Tips for a More Painless Development Project

Seven ways to make your building development or rehab project run more smoothly:

• Get organized. Space development is a complex process that usually takes several years. Your files, financial information, resources, etc. must be in order for you to effectively manage this process.
  
• Get your alderman's support : This will help you to better navigate the process of gaining permits, zoning changes, planning approval, etc.
  
• Check your zoning status: You don’t want to commit to a building and start the planning process, only to learn that you can’t use the space for your intended purposes.
  
• Get your finances in order: Understanding how your finances work will better prepare you for a development project. Work with an accountant from the beginning, and conduct a financial feasibility study.\ 

• Get your board in order: As we previously discussed, having a board of directors with depth and a range of skills can help the project succeed. Well-connected and knowledgeable board members can bring new resources and support to the project, and help you to avoid costly mistakes.
  
  
• Get your staff behind the project:  All parties involved with the project must understand and support the goals. A disinterested or unsupportive staff can derail the project.
  
• Be patient. A development project is a major undertaking.

Future chapters on the actual facility development process are in the planning stages. A terrific new on-line resource for organizational development is smARTstart, from the Arts and Business Council.