The New Playbook for Place-Based Development

Municipalities often struggle to align private development with community priorities. This session, led by Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority, presents an approach to place-based development that addresses this gap. Through initiatives like Horizon South Real Estate—which enables direct capital investment and accelerates development—and the Southland Monarch Fund, a $100 million investment vehicle designed to attract private capital and support development-ready land, SDA is helping unlock value in underinvested communities. Attendees will gain insight into how these tools reduce barriers, align stakeholders, and support community-driven growth.