The Small Scale Forums
“…I got the value of my ticket within the first 3 hours… I recommend it to aspiring and current small scale developers because of the networking, learning and case studies in the field”
—Chukwudum Muoneke
2024 Forums
SSDF#23 San Luis Obispo, CA (June 2025)
SSDF#24 Fayetteville, AR (October 2025)
Curated by CRAFT DnA
#21 took us to Bend, OR where we heard the story of a small, isolated townʻs economic loss of its major industry, and successful rebirth as a place offering an exceptional quality of life. This through line of ʻlogging to lifestyleʻ permeated everything we saw, often led by forward thinking planning and a community of entrepreneurs who led the way with vision, tenacity and chutzpah. We witnessed a downtown characterized by ʻold urbanismʻ and protected – not stymied – by welcoming thoughtful infill. The bane of small developers existence – parking – took front and center in one of our most inspired presentations by the Cityʻs Parking manager
Innovative approaches to housing development – from the use of Community Land Trusts, to a company that started with Tiny Homes and is now raising a fund to deliver small scale infill communities, to a large master planned community that has stood the test of time with workmanlike attention to street design, mixed product, the use of a Builderʻs Guild, and a creative town center that took several tries to get right. Sage advice from a developer with over six decades of experience provided great insights into how developers can lead the conversation for positive change, when times get tough.
We were once again joined by media partners Insignia Studios, who streamed and recorded over seven hours of content, now available with the After Ticket #21.
“This is the Un-Conference Conference!”
—ATIF Qadir, AIA, CO-FOUNDER & CIO, CoMMONPLACE, NY, NY
About the Small Scale Forums
The Small Developer Forum (SSDF) is the premier gathering of entrepreneurial real estate professionals working with small scale, incremental and transformative development projects. Held twice a year, each SSDF visits a new city to provide fresh inspiration and take-home lessons from a variety of projects and settings. Attended by a diverse group of over 80 individuals, the common thread is a passion for transformative real estate development and the bond created through the challenges and joy of being a small scale, entrepreneurial developer.
Panel Discussions Walking Tours | In-Person Case Studies | Peer-to-Peer Roundtables | Group Networking | Deal Sharing |… and much more!
“….great experience and fantastic people. Hard to express how grateful I am to have been invited and find my people!”
—Cary Westerbeck; Principal, Westerbeck Architecture, LLC; Seattle, WA
Recent Forums
RECAP
SSDF#22 Kansas City, MO
Curated by CRAFT DnA with support from ULI Kansas City
Forum #22 surprised all of us as we descended on Kansas City, the city ʻtoo big for one stateʻ! Spanning two and half days we saw one of the broadest diversity of small projects in a single Forum, and heard passionate and empowered developers share their projects. Beyond just ʻdealsʻ we saw compelling examples of Small as an innovator in making enduring creative districts; pioneering re-investment in long forgotten and redlined neighborhoods; and explored interesting operating structures to build capacity and ownership amongst a broader group of stakeholders. Key take aways included the powerful way KCMO has leveraged tax abatement to support Small development, the power of organic – vs highly prescriptive – redevelopment to create enduring places, and how good design can bring about meaningful change.
Over eight hours of recorded panels and presentations is available with After Ticket #22.
RECAP
SSDF#20 Savannah, Georgia
Curated by CRAFT DnA in connection with SCAD with support from ULI Atlanta
Our 20th Forum took us to Savannah, GA where we explored a range of Small projects creating authenticity and place, regenerating neighborhoods and building a resilient local economy. Set amidst one of the best examples of fine-grained urbanism in America today, over three days we listened to panels of small developers like you discuss their projects and capital approaches, heard about new forms of capital scaled to smaller projects and learned about Savannah’s unique history. SCAD, a non-profit, institution dedicated to design innovation and creative careers, shared adaptative reuse and preservation buildings.
Our biggest Forum ever – over 110 attendees, we were joined by media partners Insignia Studios, who both livecast and recorded over seven hours of content.
With the new Post Event Access Ticket, you can view available sessions including panels on adaptive reuse, project capital stacks, new forms of capital, what makes Small unique, and two case studies – Starland Yard, a .5 acre shipping container F+B catalyst project, and Village-on-the-Bluff, a modest but very clever Cottage Court infill.
RECAP
SSDF#21 Bend, OR
Curated by CRAFT DnA with support from ULI Portland
Forum #21 explored the potential tools and opportunities in more remote and rural communities. Bend, OR – once on the brink of bankruptcy – has rebounded to be a magnet for lifestyle focused creatives and entrepreneurs are creating a whole new economy. Our opening presentation that featured leaders from the City – Planning, Parks and Rec, and Parking Management (yes, parking management!) to tell a powerful story of how leadership and adherence to values and a vision result in positive outcomes over time. The success of the townʻs resurgence, has not been without its issues and two panels looked at creative ways to address a burgeoning housing affordability challenge, brought on by so much demand and outsized growth. Words of wisdom from an experienced developer who ʻthinks Smallʻ and championed much of the long term vision of Bend provided invaluable insights.
Over seven hours of recorded panels and presentations is available with After Ticket #21
RECAP
SSDF#19 Philadelphia, PA
Curated by CRAFT DnA in collaboration with ULI Philadelphia
Our 19th Forum took us to Philadelphia, PA where we explored a range of urban infill and adaptive reuse projects, as well as the important role Business Improvement Districts play in helping facilitate Small.
One of our more stunning events was the welcome reception held at BOK, a former 350,000 SF Technical Training high school that has been converted into a stunning maker and creative workspace for range of businesses, educational platforms and food and beverage outlets.
We also toured and heard from leading architects – Onion Flats and ISA Architects – and infill developers whose work infilling Philadelphia’s rich matrix of small, townhome lots with innovative projects helped reinforce the important role Small developers play in healing neighborhoods.