SFIC & DCG Ministry of Housing Workshop Series
Click here to Register for Real Estate Development Fundamentals for Houses of Worship in San Francisco
The San Francisco Interfaith Council in partnership with DCG Strategies presents: "Real Estate Development Fundamentals for Houses of Worship in San Francisco." The six-week workshop series is generously supported by a grant from the San Francisco Foundation and is designed to empower Houses of Worship to grasp the landscape of real estate development.
Our mission is clear: to equip Houses of Worship in San Francisco with the knowledge and tools necessary to comprehend and engage in the real estate development process. Through expert guidance and practical insights, participants will gain the confidence to turn their vision into reality.
Audience: This series is specifically crafted for Houses of Worship in San Francisco with a keen interest in developing their properties and organizations who have resources to help congregations build housing. Whether you're just starting to explore possibilities or seeking to advance ongoing projects, this series will provide invaluable guidance tailored to your needs.
Unlock the potential of your property and seize the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within your community through this transformative workshop series.
Register now to secure your spot! (Click Here to Register)
Part 1: Creating the Vision
April 2: Ministry of Housing Kick-off and "Is there a 'there' there?"
In this first session, we kick off our digital Ministry of Housing Series. Joined by Lauren Jennings, Vice President at DCG Strategies, we will explore how to create the vision of a housing development on property owned by houses of worship in San Francisco. We will consider this from both a congregational and real estate perspective. We’ll also consider how to explore general development feasibility and how to establish what is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible on a site.
April 9: How to Partner with an Architect
In our second session, we will learn about the roles an architect plays in the development process, from initial renderings to site planning and density studies. Paul McElwee will teach best practices for working with architects and provide input in architectural processes as you consider what your organization should consider when selecting an architect partner.
April 16: The Financing Piece
In our third session, we will continue to explore ways to create the vision of a housing development on property owned by houses of worship in San Francisco. This time, we will learn about the “financing piece.” Lisa Motoyama, will offer a presentation on “Financing 101” where we will consider the basics of housing development financing, including how to build a capital stack. Next, Caroline McCormack will provide illustrative case studies and will explain how to access various loan products and financial resources made available by the City. We will also explore how to select lenders and how to partner with them.
Part 2: Vision to Reality
April 23: How to Partner with a Developer
In our fourth session, we’ll focus on how to move from the initial vision of a housing development towards reality. We will learn best practices for how to work with developers and the key to selecting a developer partner. Ramie Dare will share case studies and wisdom about how to foster a great relationship with a developer partner.
April 30: How to Partner with a Lawyer
In our fifth session, we will explore what legal protections are available to protect houses of worship throughout the development process and beyond. Led by Dianne Jackson McLean, we will explore how to select and partner with a lawyer throughout the development process. We will emphasize the importance of empowering congregations to recognize the power they have in the development process.
May 7: How to Partner with Local Government
In our final session, we will explore San Francisco’s unique development context and introduce the role of the Planning Department. Participants will learn how to work with the planning department and what Planning initiatives and resources are available to support housing development projects in San Francisco. The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) will also explain how congregations can access City resources to support housing.
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The workshops will be interactive, and feature guest speakers with expertise in developing resilience hubs with opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning. The series is free for community members and small organizations, with a suggested fee for large organizations, businesses, and government agencies. These fees go toward speaker stipends and organizer costs, with any remaining funds to be put toward a fund for resilience hub development. Registration signs you up for all three sessions: