Brownfields 2013 will feature an economic redevelopment forum that will focus on state and municipal financial incentives.  

Formerly known as the Transaction Forum, (a staple of the Brownfields Conference since 2004), this event traditionally focused on providing property owners, redevelopment agencies, and communities an opportunity to market their contaminated properties directly to the real estate development industry. However, Brownfields 2011 will take place amid one of the most challenging economies and difficult environments for commercial and residential development in recent times. With that in mind, the Forum will also focus on the new importance of government financial incentives geared to spur economic development and get projects funded when traditional loans and sources of equity are hard to find.

Display/View Brownfield Properties

Redevelopment opportunities starts months before the conference, as hundreds of available properties go online in a user-friendly Google Maps-based listing service available only at www.brownfields2011.org. This unique technology platform allows interested parties to preview properties prior to the conference to identify and seek out high-priority targets. To list property(s) on Google Maps, attendance at the Economic Redevelopment Forum is not required. Click Here to Display/View Brownfield properties.

State and Local Economic Redevelopment Marketplace (Click here to go to the State Resources page)

The “State and Local Economic Redevelopment Marketplace” will feature state, regions, local governments, and property owners clustered by state and/or major metro area with each represented by individuals from the following types of organizations capable of discussing economic redevelopment with a developer, investor, end user, or other prospects:

• State voluntary cleanup programs
• State and local government economic development offices
• Alternative financing mechanisms from private banks and insurance companies
• Private sector support organizations (regional chambers of commerce, utilities, etc.)

In addition, there will be property portfolios from around the state or metro area staffed by individuals with access to that property to discuss projects directly with interested parties.

Federal Triangle

The Federal Triangle will be an area established for federal agency subject matter with experts to talk with site owners, developers, and transaction support professionals about federal incentives and programs that support economic redevelopment. The federal triangle would supplement the conference exhibit hall by asking participating organizations to provide information and expertise on financing and incentive programs or other redevelopment resources available from that particular agency.

THE “FEDERAL TRIANGLE”-- KEY TOOL TYPES SUPPORTED BY FEDERAL PROGRAMS, THAT CAN ENHANCE BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT- Written by: Charlie Bartsch Senior Policy Adviser for Economic Development EPA/OSWER

Renewable Energy Redevelopment Roundup

Renewable energy projects are some of the more intriguing redevelopment options that many states and locations are aggressively pursuing. This area at the Forum will provide informational opportunities for developers particularly interested in this sector. Each state is encouraged to include information and expertise that is focused on renewable energy as an economic opportunity.  This will not be applicable in all states due to the variations in state laws; however states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland and others have established aggressive renewable energy growth targets.

Developers Advisory Panel (Click here to go to the Developers Advisory Panel page)

The Developers Advisory Panel will provide expert consultation from Brownfield transaction professionals to owners of Brownfield sites on how to make their sites more marketable and identify potential deal killers. The panel will consist of developers, seasoned environmental consultants, and insurance professionals who will review these projects and provide their valuable advice in turns of 15 minutes each. The panel will also feature professional site selectors who can work with municipalities and site owners to critique their vacant industrial properties—focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the sites, the adequacy and relevance of information known about the properties, and possible industrial re-uses for these sites.

Click on the document below to download the official Economic Redevelopment Forum Brochure. Included you will find more details about the ERF, a schedule of events, and the Economic Redevelopment Forum Sponsorship Prospectus.

Economic Redevelopment Forum Brochure