This discussion of the program will focus on how real estate developers and sponsors can raise money and engage the community using online tools such as Fundrise and Popularise.

Popularise is the online platform that shares the power to build new places and transform neighborhoods with direct involvement from local residents. The application of technology to real estate is transforming the industry. Social media, crowd-sourcing, and crowd-funding will fundamentally transform civic engagement and how projects get funded and built. Understanding these new paradigms is critical for the active real estate professional, especially in the context of driving economic development, procuring entitlements, and securing capital.

Most people don’t get a say in how their neighborhoods take shape. Popularise is one solution to what can be called a “broken community engagement process.” The process can sometimes be subject to NIMBYism and low turnout. Popularise hopes to open up the conversation. You can have a much broader discussion with thousands of people and have it be dynamic. Popularise is the 21st-century version of a community meeting.”
People don’t often show up to town hall meetings unless they have a problem. That means in many cities and towns, there is a gaping hole where creative community voices should be.

Planning agencies across the nation realize the importance of community buy-in and participation, but have long struggled in gaining the majority interaction that is hoped for during the planning process. Such technology as Popularize has brought the community meeting to a virtual setting that allows for civic input with ease and fun!

Instructors:

Benjamin Miller

(3 Ratings)