Critical Conversation: Capital, Leverage, and Development

Last month, we unpacked the mechanics of development finance and raised deeper questions about access, equity, displacement, and community power.

This session moves beyond understanding—and into action.

If you have a project, idea, site, or challenge—bring it.

We will begin to map:

• how your project could be funded
• what may be missing
• and what it would take to move it forward

• specific funding sources available for development and community-centered projects
• how to access those funds and who qualifies
• how to position yourself or your organization to be funding-ready
• how to align your project with capital timelines (and avoid missing cycles)
• policies and agreements that can help mitigate gentrification
• financial tools that can reduce the cost of living
• strategies residents and organizations can use to build real leverage before deals are finalized

This session is not just about learning how development works.

It’s about understanding:

• how deals are actually structured
• how capital flows
• and how to position yourself inside the deal—not outside of it

Participants will work through real-world tools including:

• acquisition funds
• grants and tax incentives
• community benefit agreements
• public financing programs
• renter-focused and shared equity strategies

You will leave with:

• a clearer understanding of how funding works
• insight into what makes a project viable
• and a stronger sense of how to move your project—or your community—forward

• community members and organizers
• churches and institutions
• property owners and small developers
• anyone working on—or thinking about—a project

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Teonna Cooksey, Founder + CEO | Mecca LLC