The Lost Spaces Forum serves as the vital anchor point for the broader Lost Spaces Conference, designed to center participants around the core principles of equitable community revitalization. As an immersive, actionable gathering, the forum grounds stakeholders from community leaders and local developers to residents and advocates in practical frameworks for neighborhood restoration. By addressing the critical intersections of local ownership, real estate leverage, and capital stack readiness, the forum bridges visionary ideas with execution. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge, renewed alignment, and the momentum needed to transform historically underinvested and vacant spaces into flourishing community assets.
Topic 1: How to Practice Community-Led Development
Speaker: Jason Hyman
True neighborhood revitalization begins from the inside out. In this session, we will demystify the mechanics of community-led development, moving from foundational principles to tangible execution. Participants will explore an overview of community-driven models before diving deep into the strategy required to organize grass-roots stakeholders, structure sustainable financing, and leverage local real estate assets. Learn how to transform underutilized properties into tools for community empowerment, economic stability, and long-term wealth building ensuring that development happens with the community, not to it.
Topic 2: How to Tap into Alternative Funding Sources
Moderator: Brittany Hyman
Panelists:
Helen Stagg, Former CEO, Civic Heart
Cedric LaSane, Deputy Director, Housing & Community Development
Dr. Sheri Smith, Professor of Urban Planning, Texas Southern University
Unlocking sustainable revitalization requires looking beyond traditional commercial lending. This interactive panel brings together leading voices across civic leadership, municipal governance, academic research, and real estate development to share how organizations can position themselves to secure diverse funding streams. The panel will explore:
Public Funding: Navigating municipal subsidies and government programs for affordable housing development.
Philanthropic Funding: Positioning community-based organizations for impactful grant making and philanthropic support.
Academic Resources: Leveraging research, urban planning advocacy, and university partnerships to strengthen project viability.
Private Funding: Structuring private capital for mission-aligned economic and housing development.
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Itinerary:
8:30 AM: Check-In
8:45 AM: Welcome
9:30 - 10:45 AM: Topic 1
11:00-12:45 PM: Topic 2
Up to 50% off for DT3M campaign supporters.
Become a supporter at www.dt3m.com