more meaningful.”

 

What can we learn from working with Latine/o and other marginalized communities in U.S. cities to help create inclusive and equitable futures for all?

 

Alejandra: I think there are interesting opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other marginalized communities. For example, I’ve noticed a significant amount of Credit Unions in LA’s Chinatown where I grew up. I would love to see the Latinx community learn from that model to fill in some of the significant banking gaps we experience. There’s a real need for us to empower each other and move forward collectively.

 

Andrea: One thing that stands out to me is how professionals in our field need to see identity not as a deficit, but as a strength. When I first joined HR&A, I remember working on a project for a city where the number of Spanish speakers was listed as a “challenge.” My first question was, Why is that a challenge and not an opportunity?

 

 

Many of the lessons we’re incorporating into our work today originate from Latinx social justice, labor, and movement organizing. These experiences emphasize starting with culture and celebration, engaging communities through shared experiences like food, music, and family. These are the approaches we’re now striving to embrace and integrate into our efforts.

 

Alejandra: I totally agree with Andrea. A lot of the sustainability practices I see today are things I grew up with — we just didn’t have the language for them. Living as sustainably as possible was something we always practiced in my family, and I think that’s true for many Latinx communities — there’s a deep-rooted sense of resourcefulness. Bringing that perspective into the climate space, where sustainability often feels dominated by other voices, is something I think is important. We belong in these conversations, and we have a lot to contribute.

 

Could you tell us a little bit about HR&A’s work in Puerto Rico?

 

Juan: HR&A’s story in Puerto Rico began in 2018 when we were commissioned by the Open Society Foundation to assess the feasibility of La Liga. At the time, it was an initiative aimed at helping municipalities recover after the devastating 2017 hurricane season, specifically Hurricane Maria.

 

Our work involved understanding the recovery needs of Puerto Rican cities, many of which had been hit hard not just by the hurricane, but also by years of financial instability. We designed a capacity-building program that connected Puerto Rican mayors with their counterparts in mainland U.S. cities, creating a corridor for sharing disaster recovery best practices.

 

Over time, our relationship with La Liga deepened, and by 2023, we were involved in another project, La Constructora, which focused on improving governance and decision-making at the municipal level in Puerto Rico. With the unprecedented influx of federal funding under the Biden administration, we saw a unique opportunity to transform how local municipalities on the island manage public resources and plan for the future. Our role was to help translate this opportunity into real change by supporting municipalities in navigating federal funding and building stronger governance structures.

 

What lessons-learned from our work in Puerto Rico can we apply to the broader challenges local governments face, both in the U.S. and internationally?

 

Juan: Our work in Puerto Rico offers lessons in how public services can be structured and delivered. We’ve been looking at the role of local governance on the island and how it shapes public services. It’s a chance to apply international insights to a U.S. context and improve systems for communities that are often overlooked.

 

Andrea: I completely agree with Juan. So much of what we’re doing in public banking and other areas is based on lessons learned from international case studies. And, like Juan said earlier, we have a lot to learn from countries outside the U.S. about how to engage communities and provide public goods. It’s not just about replicating models here — it’s about rethinking the role of local government, learning from other places, and using those insights to elevate our work.

 

 

Juan:  The challenges Puerto Rican municipalities face are not unique to the island. Many communities in the continental U.S., particularly rural areas, face similar issues: underfunded public services, lack of technical capacity, and a need for resilient infrastructure. We have learned that investing in capacity building at the local municipal level can bring about significant change, particularly when governments have suffered from years of underinvestment. By providing local governments with the necessary tools to secure funding and manage resources more effectively, we enable them to become catalysts for their own future.

 

¡En Conversación! Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: An Interview with Ana Z. Licona

October 9, 2024 / No Comments

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, HR&A Advisors is celebrating the voices, stories, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latine/o employees. We sat down with Senior Analyst, Ana Z. Licona, to learn more about how her identity as a Mexican-American Latina informs her work in broadband and digital equity, her aspirations for the Latine/o community, and her thoughts on mentorship.

 

How does your identity as a Latina inform your work at HR&A?

I identify as a Mexican-American Latina, and my background has shaped all the work I do, especially at HR&A  and our Broadband and Digital Equity team. I grew up in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood in Mesa, AZ where my community did not have internet access at home. I remember having to use public Wi-Fi at school or my local public library to finish homework and complete my college applications. This personal experience drives my passion for ensuring underserved communities have access to the resources they need.

