RSG Insider

Join us for this special edition of RSG Insider, hosted by Carol Ieromnimon, alongside Jessica Gonzales, one of RSG's newest Directors. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of Community and Neighborhood Development and how it shapes equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. This episode features highlights from leaders across California, showcasing real-world success...

In another engaging episode of RSG Insider, Tara Matthews hosts RSG federal funding compliance expert Cindy Blot to walk through the ins and outs of managing Federal funds for housing and community development. Cindy provides a brief overview of the requirements for key programs, sharing the high stakes of getting it right—and the serious consequences if you don’t. She explains what a Consolidated...

Step into the world of residential and commercial relocation with Tara Matthews and Alex Lawrence in this episode of RSG Insider. They cover the reasons for relocation, state and federal relocation requirements, and the types of assistance provided to impacted residents and businesses. Alex shares insights on how RSG helps guide clients through relocation projects, highlighting the importance of n...

RSG Principal Tara Matthews and Director Suzy Kim explore the topic of residential relocation in Episode 13 of RSG Insider. Suzy describes the in-depth process of residential relocation and offers practical advice for planning a relocation project. They also discuss some of Suzy’s most memorable projects and how she connects with residents during what can be an overwhelming and emotional transitio...

In our next episode of RSG Insider, Tara Matthews and Dominique Clark discuss the intricacies of mobile home park relocation. They dive into how mobile home ownership differs from traditional homeownership, the reasons why residents may need to relocate, and the California-specific laws governing both permanent and temporary relocations. Dominique shares RSG's role as an independent relocation spe...

Tara Matthews brings in RSG's Alex Lawrence to break down the Surplus Land Act (SLA) and its impact on the affordable housing landscape for public agencies. They begin by providing an overview of the SLA, its history, and how it affects agencies looking to dispose of or acquire land. Alex mentions the detailed process agencies must follow to remain compliant, explains the differences between surpl...

Learn about the relationship between real estate and local governments with Jim Simon and Mark Sawicki on this episode of RSG Insider. They answer why real estate is such a critical and strategic asset for cities, touching on how RSG helps them unlock their potential to foster economic development, improve fiscal health, and boost housing production in their communities. Mark shares real-world exa...

Listen in on another insightful episode of RSG Insider, where Jim Simon sits down with Dominique Clark to unpack the complexities of tax increment financing.   They break down the terminology and how tax increment financing districts (TIF districts) are formed, like Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) and Community Revitalization and Investment Authorities (CRIAs). Dominique discus...

Tune in to this special episode of RSG Insider, where Principals Jim Simon and Tara Matthews offer a behind-the-scenes look at RSG and their passion for community development. Jim and Tara share personal stories about their background, what inspired their careers, the memorable projects that shaped their journey, and how their work has impacted both them and the local communities they serve. They...

Jim Simon is joined by Carol Ieromnimon in this episode of RSG Insider to discuss the importance of Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) in California. Carol explains what LAFCOs are, their primary functions, and the purpose of Municipal Service Reviews (MSRs), which play an essential role in evaluating local agency services. Learn about the challenges LAFCOs face during the MSR process and...

Get into the latest trends in commercial real estate in California with Jim Simon and Brandon Fender in our next episode of RSG Insider. They cover the demand for industrial spaces, life science and tech office developments, hotels, and housing, including how these trends affect what different cities and counties are experiencing. RSG supports local governments in navigating these market changes,...

Jim Simon and Jenny Benitez break down the topic of community benefits in local development projects across California in Episode 4 of RSG Insider. They discuss the basics of what community benefits are, how cities can secure these public benefits from developers, and explain the mechanisms that make this possible. Jenny emphasizes the mutual advantages for both cities and developers due to the vo...

In this episode of RSG Insider, Tara Matthews and Dominique Clark share the ins and outs of affordable housing underwriting.  They start by defining what underwriting means in the context of affordable housing and why public agencies might need to contribute financially to affordable housing projects. Dominique talks about the specific factors RSG analyzes during the underwriting process and what...

Join RSG Principal Tara Matthews and Director Dominique Clark as they walk through the world of rent stabilization petitions. Dominique explains what a rent increase petition is, shedding light on their significance within the rent stabilization framework. She breaks down the various types of petitions, including Fair Return, Consumer Price Index, and Capital Improvement Petitions, as well as Tena...

Join RSG Principal Tara Matthews as she sits down with Sara Court, a seasoned expert in rent stabilization for local jurisdictions, to discuss the intricacies of program design and administration for rent stabilization measures. In this episode, they explore why the term "rent stabilization" is becoming more prevalent and provide an overview of rent stabilization ordinances and their rol...