The first session of the Community Developers Roundtable (CDR) Fort Worth launched with great energy and excitement. Hosted at Bennett Partners, one of Fort Worth’s leading architecture firms, the event brought together an incredible group of emerging developers, local partners, and community advocates who are passionate about shaping stronger and more inclusive neighborhoods.


Participants began the morning with breakfast and networking before diving into a full agenda that blended learning, discussion, and inspiration.


Setting the Vision


The morning opened with introductions and a conversation about the purpose and vision of the CDR program. CDR Fort Worth is a nine-month professional development program designed to equip emerging community developers with practical knowledge, mentorship, and resources to move their real estate projects forward.


Led by Innovan Neighborhoods, the program focuses on building long-term capacity within Fort Worth’s development ecosystem. Participants also learned what to expect from upcoming monthly sessions, each designed to combine expert insights with peer exchange and hands-on learning.

CDR Fort Worth is a nine-month professional development program designed to equip emerging community developers with practical knowledge, mentorship, and resources to move their real estate projects forward.

Exploring Resources and Relationships


The day included a robust overview of available resources and support. Participants heard from several key partners who introduced the range of tools and expertise available through the program:


  • Aloni Harris, C3 Fund: shared financing pathways and capital support for developers
  • Asheya Warren, PRAXIS Strategic Consulting: discussed marketing and public relations related benefits
  • HM&M CPAs: provided offerings on accounting and tax considerations
  • Karen Vermaire Fox, Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council: introduced local networking and advocacy opportunities
  • Jaymar Joseph, Fort Worth Community Land Trust: shared insights on land trust models
  • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, BCL of Texas: highlighted lending and technical assistance programs


Learning from Experience


A highlight of the session was the CDR Alumni Panel, featuring

Sam Ruben (Ruben Legacy Homes), Brandon Ward (Bid Gigz, LLC), and Jay Taylor (Juxta Designs).


Each shared their personal journey, including the lessons, challenges, and wins that shaped their development path. Their honesty and perspective offered valuable encouragement to the new cohort and underscored the supportive network that CDR fosters.

Putting Ideas into Action


The session continued with a real estate project feedback exercise, giving participants a chance to think critically about development scenarios and hear how peers and mentors would approach real-world challenges. The day wrapped up with lunch and open conversation, allowing participants to connect more deeply and reflect on what they had learned.


Participant Feedback and Reflections


Based on the post-session Pulse Check survey, the first session received glowing feedback from participants. Every respondent rated the session as extremely valuable and described the overall experience as excellent. All participants also said they felt very comfortable engaging, asking questions, and sharing their experiences.


When asked what stood out most, their answers reflected both enthusiasm and a sense of possibility.


  • "The amount of resources we will have access to."
  • "I loved the information from the tax company and learning more about the development process."
  • "I’m excited and look forward to all the sessions to come!"


It’s clear that the first gathering helped participants feel both supported and inspired. Many shared that they left with a better understanding of how to leverage new tools, relationships, and insights to bring their own projects to life.


Looking Ahead


As the first of nine sessions, this kickoff laid a strong foundation for collaboration and growth. The CDR Fort Worth cohort will continue exploring topics such as financing, design, construction management, and marketing in the coming months, with each session building toward real, on-the-ground impact across Fort Worth communities.


To learn more about the CDR Cohort 3 (Fort Worth) participants, click here.

Beyond the Groundbreaking: Mastering the Fundamentals of Land Strategy

By Asheya Warren • January 29, 2026
This session continued the cohort’s exploration of the land development process, focusing on how developers evaluate opportunities through deal structure, pricing, yield, and timing—long before a project ever breaks ground. The conversation was anchored by Gilbert Gerst, Senior Vice President of Community Development Banking at Bank of Texas , who emphasized three fundamentals that consistently shape development outcomes: what you pay for the land, what you sell it for, and the time in between. From there, the discussion expanded to include how deal structures and evolving information influence risk, feasibility, and long-term value. Insights from Demarius Seals of DCS Development Services and Jared Helmberger of Bear Land reinforced that land development is an iterative process—one that requires disciplined analysis, adaptability, and an understanding of how product type and yield expectations shift over time.

Bridging the Gap: Fort Worth Cohort 3 Gains Direct Access to City Decision-Makers

December 23, 2025
The third session of the Community Developers Roundtable Fort Worth cohort brought developers inside City Hall for direct access to the leaders and staff shaping development across Fort Worth, hosted by the City of Fort Worth. Opening • Jay Chapa, City Manager City Leadership Panel • Kacey Thomas – Neighborhood Services • Ori Fernandez – Economic Development • DJ Harrell – Development Services City Staff & Program Experts Zoning, housing programs, finance tools, incentives, revitalization, and partnerships were represented by cross-department leaders including Marybel Pena, Sarah Odle, Dyan Anderson, Joshua Hezlap, Lilia Escobedo, Martha Collins, and Phillip Michael Smart. Lunch & Learn • LaShondra Stringfellow – Legislative updates impacting development This is exactly why the CDR exists: to give developers access to decision-makers, understanding of how systems connect, and confidence to move projects forward.

From Intimidation to Insight: Financial Fundamentals for Community Developers

November 28, 2025
Session 2 marked the first curriculum-focused gathering of the Community Developers Roundtable (CDR) cohort, hosted at the Fort Worth offices of Westwood .  This session brought participants together with experienced professionals from across the development and finance space. The focus was on connection, perspective, and creating room for honest dialogue, reinforcing CDR’s role as a place where emerging developers can engage directly with people who understand the realities of the work. The conversation continued throughout the day and wrapped up with informal discussion and networking, giving participants time to connect ideas back to their own goals and build relationships with one another and the speakers. Session 2 presenters included: • Will Northern, Crescendo Development • Porchia Barrett, HM&M • Diana Cetares, HM&M • Banking and financial institution representatives
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