From Red Tape to Real Estate: The Public-Private Formula for Success
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM | Aldrich Hall | Breakout Session
Panel Director: Antione Gray, MRE ‘25
From Red Tape to Real Estate: The Public-Private Formula for Success" explores how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can effectively navigate bureaucratic challenges to drive successful real estate developments. Industry experts will discuss strategies for streamlining regulatory processes, fostering collaboration between government entities and private developers, and implementing innovative solutions that balance public accountability with private sector efficiency. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming common obstacles in real estate projects, such as complex approval procedures and regulatory hurdles, by leveraging the strengths of both sectors. The discussion aims to highlight best practices and case studies where PPPs have successfully transformed bureaucratic red tape into opportunities for urban development and economic growth.
Moderator & Panelists:
Moderator: Jerold Kayden
Frank Backus Williams Professor of Urban Planning and Design | GSD
Jerold Kayden is the Frank Backus Williams Professor of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design and Founding Director of the Master in Real Estate Program. An expert in land use law and public space, he has authored several influential books and articles on urban planning. Jerold holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a Master's degree in City Planning from MIT. He has served as an advisor to numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations on issues related to urban development and public-private partnerships. Jerold's work emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in shaping equitable and functional urban spaces. He is also the founder of Advocates for Privately Owned Public Space, promoting transparency and accessibility in urban design.
Leon Walker
Managing Partner | DL3 Realty
As CEO of DL3 Realty Advisors, Leon Walker works closely with municipalities, anchor institutions, and Fortune 500 companies to execute projects using his nationally recognized Venture Development™ model – producing positive social impact while realizing attractive financial returns. Over the past 25 years, Leon has spearheaded cutting-edge community development projects, investing over $250 million and creating more than 5,000 jobs. Prior to founding DL3, Leon worked in corporate real estate services at JLL and real estate capital markets at Citicorp Securities. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School and Booth School of Business, Leon received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where he serves on the board of the Weiser Center for Real Estate. A frequently requested speaker, Leon is a passionate advocate for design excellence and equitable urban development. He lives and works in Chicago, where he serves on numerous boards, including World Business Chicago.
Josh Bahn
Vice President | Goldman Sachs
Josh Bahn is a Vice President at Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group, a mission-driven platform deploying over $2 billion annually to advance equitable community and economic development. He leads the investment strategy and underwriting of equity and debt transactions for mixed-income housing, mixed-use developments, and renewable energy projects, including community solar initiatives in markets like New York, Utah, and Washington, D.C. Josh brings prior experience from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at the World Bank and Citigroup’s Corporate and Investment Banking division. He holds a BS in Economics, magna cum laude, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and earned both an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Josh is committed to leveraging finance for inclusive, sustainable impact.
Alfred Fraijo Jr
Founder and CEO | Somos Group
Alfred Fraijo Jr. is the founder and CEO of the Somos Group, where he leads innovative, multidisciplinary urban planning and legal projects that reimagine placemaking. He specializes in guiding complex developments across commercial, residential, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Previously, he was a senior partner at Sheppard Mullin, where he led the Los Angeles Real Estate and Land Use Practice and served on the Executive Committee. A proud Los Angeles native, Alfred champions community-driven redevelopment and equity. He serves on boards including the LA LGBT Center, California Community Foundation, LA Phil, and Homeboy Industries. He is also the founder of Inclusive Action for the City. A recognized leader in the Latinx and LGBTQ communities, Alfred holds a B.A. from Harvard and a J.D. from Loyola Law School.
Mary Gardill
Project Manager Large Scale Private Public Partnerships | Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Mary Gardill is a seasoned real estate professional with over two decades of experience in public-private partnerships and urban development. She led the master planning for a pioneering $300 million project in Boston, collaborating with Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Extell. This initiative, accommodating research facilities, condominiums, and a mental health hospital, earned national recognition from NASFA. Gardill also developed a telecommunications program for Massachusetts agencies, generating over $5 million in revenue, and implemented an auction program yielding over $40 million for the state. Her portfolio includes over 25 projects presented to the Governor’s Asset Management Board, all receiving unanimous approval. With a Master of Design Studies from Harvard and a Diploma in Global Finance from Oxford, she combines academic rigor with practical expertise. Gardill actively contributes to industry discourse through lectures and board service.