How CRE Developers Can Support Local Communities
4 min read
Commercial real estate (CRE) plays a vital role in shaping cities and neighbourhoods, influencing the built environment and the well-being of the people who live and work here. Beyond creating office buildings, retail centres, and mixed-use developments, CRE developers have the opportunity and responsibility to foster thriving local communities. By prioritizing community engagement, sustainable practices, and economic growth, developers can ensure that their projects contribute positively to the areas they serve.
Successful CRE projects go beyond bricks and mortar; they are built with people in mind. One of the most effective ways developers can support local communities is through meaningful engagement. This involves listening to residents, businesses, and local organizations to understand their needs and concerns.
Hosting public consultations, partnering with community groups, and incorporating resident feedback into project plans can help developers create spaces that genuinely enhance the neighbourhood. Community-focused design leads to more welcoming and vibrant spaces, whether it’s adding public green spaces, supporting local artists with mural projects, or ensuring mixed-use developments cater to both commercial and residential needs.
A strong local economy benefits everyone, and CRE developers can play a pivotal role in fostering business growth. One way to do this is by prioritizing local businesses as tenants rather than solely focusing on large national or global chains. By offering flexible lease terms and providing support for small businesses, developers can help create diverse and dynamic commercial spaces that serve the community's unique character.
Developers can also work with local contractors, suppliers, and service providers during construction and ongoing property management. Sourcing materials and labour locally strengthens the regional economy and builds goodwill and trust within the community.
Modern CRE developments should incorporate sustainable design principles that benefit the environment and the community. Green building certifications, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly construction materials reduce environmental impact while lowering long-term operating costs.
Additionally, integrating green spaces such as rooftop gardens, landscaped courtyards, and tree-lined walkways enhances urban livability. These areas provide aesthetic value and contribute to public health by promoting outdoor activity and improving air quality. Developers who prioritize sustainability demonstrate a commitment to long-term community well-being.
The rise in housing costs has pressured many urban communities, making affordability a key issue. While CRE developers often focus on commercial properties, they can still support inclusive development by advocating for or participating in mixed-use projects incorporating affordable housing.
Partnering with local governments and housing organizations can help developers integrate residential options catering to various income levels. When combined with retail, office, and public amenities, mixed-use developments create balanced, sustainable communities where people can live, work, and thrive in the same area.
The success of a CRE project is often tied to the quality of local infrastructure, including roads, public transit, and pedestrian pathways. Developers can contribute by investing in infrastructure improvements that benefit the wider community.
CRE developers can shape not just city skylines but also the daily lives of those who live and work in these spaces. Developers can ensure their projects provide lasting benefits by fostering strong community engagement, supporting local businesses, prioritizing sustainability, and investing in infrastructure. These efforts lead to more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous communities, providing that commercial real estate success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
References
Kelman, L. (2024, August 12). Council post: How developers can work hand in hand with local residents to create connected communities. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/03/30/how-developers-can-work-hand-in-hand-with-local-residents-to-create-connected-communities/
Nelson, E., Tim Tompkins, T. H. L., & David L. Johnson, M. M. (2024, March 14). Building better: How real estate developers can create more inclusive catalytic development projects. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/building-better-how-real-estate-developers-can-create-more-inclusive-catalytic-development-projects/
The role of developers in creating strong communities. Phil Myrick LLC. (2024, December 6). https://www.philmyrick.com/sb/fostering-community-through-creative-placemaking-the-role-of-real-estate-developers/
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