BuildCincy Event Agenda

Jan Michele Kearney, Vice Mayor City of Cincinnati
Laura Brunner, The Port
Hammad Siddiqi, Fith Third Bank
Keith Borders, Union and Guardian Savings Bank
Robert Killans, Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Marcus Parrish, Greater Cincinnati Realist Association
Joe Huber, Cincinnati Development Fund
Darrick Dansby

Government contracts and public-private partnerships can be a powerful way to grow your development business — if you know how to access them. This workshop will walk you through how to identify opportunities with the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the State of Ohio, prepare competitive proposals, and meet compliance requirements. Experts will share insights on leveraging incentives, navigating the procurement process, and building relationships that position you for future projects. If you want to expand your reach and tap into government-funded development, this session will show you how to get started.

Finding the right funding can make or break a project. This workshop will show you how to access government programs, low-interest loans from community lenders, and other creative financing options to get your deal off the ground. Learn what funders look for, how to build a strong financial package, and strategies to position yourself for future investment. Whether you're starting small or planning your next big project, you'll leave with clear steps to secure the capital you need.

Growing a development business takes more than ambition — it requires the right strategy, systems, and partnerships. Learn how experienced developers manage risk, streamline operations, and leverage relationships to move from small projects to bigger, more profitable developments. If you're ready to take your company to the next level, this session will give you the roadmap to get there.

The future of development is here — and it's faster, smarter, and more efficient. This workshop explores innovative building models, including modular construction, Structural Insulated Panels(SIP) techniques, and sustainable design approaches that can save time, reduce costs, and increase quality. Learn from industry professionals who are using these methods to bring projects to market quicker and more profitably. Whether you're looking to control construction costs or stay ahead of industry trends, this session will show you how to incorporate innovation into your next development.

Speed matters in development — and pre-approved building plans can help you get to market faster. This workshop will explain how pre-approved plans streamline the permitting process, reduce design costs, and minimize delays. Experts will share examples of successful projects, outline how to access approved plans through the Ohio Realtors Association, and discuss when this strategy makes the most sense for developers. If you want to save time and money while keeping your project on track, this session will show you how to build faster and smarter.

Finding the right site is one of the biggest challenges in real estate development — and one of the most important keys to success. Panelists will also cover negotiation tactics, purchase agreements, and ground leases so you can secure property with confidence. Whether you're looking for infill lots, redevelopment opportunities, or larger parcels, this session will equip you with the tools to find and lock in the right site for your next project.

Keynote - Reggie Harris

Community support can make or break a project — and Walnut Hills offers a great model for how to get it right. This workshop will show you how to engage neighborhoods early, build trust, and create a shared vision that leads to project approval. Using real examples from Walnut Hills, panelists will discuss strategies for collaborating with Community Councils, addressing resident concerns, and working with City officials to gain support. If you want smoother approvals and stronger partnerships, this session will equip you with proven tools to earn buy-in and move your development forward.

Before you buy a property or break ground, thorough pre-development work can save you time, money, and frustration. This workshop will guide you through the critical steps of due diligence, including site feasibility studies, environmental assessments, title review, and zoning analysis. Learn how to model project costs, prepare realistic timelines, and identify red flags before they derail your deal. Panelists will share real-world examples of what can go wrong — and how to avoid costly mistakes — as well as tips for assembling the right consultants and advisors for this stage. Whether you're new to development or looking to sharpen your process, this session will help you build a strong foundation for every project.

Real estate development can do more than create buildings — it can create jobs and opportunities. This workshop explores how to connect your projects to local workforce pipelines, apprenticeships, and certified contractors to maximize community impact. Learn how to partner with workforce agencies, trade schools, and unions to ensure residents benefit from both construction and long-term employment opportunities. Panelists will share best practices for setting participation goals, tracking outcomes, and showcasing your project's economic impact. If you want your developments to strengthen both neighborhoods and careers, this session will give you the roadmap.

Cincinnati needs more housing — but it also needs housing that is accessible and equitable. This workshop explores practical ways to increase supply while addressing affordability, from infill development and adaptive reuse to new construction. Panelists will share strategies for leveraging City of Cincinnati programs, zoning tools, and creative financing to deliver quality housing that serves diverse income levels. Whether you're a small developer or growing your portfolio, this session will equip you with actionable steps to create more homes and strengthen neighborhoods.

A successful project doesn't end when construction is complete — it ends when the building is leased or sold. This workshop will teach you how to create buzz before your project even breaks ground, build an audience through targeted marketing, and attract the right tenants or buyers once it's ready. Learn strategies for branding your development, using social media and community outreach to generate interest, and hosting events that drive traffic. Panelists will also cover how to partner with local Realtors and brokerages to maximize exposure through the MLS and their professional networks. You'll also gain best practices for setting rental rates or sales prices, qualifying prospects, and stabilizing the property quickly to ensure strong cash flow. Whether your project is residential, commercial, or mixed-use, this session will give you a marketing and leasing playbook you can use again and again.

Sustainable development is no longer optional — it's an opportunity to save money, attract tenants, and access new funding sources. This workshop takes a deep dive into green building strategies, energy-efficient design, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices that can set your project apart. Learn how to incorporate LEED standards, secure incentives and grants for energy-efficient construction, and market your project's sustainability features to investors and buyers. Panelists will share case studies showing how ESG principles can improve project performance, lower operating costs, and strengthen community support. If you want to future-proof your developments and boost profitability, this session will show you how to build greener and smarter.