Across major U.S. cities, Planning Boards and City Councils are relying on discretionary planning approvals to entitle most major real estate development projects — especially as many zoning codes and specific plans are not set up for “by-right” approvals of large site, multi-phased and mixed-use proposals. 

Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) and Project Development Agreements (PDA’s) increasingly function not merely as regulatory tools, but as platforms for negotiating broader societal outcomes–including affordability, climate adaptation, infrastructure modernization, ecological preservation, and community wealth creation. Virtually all large-scale building and infrastructure proposals must navigate state or local approval reviews that incorporate public input.

For real estate developers working in major metro markets, the data overwhelmingly show that discretionary entitlement approvals create more asset value lift compared to other critical development tasks, such as securing construction and permanent financing, completing construction, or leasing space. Failing to navigate the discretionary approval process either kills projects or results in lower asset value.  

Discretionary approvals all entail formal physical and virtual outreach: to advocacy groups, community interests, elected officials, neighbors, the media, and the public at large. Managing this requires a strategic engagement framework that can bolster allies, mediate energized project opponents, and convey the larger message why your project enhances the community character and delivers public benefit. Moreover, community “buy-in” often solidifies project parameters to secure potential public and philanthropic capital funding, which may determine whether a project moves forward. 

We will tackle a fundamental question: how can multi-party agreements optimize financial returns, regenerate landscapes, and create lasting community value over the life of a development?

This course teaches students how deepen and broaden community support, along with how to adjust development proposals during the pre-development process, i.e. the program mix, design character/materials, density, public benefit package, phasing, timelines, etc. We will also address how one evaluates a go/no-go decision at this early stage of a development project.

Using real project case studies, the class will highlight how to reframe stakeholder agendas, dissect preference data, and craft a multi-party negotiating strategy. Each student will investigate an in-progress or built project — in their hometown, intended community after graduation, or in Massachusetts. Upon completion of the course, students will be equipped to analyze public engagement strategies for real estate projects, manage opposition and public scrutiny, and assemble expert teams capable of leading sophisticated grassroots and stakeholder campaigns.

Note regarding the Fall 2026 GSD academic calendar: The first day of classes, Wednesday, September 2nd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD.