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

Accounting and taxes are a must, and strong financial systems are essential for navigating bank requirements and building credibility early.

Knowing that a solid financial structure is the starting point for any credible development project, the CDR team intentionally kicked off the first curriculum-focused session with these fundamentals that every emerging developer must understand. The CDR's purpose is to give participants access to information, clarity, and expertise that are often difficult to obtain, and this session delivered precisely that.

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.

Building Momentum: CDR Fort Worth Kicks Off Its First Session at Bennett Partners

November 4, 2025
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.
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