In this episode of The Relentless Growth Podcast, Chase Calhoun and Jack Maher explore the real, and often underestimated, ROI of showing up in the communities where you live, work, and build. Whether it’s navigating zoning issues, gaining public support for housing projects, or simply earning trust—being visible and involved can be a game changer for developers.
Chase shares his firsthand experience with a controversial ADU project that drew political and neighbor pushback, underscoring the importance of establishing local relationships early—before the entitlement battle begins. Jack outlines a practical framework for engaging in your local ecosystem through three essential community pillars:
🏛️ City staff and elected officials
🏢 Local business and civic groups like Chambers of Commerce
👥 The general public and nonprofits through volunteerism and local events
Together, they dig into:
Why face-to-face engagement with planning staff can prevent future roadblocks
How to strategically choose cities that want your developments, not just need them
The long-term value of treating your city like a partner, not a gatekeeper
Real examples of how small gestures (like attending local events) build trust and credibility
Whether you're just entering the development and entitlement game, or you're scaling across cities, this episode breaks down why community presence isn't optional—it’s strategic.
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