Challenge: Finding a Gem Among Sites for Affordable

Smith: “The planning approval process for AH projects also tends to be longer and more arduous because of NIMBYism and the substantial level of community outreach that is typically required for this type of development.”

IRVINE, CA—“With regard to design and planning specifically, our most significant challenge is working with sites … that have been passed over by market-rate developers for one reason or another,” Jamboree Housing’s newly appointed SVP, housing development, Welton Smith tells GlobeSt.com. Smith, who joined the affordable-housing developer in 2014 as VP of housing development, is responsible for all aspects of the company’s housing development and associated operations including business development, acquisitions, entitlement, planning and design, construction and major capital improvements. We spoke exclusively with Smith after the announcement of his promotion about some of the challenges in these areas of affordable-housing development.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the challenges in design and planning for affordable housing today?