The Community Developers Roundtable Fort Worth cohort convened for session 5 focused on capital access, deal structure, and financing pathways, hosted by Olsson.


We were welcomed by:

Christian Evans – Geography Lead

and Vivian Fung – Senior Planner & Area Leader.

CDFI Case Studies & Discussion

• Glenn Forbes – CDFI Friendly Fort Worth

• Ben Glispie – LISC Fund

• Syndee Freeman – Capital Impact Partners

 

Developer Case Study

• Shenequa Miller – SCM Integrity First Companies

 

Public Sector Perspective

• Charlie Price – Development Corporation of Tarrant County

 

Lunch & Learn

• Raquel Sanchez Valdez – BCL of Texas

• Shane Wilhelm – BCL of Texas

 

Case Study Activity

• Derric Hicks – CEO, Texas Mezzanine Fund

• Dan Villagas – Texas Mezzanine Fund


This is why the CDR exists: to connect developers directly with capital partners, public entities, and financing experts — building access, alignment, and forward momentum.

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

Community Developers Roundtable Fort Worth Partner Dinner

March 10, 2026
Partners, sponsors, and developers gathered at Mercury Chophouse in downtown Fort Worth for the Community Developers Roundtable (CDR) Partner Dinner, an evening focused on strengthening the relationships that help move community-centered development forward. The event was proudly sponsored by PNC Bank , with remarks from Karen Riley, who spoke about the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and developers working to bring impactful projects to life. Support from partners like PNC helps expand access to capital and opportunity for emerging community developers.

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.
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