Structuring the Deal: Mastering Capital Stacks, Funding Options, and Risk-Return Strategies in Redevelopment

Successful redevelopment projects depend not only on strong vision and planning but on the ability to structure financing that balances risk, return, and community impact. Structuring the Deal: Mastering Capital Stacks in Redevelopment Financing gives participants a practical framework for understanding how to assemble and align multiple funding sources to make complex projects viable. Through real-world examples, interactive discussions, and case-based exercises, participants will learn how to layer debt, equity, tax credits, and public incentives to close financing gaps and attract investors. This workshop demystifies key financing tools and explores how to strategically match them to different project types and risk profiles. Designed for developers, municipal officials, and financial partners, this session will strengthen participants’ capacity to “speak the language” of finance, negotiate with lenders and investors, and structure deals that advance both economic feasibility and community revitalization goals. Key Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Identify and explain the key components of a redevelopment capital stack, including senior debt, subordinate debt, equity, and public subsidies. Construct a basic project financing model that demonstrates how layered funding reduces risk and enhances project feasibility. Evaluate the trade-offs between various financing sources (e.g., public incentives, private equity, CDFIs, and tax credits) to select the optimal structure for different redevelopment scenarios. Apply financial structuring strategies to real-world NJ redevelopment examples to improve deal readiness and lender confidence.