On a crisp December evening, the Gary Townmakers community gathered to tackle one of the city’s most significant opportunities: Vacant Land. If you missed the workshop, here is a breakdown of the strategies, tools, and pathways discussed to help you research, access, and redevelop parcels in Gary.

One of the most practical tools shared during the bootcamp was the developer pitch package, a structured way to communicate projects to lenders, investors, partners, and community stakeholders.

Week 4 of IncDev's Small Developer Bootcamp focused on the capital stack, partnerships, lender relationships, and the practical steps that move a project from concept to construction.

Detroit, like Gary, is a legacy city shaped by population loss, demolition, and decades of disinvestment. The result? Thousands of small, irregular, or narrow lots that no longer fit the zoning code written for a much larger city. Before Detroit adopted a small-lot infill ordinance in 2005, many of these lots were effectively unbuildable  because: Minimum lot sizes were too large Setbacks were suburban in scale Parking requirements were excessive Building types allowed by zon

During Week 3 of IncDev's Small Developer Bootcamp, we learned how to “read” a lot the way a developer does.

During Week 2 of IncDev's Small Developer Bootcamp, participants weren’t just interpreting zoning, they were identifying opportunities hidden inside the code, spotting barriers that need reform, and learning how to design projects that fit (or strategically challenge) the rules.

September 5, 2023, kicked off Day 1 of the Incremental Development Alliance's ( IncDev) Small Developer Bootcamp! It opened with a burst of energy, curiosity, and a shared commitment to building stronger neighborhoods through small-scale development. Participants arrived with questions, lived experience, and a hunger for clarity on the financial, legal, and strategic foundations of becoming a developer. What unfolded was a deeply practical, highly interactive session that

A Practical, Ground-Up Training for Emerging Neighborhood Developers - What the 4‑Day Small-Scale Developer Bootcamp Covers

The Gary, Indiana Small Developer Training Registration is Now Open! The early bird rate is in effect through July 14; Regular rate ends July 21.

On November 17, 2022, StartUP Gary Community Development Corporation hosted a powerful community conversation led by the Incremental Development Alliance (IncDev). Click to access the embedded video.

During StartUP Gary’s November 17, 2022, workshop with the Incremental Development Alliance (IncDev) ,  guest speaker Ali Quinlan shared examples and a checklist for executing a "House Hack" project. This strategy is designed to be an entry-level step into development that generates income while allowing you to stay in your home (if zoning allows). Phase 1: Concept & Goal Setting Identify Your "Why":  Determine if your goal is to generate extra income, age in place, or provid

The November 17, 2022, workshop brought together neighbors, aspiring developers, seasoned investors, and civic-minded problem-solvers who share a common belief: Gary’s revitalization must be driven by the people who call it home.

On May 3, 2022, StartUP Gary gathered community leaders, residents, and aspiring developers for a powerful session on Financing Incremental Development, a small-scale, community-led approach to neighborhood revitalization. The event served as both an education and a call-to-action: Gary’s comeback will not be handed to us; it will be built by us.