Bright Spots in a Down Economy: Opportunities in Underserved Communities

Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:00 AM

The recent real estate boom saw a flowering of planning, design and new development in low income urban communities that were previously overlooked. Some of these projects have outperformed the market in the downturn, while others are being abandoned midstream.

What distinguishes truly overlooked opportunities in these underserved communities versus mere opportunistic exploitation? Can projects thrive without significant subsidies? Will federal stimulus spending counter the disproportionate impacts of layoffs and municipal cutbacks in these neighborhoods?

Join the Westside Urban Forum on Friday, July 24 to hear from leaders on the front lines who have direct experience working in underserved communities.

Moderator
Michael Woo, Planning Commissioner, City of Los Angeles

Panelists
Gene Fisher, Founder/CEO, Watts Learning Center
Curtis Fralin, CEO, Infinity Redevelopment, LLC
Arturo Sneider, Partner, Primestor Development, Inc.
Tunua Thrash, Director, Green Door Advisors, LLC