NLCU: Housing Development and Finance

Course Description:

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the housing development process, from conception to completion, with a particular focus on the financial aspects of development. It is designed for individuals seeking knowledge in real estate development, investment, financing, and management. The course covers the economic, financial, and environmental aspects of housing project development. This course will provide participants with a solid foundation in both the development and financing aspects of housing, preparing them for interactions and transactions in real estate, finance, and urban planning. 

Sign up today by clicking the “Register Now” button. When completing your registration, be sure to log in to your MyNLC account and fill out all required information.

When prompted to select a registration type, please choose Student. You can then proceed with any additional information and payment, if applicable.

If you experience any issues, feel free to reach out to university@nlc.org for assistance.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the process of housing development from site selection to project completion.
• Discuss industry participants and their roles.
• Analyze the financial feasibility of real estate projects.
• Evaluate various financing mechanisms for housing development.
• Understand the regulatory and policy environment affecting housing.
• Manage risks associated with real estate development.
• Apply sustainable and affordable housing practices.

Course Facilitators

Jolena Presti, AICP, Managing Director, Baker Tilly (Facilitator) 

Jolena has more than 25 years of experience advancing innovative city-building solutions for public and private sector clients. Jolena has led Baker Tilly’s Development and Community Advisory team’s practice in economic, housing and redevelopment strategies, targeting real estate and public policy solutions to advance economic growth and community revitalization for the past 5 years. Jolena joined Baker Tilly as a Managing Director after 15 years in leadership with a Midwest economic development and urban planning firm, where she was Principal of the Milwaukee office leading community redevelopment and public private partnership efforts targeted in Midwest communities. Jolena earned a Master of Public Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Washington. Jolena is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and American Planning Association (APA). 

Kristian Vaughn, Ph.D., EDFP, ENV SP, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly  (SME)

Kristian is an experienced economic development strategist, urban science researcher and project manager with 10 years of experience in community economics, real estate finance, land use management and public policy in the governmental, private consulting and not-for-profit sectors. His specialties include financial structuring of impactful community-based real estate, economic impact modeling of investments, engaging stakeholders in facilitated discussions and focus group sessions and supporting municipal staff and neighborhood organizations in the development and implementation of economic strategies to catalyze reinvestment in commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods. 

Quinn Gromley, Director, Baker Tilly  (SME)

As a Director of Real Estate Development Advisory Services at Baker Tilly, Quinn collaborates with internal and external teams to provide strategic guidance and sophisticated financial modeling for real estate projects. By offering customized advisory services and forward-thinking approaches, Quinn delivers scalable solutions that drive operational efficiency, enhance development processes, and maximize the value of real estate investments and dispositions. Quinn has a strong background in real estate development, compliance analysis, financial modeling, and predevelopment planning, design review, scheduling, and budgets. 

Ethan Tabakin, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly  (SME)

Ethan is an experienced consultant with eight years of experience in the real estate and affordable housing industries. Ethan has successfully assisted in the financing and closing of projects and assists developers in securing funding from a diverse range of sources. His experience includes assisting developers with transactions involving Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and federal funds, working with housing authorities to strategically reposition their portfolios and helping municipalities and developers navigate the due diligence processes associated with federally funded sources. 

David Harms, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly  (SME)

David combines a strong background in structuring complex layered financing for community development transactions with practical knowledge of construction and project management. He joined Baker Tilly in 2022 after serving most recently as the vice president of real estate development for one of the nation’s 10 largest not-for-profit affordable housing developers. He also previously founded and ran his own construction company and served in a variety of project management roles related to disaster response and recovery. David is passionate about taking a life cycle perspective on affordable housing development by looking at the impacts of design and construction on the physical and financial resilience of the developments he works on. 

Rob Dicke, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly  (SME)

Rob is a goal orientated executive with 30 years of experience in real estate management, development and energy efficiency. He is focused on energy, affordable housing and Tribal work He has written and submitted more than $60 million worth of energy efficiency grants, has four years of experience directing the asset management of more than 8,900 units of affordable multifamily housing totaling more than $580 million in value and eight years of experience as the director of public housing authority which includes a housing choice voucher program.  

For questions, contact university@nlc.org.