Public and Private Development

This course explores the analytic methods, contextual frameworks, and bodies of knowledge required to understand, evaluate, and implement public and private development within cities and surrounding regions. Public and private development includes development originated by private for-profit actors, private not-for-profit actors, and governments. Using lectures, discussions, case studies, and individual/team exercises, the course teaches students how to navigate the complex blend of public and private actions using financial, economic, legal, institutional, and political approaches. The course explores key implementation techniques including public subsidies, public land acquisition through eminent domain, public land disposition through requests for proposal methods, provision of physical infrastructure, inclusionary zoning, linkage, exactions, incentive zoning, community benefits agreements, and business improvement districts. Several early classes will be split into two sections, one for students with no background in real estate financial analysis and the other for MRE students and others who already possess such a background.

Jointly Offered Course: HKS SUP-668