1DROP Inaugural Developer Kickoff: A Collective Milestone
1DROP Members with special guest Gary Gant.
Last week, 1DROP achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural cohort of developers. Attended by local aspiring, emerging and established developers, the kickoff event was a platform for awareness, connection, inspiration, and action. As 1DROP Co-Founder Dominique Remy reflected, “All the hard work from this point came to fruition. In order to maximize impact, we need everyone’s leadership in the work.”
A Unified Vision for Change
Forefront: Reggie Brown and Loundyne Hare
The kickoff event dove deep into 1DROP’s mission of supporting underrepresented developers to expand housing opportunities. Attendees engaged in activities designed to foster connections and align on shared goals, including interactive sessions that emphasized the need to embrace a mindset focused on opportunity and growth. As Reggie Brown, Co-Founder of 1DROP, explained, “As much work as they have been doing, and all of the success, the role of last night was to make it feel real. Our developer members are being empowered to play a role.”
Tackling Challenges and Advancing Solutions in Housing Development
The kickoff event delved into key themes shaping the future of housing development, including strategies to address housing inequities and foster collaboration among developers. Attendees explored challenges like bridging the racial homeownership gap, the unique risk involved in affordable housing projects, and advancing sustainable construction practices that serve diverse communities. With shared insights on navigating regulatory hurdles and leveraging collective expertise, the discussions reinforced the importance of unity and innovation in driving meaningful change.
Building Community and Breaking Barriers
“Insulating instead of isolating”
- Kay Cole
The event emphasized the collective commitment to creating lasting change. Developers shared personal reflections on their experiences, reinforcing the value of collaboration and mutual support. Kay Cole, a member of the cohort, encapsulated this sentiment by stating, “Insulating instead of isolating.” This philosophy underscores the importance of a supportive network that uplifts developers while addressing the systemic challenges in housing.
The Path Forward
Each member pledged to contribute to the building of 1% of the housing needed in the Puget Sound, an ambitious goal, as it would mean 2,750 units over the next five years. 1DROP members are poised to make a profound impact on the housing landscape. The event served as a launchpad for this vision, inspiring developers to take bold steps toward their projects. Co-Founder Claude Remy summed up the event’s success: “It couldn’t have gone any better. Based on the responses from the actual people, things couldn’t have gone better.”
Moving forward members will lead and support 1DROP in a number of ways:
Joining priority committees (Policy, Funding, Apprenticeship, etc.) to help shape how 1DROP operates
Leading Recurring Mentor Office Hours - drop ins for expertise, direction, and connection
Leading monthly topic based trainings (Ex. Navigating Preconstruction)
Signing up for co-development and apprenticeship opportunities
Attending a quarterly member meeting and social
Providing input on 1DROP direction, experiences, and key stances, and much more
Forefront: Dominique Remy. Background: Reggie Brown and Lexie Brown.
A Collective Commitment
Together, 1DROP and members will be shaping inclusive communities for the future. By fostering an environment of respect, cooperation, and shared purpose, this collective is paving the way for equitable housing solutions that will benefit generations to come.
Reggie Brown speaking to 1DROP members.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Championing funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP’s website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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