Feasibility Case Study

• AS ILLUSTRATED, ACCESS TO OPEN SPACE AND PARKS IS A COMMON FACTOR IN
  MEASURING A PROJECT’S ACHIEVEMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY GOALS.
  

  BACKGROUND

  A public agency needed help analyzing proposals for funding of affordable housing developments by for-profit and non-profit organizations. Funding decisions were predicated on a review of applicant responses to a formalized RFP process. This included an assessment of project viability, readiness and achievement of various public policy goals.

  SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

  The agency was faced with severe time and resource limitations. Moreover, the agency required review team independence to insulate decision making from potential bias or political influence.

  STRATEGY & SOLUTION

  Veloce Partners rapidly reviewed applications for compliance with the agency’s RFP guidelines, and prepared financial analyses of the projects to facilitate comparison among competing proposals. Veloce Partners also provided the
  client with a written assessment of the applications, prepared staff reports,
  and offered insights regarding current market trends that could impact future
  developments.

Staff Training Case Study

• WITH PROPER TRAINING, AGENCY STAFF ARE BETTER EQUIPPED TO IDENTIFY NEEDS, UNDERSTAND DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES AND CAPITALIZE ON FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES.

  BACKGROUND
  

  A major city responsible for administering a variety of housing loan programs was experiencing a lack of consistency in analytical work performed by its staff, and concerned that rapidly evolving market conditions were not being adequately considered in its decision making process. The city sought additional staff training to address these conditions.

  SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

  Due to staff turnover and varied prior professional experience, city staff members had varying levels of knowledge about current market conditions, optimal financing strategies, and the detailed underwriting process for affordable housing development. While some staff members had extensive financial analysis strengths, others were more experienced in practical development considerations or planning issues. The goal of the training was to provide a broad ranging yet practical overview of the development process and financing tools, preferably through the use of current market case studies.

  STRATEGY & SOLUTION

  Veloce Partners prepared a training curriculum that included program background on key funding programs, a comparison of key features and decision-making criteria, and real-world case studies to demonstrate the structuring and analysis process from a development perspective. The training program also included hands-on financial modeling and analysis case studies that were completed individually and in small groups to reinforce the learning process. Through this training the city achieved several positive outcomes including improved staff productivity and work quality, and was able to reduce its reliance on outside consultants to perform routine due diligence reviews

Public Policy Design Case Study

• VELOCE PARTNERS HELPS DEVELOP POLICY THAT MAXIMIZES RETURN ON AGENCIES’ ALREADY LIMITED RESOURCES

  BACKGROUND
  

  A public agency wanted to implement new public policies that could help preserve existing housing without becoming a barrier to new development. They were considering several potential tools, including in-lieu fees, development incentives and a rent control ordinance.

  SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

  Various policies under consideration had differing impacts on the feasibility of new developments. Moreover, the agency sought to balance the competing interests of business, housing advocacy groups, residents and potential developers while considering the economic consequence of the different policies.

  STRATEGY & SOLUTION

  Veloce Partners reviewed the various provisions and prepared an assessment of the potential financial impacts that could occur by adopting each policy.
  Veloce Partners also recommended revised policies that would offer greater
  flexibility while maintaining costeffective compliance. Through successful
  collaboration with Veloce Partners, the agency has completed and is now
  implementing these more effective policies.