 

 

At HR&A, we back our work with data and analysis, and I always center community voices in the decision-making process — I believe it’s that qualitative and quantitative balance that results in truly impactful solutions for communities. We want to ensure that the people most impacted have a seat at the table. I’m proud to continue this work, not just in broadband but through initiatives like La Liga, where we support municipal power and leaders working to uplift their communities.

 

What are your aspirations for the Latine/o community, and how is your work at HR&A helping to make that vision a reality?

My biggest aspiration for the Latino community is to provide everyone — especially Latinas — with the tools and resources they need to achieve their dreams. Whether that’s through education, workforce development, or digital literacy, I want to make sure that no one is left behind.

 

Through our work on broadband projects, we are helping communities gain access to digital tools and federal resources that can open doors for them. For example, in Clark County, Nevada, we worked on creating an awareness campaign for households to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provided a discount toward internet service for eligible households. This campaign reached over 200,000 county residents and helped households connect to the internet they needed for work, school, healthcare and more.

 

Additionally, we have worked with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) in launching an innovative digital equity program to support device distribution, digital skills building, and public benefit adoption in three target areas: the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the Mid-Border Region, San Antonio, and Austin. As a result, MHM awarded $21.7M to 20 organizations to carry out digital equity programs that will directly impact more than 100,000 residents with a focus on the most underserved “Covered Populations” in the region—low-income individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with limited English.

 

It is an honor to see this work and investment impact communities across the U.S. Our work is not only bridging the digital divide, but it is also opening the door for many Mexican-American Latinas, like myself, who want to pursue higher education opportunities.  That’s the kind of impact I aspire to make through my work. By ensuring access to broadband and the resources it enables, we’re helping build a future where Latinas can thrive, achieve, and lead.

 

 

What has been your experience working at HR&A, and how do you support other Latinas who are new to the firm?

HR&A has been a supportive space for me to grow professionally. My partners and project managers trust my expertise, and I’ve been given opportunities to grow, including promotions and holding leadership roles within our Comunidad  Employee Resource Group (CERG). I’m excited about where my career could go in the next few years, and I feel empowered to pursue my goals.

 

During my tenure here, I’ve benefited from mentorship, especially through HR&A’s BIPOC Sponsorship Program. My mentor, Andrea, is a Latina Partner at the firm, and although she doesn’t work in broadband, she’s helped me make connections across different areas of our work. I’ve been inspired by her focus on inclusive cities, which is something I’m passionate about as well.

 

I believe it’s important to pay mentorship forward, and I love mentoring others, especially new Latinas at the firm. I’m always open for one-on-one Zoom coffees, where we can chat about everything from the recruitment process to career growth. It’s important to me that HR&A recruits and supports Latina talent, and I want to be there as a resource for anyone who needs guidance.

 

Are there any HR&A clients you’ve worked with that have particularly inspired you?

One client that stands out is Monica Gonzalez who works with Methodist Healthcare Industries in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Monica is an incredible Latina leader, and every time we were on a call, I was inspired by her commitment to equity. She consistently pushed the team to ensure that the solutions we recommended would truly benefit the communities they serve, particularly in South Texas, near the border.

 

I admired her ability to ask the tough questions, and I always felt that we were working together toward the same goal of uplifting marginalized communities. Monica is a great example of a Latina leader making a tangible difference, and it’s been an honor to work with her.

 

DAVID RUBIN Land Collective Selected as New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan Design Consultant

October 7, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by NCPC. 

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), on behalf of the Pennsylvania Avenue Partnership, announces the selection of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective (Land Collective) to lead design of the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan in collaboration with HR&A Advisors (HR&A), whose role was announced earlier this year. The partnership comprises the U.S. General Services Administration, National Park Service, District of Columbia Government, Events DC, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and NCPC.

 

The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan will guide the redesign and management of this iconic street, located between the White House and U.S. Capitol in the capital city, into an exceptional and dynamic destination with an elevated local and national role. The partners envision an inclusive public space that is welcoming, beautiful, and fulfills the Avenue’s potential as a venue for extraordinary experiences that showcase our heritage and aspirations for the future—a place to unite, celebrate, and tell our nation’s stories.

