Dallas based development firm Innovan Neighborhoods leads effort to support existing community-oriented real estate developers

September 16, 2022 – Innovan Neighborhoods recently hosted the kickoff of their Community Developers Roundtable on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. This event brought together local commercial and residential developers, bankers, elected officials and community members to learn about needs facing developers of color in the real estate community and how this new roundtable would help address those needs. The event focused on the power of local, targeted investment to change underserved communities and people forever.   


“I am always so inspired by the people who come out to support the mission and vision of Innovan Neighborhoods,” said Maggie Parker, founder and CEO of Innovan Neighborhoods. “Our belief in a people centered approach to development is what brought about the roundtable. I know that alongside our partners BCL of Texas & JPMorgan Chase we have the ability to truly transform whole communities."


Sponsors for the community developers roundtable event include: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of Texas, Allyn Media, Charles Schwab Bank, Comerica Bank, Communities Foundation of Texas, State Fair of Texas, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas & Tolleson Private Bank.  A full list of sponsors & partners can be found
here

 

Those interested in being a part of the roundtable are encouraged to apply by September 23, 2022. Visit https://www.communitydevelopersroundtable.com for more information.


# # # #


About Innovan Neighborhoods

 

Founded in 2019, Innovan Neighborhoods is a people-centered development and consulting firm whose mission is to advance community-anchored real estate development through innovative, collaborative solutions. In partnership with Matthews Southwest, Innovan Neighborhoods works to build and strengthen neighborhoods in concert with community stakeholders, from joint ventures for affordable single-family homes to leading phased, master-planning development strategies in transitioning neighborhoods throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.  Innovan has a $100 million pipeline of affordable housing and small business-anchored development totaling 360+ units. We have also helped community partners position and/or secure over $15 million of investments for revitalization across DFW.


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.
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.
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
More Posts