Photo credit: Amy Wan Martz, MVE Architects
ULI Orange County organizes Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) with local experts in the planning, development, and redevelopment of land and the ownership, management, and financing of real property. Every year, the Young Leaders Group (YLG) performs a TAP with only professionals 35 and under on the panel.
This year, the YLG TAP, on which I participated, provided our expertise to the Orange County Rescue Mission. With seven other young professionals, I conducted research and due diligence to prepare a presentation about a transitional housing model project in the City of Tustin with supportive services for homeless veterans. We toured sites in SoCal to develop ideas about architecture, interior design, programming, and a financial strategy.
We learned that a key component of a successful housing project for veterans is the security of a home, a job, and a safe community. Because many homeless veterans have no cars, they need housing close to transit and job centers. On February 19, we presented our recommendations for a model with 150 to 175 units, along with design drawings, development cost estimates, and potential funding sources.
This was my third TAP. I have enjoyed applying my expertise to provide solutions in areas outside the scope of my ordinary work. I have also appreciated the opportunity to work with and get to know other young professionals working in complementary fields.
Written by Dima Galkin, an Associate at RSG