Jim Simon and Jenny Benitez break down the topic of community benefits in local development projects across California in Episode 4 of RSG Insider.

They discuss the basics of what community benefits are, how cities can secure these public benefits from developers, and explain the mechanisms that make this possible. Jenny emphasizes the mutual advantages for both cities and developers due to the voluntary nature of these agreements and the importance of city-established priorities. Plus, Jenny shares why this is some of her favorite work!

In this episode of RSG Insider, Tara Matthews and Dominique Clark share the ins and outs of affordable housing underwriting.

They start by defining what underwriting means in the context of affordable housing and why public agencies might need to contribute financially to affordable housing projects. Dominique talks about the specific factors RSG analyzes during the underwriting process and what sets our team apart in this field. You'll also hear what Dominique enjoys most about underwriting and her perspective on the future of affordable housing.

Join RSG Principal Tara Matthews and Director Dominique Clark as they walk through the world of rent stabilization petitions. Dominique explains what a rent increase petition is, shedding light on their significance within the rent stabilization framework. She breaks down the various types of petitions, including Fair Return, Consumer Price Index, and Capital Improvement Petitions, as well as Tenant Petitions which request a rent decrease. Learn about RSG's experience and role in the petition process and why cities often hire consultants like RSG. Dominique also shares valuable advice for communities looking to establish or strengthen their petition process and what typical outcomes of petitions can look like.

Join RSG Principal Tara Matthews as she sits down with Sara Court, a seasoned expert in rent stabilization for local jurisdictions, to discuss the intricacies of program design and administration for rent stabilization measures. In this episode, they explore why the term "rent stabilization" is becoming more prevalent and provide an overview of rent stabilization ordinances and their role in housing policy. Sara offers insights into the critical factors cities should consider when implementing these policies as well as the legal frameworks that support sound policy development and ensuring compliance with local regulations. She also shares her experiences with the challenges of rolling out rental registries and discusses the complexities and funding of these programs.