Course 2: Navigating the Development Process: Finance Fundamentals for Landscape Architects - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)
Recorded On: 05/29/2025
This course offers landscape architects a foundational understanding of development finance, including key models, funding sources, and current market conditions. Participants will explore various financing structures—from conventional loans to creative public-private partnerships—and learn how to identify opportunities to add value at different stages of the development process. The course aims to demystify financial concepts and help design professionals engage more confidently with developers and public agencies.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe key development finance models, including public-private partnerships, district financing, and lease-to-own arrangements.
- Distinguish between major sources and types of project funding, such as debt vs. equity financing, grants, and public subsidies.
- Identify strategic opportunities for landscape architects to contribute to and shape development projects through early-stage visioning, financing, and planning processes.
Molly McKay
Principal
Willdan Financial & Economic Consulting Services
Molly McKay is the Managing Principal at Willdan Group, where she leads a Washington, DC-based real estate and economic development consulting practice focused on market feasibility, strategic planning, and public-private partnerships. With global experience across 25 U.S. states and multiple international regions, she advises on projects ranging from urban infill to large-scale innovation districts. A Certified Economic Developer and Fulbright Scholar, Molly brings expertise in sustainable development, real estate finance, and urban planning. She serves in leadership roles with Willdan’s Smart Cities Working Group, the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, and ULI’s Redevelopment and Reuse Council, where she champions inclusive, impactful development practices.
Gail Henderson-King, ASLA, PLA, EDFP (Moderator)
Principal
Henderson King Consulting
Gail Henderson-King is a principal at Henderson-King Consulting, that specializes in landscape architecture, community and economic development projects focused on designs that integrate the natural and cultural environments for successful places to live, work and play. Gail strives to enhance and strengthen the physical characteristics of a site through context sensitive creative designs. With extensive expertise in project management, master planning and development, and site context designs, Gail seamlessly integrates design, policy, and community engagement in her work.
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