Financing Progressive Development

A growing segment of the real estate community is experimenting with a new form of development that combines neo-traditional design, mixed uses and higher densities. "Smart growth" or "new urbanism" developers contend that conventional financing techniques - with their reliance on standardization and short-term financial returns - unnecessarily impede investment in their projects. This paper examines the barriers created by conventional real estate investment practices and outlines financing strategies that can--and have--worked for different, progressive, developments.