 

HR&A kicked off work in March 2024 to lay the foundation for Land Collective’s work that will build upon the public comments received in 2022 on the three early concepts developed by NCPC in collaboration with ZGF Architects. Land Collective and HR&A will start the next phase of work in late November 2024 and focus on testing these early concepts to inform development of potential design alternatives. These alternatives will be released for public review and feedback in late 2025/early 2026 through the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 processes. The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

 

Land Collective will lead the development of the public space master plan that will address redesign of the corridor, parks, and plazas to achieve the partners’ vision. Land Collective’s team brings design excellence and technical expertise in landscape architecture, urban design, and planning of environmentally and socially sustainable public spaces. Land Collective’s core team members include: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, VHB, Rhodes Heritage Group, and studio:indigenous. They are joined by multidisciplinary collaborators, including &Access, Artichoke, Brandes Partners, Wayside Studio, Studio Pacifica, Dharam, Domingo Gonzalez Associates, ETM Associates, Jaffe Holden, and Thornton Tomasetti.

 

Land Collective’s portfolio spans a range of beloved landscapes, both local and national, including downtown Washington, DC’s Franklin Park; Pennsylvania Avenue’s National World War I Memorial/Pershing Park Rehabilitation; The National Mall’s Tidal Basin and Potomac Park Levee; Canal Park; Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverfront East Master Plan and implementation; Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park; and Westfield, Indiana’s Grand Junction Plaza, among others.

 

HR&A Advisors is an industry leader in economic development and urban open space stewardship, operations, maintenance, and funding strategies. Their team also brings expertise in events programming and production and landscape architecture. HR&A Advisors’ interdisciplinary team of experts includes Auster Agency, Field Operations, and ArentFox Schiff, whose national portfolio includes the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative in Washington, DC; The High Line and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City; Klyde Warren Park in Dallas; and the new Seattle Waterfront.

 

“As the country’s 250th anniversary approaches, now is the perfect time to elevate the Avenue as an enduring symbol of America’s democracy and a place for all Americans to enjoy,” said NCPC Chair Teri Hawks Goodmann. “The partners envision a reinvigorated Pennsylvania Avenue as a crown jewel in the nation’s capital. In Land Collective and HR&A Advisors, we have a great team to develop the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan that will transform this national landmark into a beautiful, inviting, and resilient public space.”

 

“We are extremely excited by this collaborative effort to envision this significant cultural landscape as a vibrant national and international symbol, and a functioning, dynamic downtown stage for gathering, performance, and exhibition,” said Land Collective Founding Principal David A. Rubin. “Our team reflects Land Collective’s belief that equitable representation in both design and participation is essential to an impactful and actionable vision to realize the Pennsylvania Avenue Partners’ goals for this treasured civic landscape.”

 

“The HR&A team has been hard at work developing the implementation program’s framework that will guide design development for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan. We are excited to be joined by Land Collective to reactivate this iconic corridor for a new era, transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive space that truly represents the dynamism of our nation,” said HR&A Advisors Partner Stan Wall.

 

Pennsylvania Avenue is currently guided by an outdated 1974 Plan. Over time, changing economic, physical, and land use conditions have significantly impacted the Avenue’s function and character, reducing its utility as a street. While the pandemic exacerbated these issues, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the Avenue as a place for people first.

Principal Greta Byrum completes her Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Opportunity Fund Fellowship

October 7, 2024 / No Comments

Congratulations to Principal Greta Byrum for completing her Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Opportunity Fund Fellowship with a timely report on the risks of digital inclusion and practical measures to increase digital safety. With unprecedented investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), it’s vital to ensure that new and vulnerable users are protected from digital risks, especially in the age of AI.

 

The report offers actionable recommendations for state and territory broadband offices to mitigate potential harms and implement safety measures, from risk assessments and data policies to inclusive workforce programs and community-based digital safety solutions. The report aims to ensure that the laudable goals of “Internet for All” are not undercut by expanding access at the expense of safety.

 

Read the full repost here.

¡En Conversación! Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: An Interview with HR&A Partner, Jose Serrano-McClain

October 4, 2024 / No Comments

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the experiences and perspectives of Hispanic and Latinx HR&Aers to learn more about how their identities have helped shape their approach to their work.  We sat down with Partner Jose Serrano-McClain, whose practice spans government innovation, economic development, climate, culture, and technology policy. Jose’s background as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic has helped inform his inclusive approach to leadership, innovative problem-solving, and community advocacy.

 

How has your background influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your work?

