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In 2016, the City of Minneapolis launched the Developer Technical Assistance Program (DTAP) to support small and emerging real estate developers. This initiative aimed to empower first-time developers with the technical knowledge necessary for successful project planning and execution, offering personalized assistance throughout the development process. Element is currently involved in DTAP, seizing a unique consulting opportunity to assist emerging developers in the Twin Cities.
Element helps emerging developers evaluate opportunities, navigate financing, and build a roadmap for successful project execution. Working alongside developers such as Anissa Keyes (Northside Epicenter), Abe Demmaj (Unity Building), Kenya McKnight (ZaRah), Anthony Newby (Cultivated CBD), Teto Wilson (Swank Eatery), and Recovery Bike Shop, our team has provided feasibility studies, market analysis, pro forma development, underwriting, grant and loan coordination, and redevelopment planning. From securing Opportunity Outpost Fund financing and coordinating loan documentation to preparing LCDA applications and evaluating redevelopment scenarios, our role is to help developers understand what's possible—and what isn't. Not every deal should move forward. By evaluating project feasibility, aligning financing with project scale, and identifying risks and opportunities early, we help clients make informed decisions and position projects for long-term success.
Through collaborative efforts facilitated by DTAP, the program's one-on-one technical assistance has empowered emerging developers, positively impacting local neighborhoods and creating a platform for sustainable growth. The success of Element and other DTAP consultants in supporting small-scale development and community revitalization highlights the value of initiatives like DTAP.
