Real Estate Development & You

Join us for the 20th Annual ReShaping Rochester Speaker Series for a conversation on Real Estate Development & You.

Join us for the 20th Annual ReShaping Rochester Speaker Series for a conversation on Real Estate Development & You.

As communities across the country grapple with housing shortages, redevelopment pressures, and rising construction costs, understanding how development actually works has never been more important. This session will explore the realities of real estate development, the role of small-scale and incremental development, and how thoughtful design and investment can help communities grow more sustainably.

Our speakers will share perspectives from development, finance, and planning, followed by a panel discussion on how communities can support more resilient and locally responsive development.

Social Hour from 5:30–6:30pm / Panel Discussion 6:30–8pm

Our Speakers:

• Matt Roland - University at Buffalo
Matt Roland is an urban planner and educator at the University at Buffalo, where his work focuses on housing policy, real estate development, and the economic forces shaping cities and neighborhoods. Through his research and teaching, he explores how planning frameworks, market conditions, and public policy influence housing supply, development patterns, and community growth. Matt works closely with students and practitioners to better understand the financial and regulatory dynamics that shape the built environment.

• Joel Barrett - 43 North Real Estate
Joel Barrett is a real estate professional with 43 North Real Estate, where he works on development strategy, investment analysis, and property development projects. His experience spans site acquisition, financial modeling, and working with communities and stakeholders to advance thoughtful and financially viable real estate projects. Joel brings a practical perspective on how development decisions are made and how projects move from concept to construction.

• Jim Heid - Urban Land Institute
Jim Heid is an infill developer and development advisor based in Sonoma County, California. With more than 40 years of experience as an urban designer, land planner, and sustainability strategist, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to how communities can grow thoughtfully and sustainably. Jim founded the Small Developer Forum, a national program supporting small-scale incremental development, and is the author of Building Small (Urban Land Institute, 2021), a widely used guide for real estate entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and community advocates.