I immigrated   to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when I was in primary school. That experience shaped me in significant ways—particularly in terms of observation and adaptation. At a young age, you learn how to navigate different environments, and that kind of ‘code-switching’ has become a key part of my professional trajectory. I’ve always had a drive to enter new spaces and challenge myself to adapt.

 

 

 

I started at the Federal Reserve, transitioned into documentary filmmaking, launched a startup, organized immigrant communities in Queens, and worked for city government. This diversity of experiences helped me develop a unique approach to leadership and consulting. I thrive on immersing myself in new environments and helping others navigate them too. At HR&A, this has allowed me to connect deeply with various communities and industries.

 

You’ve worked in many different sectors. What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your work at HR&A? Are there emerging issues or communities that need more attention?

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is engaging with communities that reflect my own — people who remind me of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We often convene spaces where every day, working folks can share their ideas and insights. It’s in these settings, like focus groups or roundtables, where we truly listen to communities’ needs and concerns.

 

For example, I worked on a project with the San Francisco Health Plan, where we conducted focus groups with Latino members. These Spanish-language conversations allowed us to build trust and gather valuable insights. The outcome was not just about fulfilling a project requirement — it was about ensuring these communities had a real impact on policy decisions.

 

At HR&A, we’re also involved in significant projects that deal with environmental justice. For instance, we’re leading a community planning process in Queens, where the city’s largest power plant will transition into a renewable energy hub. This neighborhood, known as “Asthma Alley,” is predominantly Latino and African American and has faced environmental injustices for decades. Our work is focused on ensuring that the transition to green energy benefits these communities, not just economically, but in terms of health and employment opportunities as well.

 

What does it mean to you to receive industry recognition like  City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list?

Honestly, awards aren’t something that’s ever been a huge driver for me, but I do recognize the importance of visibility. Being on City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 listis a reminder that our work is being noticed and appreciated, and it provides an incredible opportunity to connect with other Latino leaders in New York. That’s what excites me the most — being able to collaborate with others who are also committed to advancing Latino leadership in various sectors.

 

 

I thrive on collaboration, and I believe that when we bring together diverse voices from the Latino community, we can make a much greater impact. Whether it’s in urban planning, consulting, or community development, I want to continue to elevate our community’s role in shaping the future of cities.

 

How do you foster the next generation of Latino professionals at HR&A?

We’ve been putting in really strong building blocks here with the Comunidad ERG (Employee Resource Group), which has been one of my favorite spaces at this company. Honestly, it’s been amazing to see how we’ve been able to come together and connect — especially during big events like our first Firmwide Summit last year. I really believe we have the potential to build on that momentum and create even stronger mentorship and support systems for our young Latino leaders here at HR&A.

For me, mentorship is essential. But beyond traditional mentorship, I think it’s important to ask ourselves some deeper questions:

    • How are we ensuring that we don’t flatten or oversimplify our understanding of who’s within our Latino community?
    • How do we bring our diverse personal experiences to the table?
    • How do we make space for younger professionals to do the same?

     

    We’ve made it a point to bring these conversations into our project work, ensuring the lived experiences of team members from underrepresented communities shape our strategies in those communities. Beyond mentorship, we’re building a sponsorship model to connect young Latino professionals with others inside and outside HR&A. For example, our visit to El Puente, a human rights institution in NYC, was a great opportunity to foster connections with Latinx organizers that are enriching our team’s understanding of what leadership can look like.

    • HR&A Advisors Welcomes Vanderbilt University to New York City

    September 30, 2024 / No Comments

    Vanderbilt University announced an exciting step toward expanding its presence in New York City with the lease of a historic campus in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. This decision builds on the university’s long-standing history with New York City and signals an important step towards achieving its global vision. The occasion was marked by an event at General Theological Seminary attended by Vanderbilt executives, faculty, board members, and alumni as well as local elected officials.  

     

    As Vanderbilt strengthens its ties to the NYC metro area, we are eager to see how this enhanced presence will contribute to both the university’s academic goals and the city’s continued role as a hub for talent and innovation. 

     

    “Establishing a presence in New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with the world’s leading industries and institutions,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “By deepening our connection to one of the world’s most influential and dynamic cities, we are positioning Vanderbilt to advance cutting-edge research, foster transformative educational experiences and create lasting global impact.” 

