Student Resources
Development Process

Development Process Breakdown:
- Pre-Development: Feasibility – Understand what it will take to successfully carry out a plan and achieve goals for the project.
- Conceptual Design – Create a drawing to reflect the initial goal for the project and what materials will be needed.
- Planning & Design – Finalize the plans and design from steps 1 and 2 and incorporate community feedback to prepare to submit for approval.
- Community Engagement – Collaborate with the community on the updated plan and design to collect and incorporate input into the final plan.
- Approvals Process – Submit plans and request approval from the city to get the project started. Negotiations or revisions may be necessary before plans are finalized and permits are granted.
- Branding – Determine the target market for the project and figure out how to get them engaged and interested.
- Construction – Construction workers make the design come to life by building with raw materials.
- Financing – Create a budget, keep track of costs, buy materials and equipment, and hire labor to start construction.
- Marketing/Leasing – After successful branding, transfer ownership of the final project to an interested company or individual for a fee.
- Operations & Management – Keep the project in good condition and fix any new issues that arise.
Development Deep Dive & Key Players
Land and vacant buildings only get developed or redeveloped because of private and nonprofit developers, local governments, and community members. They each play a role in shaping our communities.