How Do Real Estate Developers Work with City Planners?

July 28, 2025 | Kristi Kandel

ASK:

How do I work with city planners to keep my project moving?

ANSWER:

At LRED, we teach developers that city planners aren’t roadblocks, they’re key partners. They want good projects to get built, but they need you to show up prepared and follow the process.

Start with a pre-application meeting. Bring a simple, one-page concept and ask what the city actually wants. Remember, local governments often reward the right kinds of projects with faster approvals and real incentives.

When you work with planners, not against them, you move your project forward with fewer surprises. Inside Dev-OS, you can track every planner conversation, submission, and hearing so nothing gets missed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Pre-application meetings open doors and save time.
   
• Planners will help you especially if you align with the community’s goals.
   
• Dev-OS keeps your city paperwork and deadlines organized.
   
• LRED Mentorship helps you prep for public hearings and city reviews.
   

PEOPLE ALSO ASK:

How do I work with city planners?

• Start with a real conversation. At LRED, we show you how to build relationships, ask the right questions, and show up like someone who knows what they’re doing, even if it’s your first project.

What if a planner pushes back on my project?

• Don’t panic. Pushback is normal. At LRED, we help you adjust your design, your timeline, or your approach so you can keep the conversation moving and keep the deal alive.

Can planners help me find funding?

• Sometimes, yes. City planners can tip you off to grants, density bonuses, or local incentives. At LRED, we teach you exactly how to ask and how to position your project to get on their radar.

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