     

    Congratulations to Vanderbilt University on this exciting new venture! We look forward to seeing the impact of this new campus in Chelsea and the benefits it will bring to the broader community. 

     

    Read more about the project in this announcement from Vanderbilt.  

     

    Featured Press 

    Exclusive | Vanderbilt University Plans New York City Expansion — WSJ 

    Vanderbilt Leases Struggling NYC Seminary for Campus Expansion — Bloomberg  

    Vanderbilt expanding to New York City, opening campus in Manhattan — WSMV4 

    Vanderbilt University to Open 150K-SF NYC Campus at Episcopal Seminary — Commercial Observer  

    Remembering Kate Coburn

    September 27, 2024 / No Comments

    It is with great sadness that we share the news that HR&A Partner Kate Coburn passed away last week.

     

    During her 14-year tenure at HR&A, Kate helped elevate our brand as one of the most trusted advisors in the industry, provided strategic guidance to countless clients about how to better serve their communities, and shaped a supportive company culture by bringing a sense of care to every interaction with her colleagues. With her deep commitment to mentorship and teaching, Kate’s legacy lives on in the many lives and careers she helped shape and support across HR&A and our extended community.

     

    “HR&A wouldn’t be the place it is today without Kate’s contributions,” said CEO Jeff Hébert, “Kate created new pathways for women in the real estate industry, and she brought others along with her by mentoring the next generation and inspiring excellence in all she did. She was known for the passion she brought to her work as she helped shape consequential projects from New York City to Birmingham. Her characteristic spirit and zeal will be sorely missed by her colleagues and clients.”

     

    Kate was a fearless trailblazer in our industry for over 30 years. Prior to HR&A, she was a leader at AECOM, Economics Research Associates (ERA), Cushman & Wakefield, and Rockefeller Center. Her legacy revitalizing downtowns and creating vibrant places is on display across cities in Alabama, California, Louisiana, New York, Texas and beyond. She also inspired and guided generations of real estate leaders across organizations such as Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX), Public-Private Real Estate Professionals (P/PREP), and the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association.

     

    To honor Kate’s legacy and her commitment to mentorship, HR&A is creating the “Kate Coburn Internship for Emerging Women in Real Estate” to help emerging professionals launch their real estate careers. Since the news of her passing, we have heard countless stories about Kate’s impact on the careers of so many across the HR&A extended network, and we can think of no better way to keep her spirit alive and continue her work supporting the next generation of real estate leaders and changemakers.

     

    Kate leaves behind a loving family and expansive network of friends, collaborators, and colleagues. HR&A and Kate’s family recommend contributing to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation if you are interested in donating in Kate’s honor.

     

    ¡En Conversación! Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: An Interview with Senior Analyst Raymundo “Ray” Cabrera

    September 26, 2024 / No Comments

    As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we sat down with Raymundo “Ray” Cabrera, Senior Analyst, to discuss how his background has influenced his leadership style, his aspirations for the Latine/o community, and the projects he’s passionate about. His dedication to improving opportunities for others and his commitment to addressing critical issues like equitable economic development, transit access, and community engagement reflect the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

     

    How has your background influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your work? 

     

    Ray: I grew up in a Mexican American family with deep roots in the Southwest. My great-grandparents came to the U.S. as children — both sides of my family worked in either mining or ranching. My grandparents were born in rural communities and eventually moved into the Phoenix area, growing our family. My family’s story has always been characterized by working-class resilience and each generation striving to improve the lives of their children. 

     

    Coming from that background, the concept of servant leadership has shaped my career. My parents and grandparents made sacrifices for my generation, and I carry that sense of responsibility with me in everything I do. Whether I’m meeting with a government leader or a nonprofit executive, I see it as my duty to represent the voices of those who may not have the same access to those rooms. It’s not just about personal ambition — it’s about advocating for the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of my community. At HR&A, I’m privileged to be able to lead in a way that serves others, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine. 

     

     

    What are your hopes and aspirations for the Hispanic and Latine/o community in the future and what challenges do you see ahead? 

     

    Ray: The Latino community is incredibly diverse. My experience as a Mexican-American kid from the desert Southwest is very different from someone who grew up Hispanic in New York or a more recent immigrant from Central America. Despite these differences, my hope for our community centers on creating opportunities for people like my family — those who have worked tirelessly to provide a better future for their children. 

