Governance & Organizational Design
We architect effective governance frameworks and organizational models that align with strategic objectives. Our work supports the launch of new institutions, reform of existing systems, and coordination across public, private, and civic sectors by crafting decision-making processes, operational systems, and institutional capabilities that enhance performance, foster innovation, and build resilience, enabling public agencies, nonprofits, and cross-sector collaboratives to adapt to changing environments while maintaining accountability and advancing their core purpose.
HR&A developed a comprehensive strategic plan for BioDistrict New Orleans, leading a team of specialized local firms to create a framework for inclusive innovation district growth. Through systematic stakeholder engagement and market analysis, HR&A delivered prioritized investment strategies and a governance structure that leverages the district's institutional strengths while ensuring equitable community development and economic opportunity.
HR&A supported San Diego State University to develop the vision and business plan for a 1.6 million square foot Innovation District at SDSU Mission Valley, a transformative mixed-use development on a 165-acre transit-oriented site. We guided master plan refinement and are supporting procurement of a developer for up to 500,000 square feet of research space, positioning SDSU to expand career opportunities for its 35,000 students while growing its $5.7 billion annual regional economic impact.
HR&A Advisors guided the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation through a comprehensive predevelopment planning process that transformed 85 acres of vacant, post-industrial piers into one of New York City's premier waterfront destinations. By creating an innovative self-sustaining funding model and facilitating complex stakeholder engagement, HR&A broke a 20-year implementation stalemate, enabling the award-winning Michael Van Valkenburgh-designed park to move from vision to reality.
HR&A Advisors serves as the retained executive team for the Rowen Foundation, orchestrating the creation of a 2,000-acre innovation community in the Atlanta Metro Region that will connect research, education, and industry across agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. As the operational leadership for this transformative project, HR&A directs all aspects of development including real estate strategy, foundation operations, tenant attraction, board governance, and public-private partnerships spanning Georgia's higher education institutions and government entities.