     

    One of the biggest challenges we face is the growing difficulty of achieving the American Dream, especially for those from working-class backgrounds. For instance, my father was a blocklayer who initially thrived during a boom in Phoenix’s housing market. However, when the recession hit in the early 2000s, his opportunities vanished. Despite his hard work and skills, he struggled to access alternative pathways and resources. This experience drives my commitment to expanding access to opportunity for Latino communities. 

     

    Homeownership is another central tenant of the American Dream that feels increasingly out of reach for the Latino community, and this is a major barrier to building generational wealth. Homeownership was always seen as the way to advance and provide a better future for your family, but for many people, that’s not possible anymore. My peers, my cousins, and my friends all struggle with this. And a lot of that comes down to policy decisions. We’ve made choices as a society to limit housing in places like L.A. and New York, making it too expensive for many. 

     

    At HR&A, we’re lucky to be work working on urban challenges like economic development and homeownership that impact everyone, but it’s important to remember that some of these issues hit the Latino community and communities of color particularly hard.  

     

    How do your current projects contribute to your aspirations for the Latino community? 

     

    Ray: We’ve been working in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, with a Latino community that has faced many challenges, many of which are a result of redlining and environmental injustices from industrial activities. It’s a historically disinvested neighborhood where Black and Mexican-American communities have lived for generations. 

      

    Currently, there’s a major opportunity for transformation with a new light rail extension planned to connect Pacoima to the broader transit network. While this investment could bring much-needed improvements and connectivity, it also raises concerns about potential gentrification and displacement. Communities of color can be negatively impacted by major infrastructure investments, where rising property values and rents lead to the loss of affordable housing for long-standing residents. 

     

     

    To address these concerns, we’re supporting Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) and the Pacoima community to develop a comprehensive equity agenda. This agenda is being set by engaging with the community and key stakeholders to identify concerns and priority issues. It aims to help inform a campaign, that will ultimately be led by a coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to ensure that the benefits of the new transit project are equitably distributed, and that the investment serves the people who have been part of Pacoima’s fabric for years. We are working with NLSLA and Pacoima CBOs to help them lift up key policy and advocacy points for the CBOs to present to decision-makers to support their work advocating for measures that protect the community from displacement and ensure that the investment enhances the neighborhood without erasing its history and diversity.  

      

    This project reflects my desire to help advance equitable development and ensure that significant investments in infrastructure contribute positively to the communities that have long been underserved. It’s about creating a future where progress doesn’t come at the expense of those who have already faced so many challenges. 

     

    How do you support emerging Latino and Latina professionals at HR&A? 

     

    Ray: One of the most impactful things for me has been the Comunidad Employee Resource Group (ERG) at HR&A. When I first joined the firm, the transition wasn’t seamless, and it took a while for me to find my bearings. The ERG became a source of support and belonging. It’s a space where we can share experiences and learn from each other. 

     

     

     

    A key moment for me was also working with Andrea, a Latina leader at the firm who’s been a mentor and partner. Seeing her leadership and how she champions others has been inspiring. The Comunidad ERG has given me a sense of community and showed me the importance of creating spaces where Latino and Latina professionals feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s something I hope to continue fostering as I grow in my career. 

     

    Congratulations to Partner Jonathan Meyers for being named as a City & State’s inaugural Trailblazer in Building & Real Estate!

    September 25, 2024 / No Comments

    New York City grapples with significant housing shortages, regulatory challenges, and the pressing need for affordability. City & State’s inaugural Trailblazers in Building & Real Estate honors key players tackling these issues, and we’re thrilled to see Partner Jonathan Meyers recognized among them!

     

    With a rich background in both the private sector and government, Jon brings a unique perspective to public-private development and policy work. His experience spans transformative projects like the High Line and his role as COO at the Trust for Governors Island. At HR&A Advisors, he expertly guides clients on complex real estate projects, including innovative office-to-residential conversions and energy efficiency initiatives.

     

    As we kick off NYC Climate Week in New York, we also celebrate Jon’s commitment to making the built environment more sustainable, healthy, and resilient for all. His work in this sector spans the country with the Nationwide Initiative to Accelerate Energy Upgrades for Affordable Housing, which provides training and capacity building assistance for awardees of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Buildings Upgrade Prize, to working with the City of New York and the Comptroller to develop a solar program for low and moderate income households in New York City.

     

    Join us in celebrating Jon’s contributions and leadership in making New York a more livable and accessible city!