About Me
Hello! My name is Patrick Birdsong, and I am an economic development and affordable housing professional dedicated to advancing equitable communities.
I take a holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by our communities. I believe that by working collaboratively with stakeholders and utilizing data-driven and innovative approaches, we can create communities that are inclusive, vibrant, and resilient.
I have a strong interest in neighborhood revitalization, community development finance, and housing policy. I hope to learn and grow my skill set In the confluence of these variables and their Impact on distressed and disinvested communities.
At the University of Illinois - Chicago, I received a Master's in Urban Planning and Policy with a concentration in economic development. I took courses in real estate development, real estate finance, economic analysis methods, and urban economic and social theory. I'm also an employee of Enterprise Advisors, Enterprise Community Partners' mission-based consultancy group. In this role, I have led and supported technical assistance, capacity building, and advisory work across housing and community development programs and projects for our public and non-profit partners.
I am proud to showcase my work in planning and policy through my portfolio. I hope that my portfolio will serve as a testament to my dedication to promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity in our communities.
Selected Works
Greater Englewood Forward
Type: Academic Project, Building a Community Plan
Role: Project Manager, Corridor Team, Economic Development Team
I served as the co-project manager and member of the economic development team in a group of 20 fellow students, advised by Dr. Stacey Sutton, as we developed a community plan for Englewood and West Englewood in Chicago.
Our community plan was comprehensive and covered key areas such as economic development, transportation, environment, civic infrastructure, housing, and more. Throughout the planning process, I guided the group from research to developing insights and themes, to developing policies and programs that met the community's needs. Our plan was founded on two essential principles: community wealth and community health.
In my economic development work, I focused on creating ways to increase capital in the community, promoting community ownership of businesses, developing meaningful workforce development programs that led to good and promising jobs, and cultivating community wealth.
Skills: Project Management, Economic Analysis, Data Analysis, GIS, Leadership, InDesign, Communication, Public Speaking, Corridor Analysis, Teamwork
Eva Calderon Affordable Housing Development
Type: Academic Project, Affordable Housing Development Financial Analysis
Role: Team Member
We performed a comprehensive financial analysis of a potential housing development location in Logan Square, which involved analyzing the market demand, creating a development budget, and forecasting cash flows up to 15 years, and then developing the capital stack that could make the project financially feasibly. We then presented the proposal Bickerdike Development, who commissioned the project, for feedback and reflection. Our capital stack and operating budget were closest to the structure Bickerdike ultimately chose for the project.
Skills: Gap Financing, Development Proforma, Operating Proforma, Financial Feasibility Analysis, Public Speaking
Bombardier Manufacturing Analysis
Type: Academic Project, Economic Impact Analysis
Role: Team Member
As a part of an economic development methods course, I conducted an economic impact analysis using IMPLAN software to assess the potential impact of a new aviation manufacturing plant on the economy of the Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area. The analysis was comprehensive and included various factors such as revenue generated from employment, business-to-business transactions, and household income. The projected impacts of the plant for the years 2023-2026 were summarized in a table, while a chart was used to illustrate the impacts of employee compensation. The analysis was aimed at providing a detailed understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed manufacturing plant on the local economy.
Skills: IMPLAN, Economic Impact Analysis, Communication, Technical Writing
Analysis of NMTC Program
Type: Academic Project, Economic Development Tool Analysis
Role: Individual
I conducted a project aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) in revitalizing low to moderately low-income census tracts. This involved examining how the funds were being spent and if they were reaching the intended neighborhoods. Additionally, I evaluated the effectiveness of resulting developments in improving the local community and economy.
Skills: Technical Writing, Research, Economic Theory, Financial Analysis
Picuris Pueblo Housing Department Needs Assessment
Type: Professional; Enterprise Community Partners, Enterprise Advisors
Role: Project Lead
I conducted a needs assessment for the Picuris Pueblo Department of Housing after they received ARPA funds. The goal was to identify the barriers preventing the tribe from effectively spending down the funds and develop recommendations for forthcoming technical assistance.
To complete this project, I conducted an in-depth analysis of the entire department, reviewing its current practices, policies, and procedures. This allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the department's operations and identify areas where improvements could be made.
Based on my analysis, I developed findings and recommendations for technical assistance that will help the Picuris Pueblo Department of Housing overcome the barriers and effectively spend down the ARPA funds. My team and I are committed to working closely with the department to implement these recommendations and support their efforts to improve housing conditions in the community.
Skills: Communication, HUD CPD Knowledge, IHBG, ICDBG, Rural Housing
Workforce Analysis for Village of Wilmette
The Role Capital Plays In The City
Type: Academic Project, Economic Analysis
Role: Individual
I conducted an analysis of the inflow and outflow of workers in the village of Wilmette, IL to better understand why there was a significant net outflow of workers. The analysis involved examining data related to the movement of workers into and out of the village, including factors such as the availability of job opportunities, commuting patterns, and the cost of living. Through this analysis, I was able to Identify factors enabling the net outflow of workers from the village such as high housing costs.
Skills: Data Analysis, Communication
Type: Academic Project, Economic & Political Theory
Role: Individual
I delved into the theory of capitalism and evaluated how it influences the inner workings of our cities. I explored the role that capital and living in a capitalist society play in shaping the relationships between people, private ownership, and urban planning professionals.
By better understanding the complex relationships between capital, people, and private ownership, I gained insights into how urban planning professionals can navigate these challenges and work towards more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive cities.
Skills: Economic Theory, Political Theory, Communication, Ethics & Values, Public Speaking
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Housing Needs Assessment
Type: Professional, Enterprise Community Partners, Enterprise Advisors
Role: Project Lead
I am leading a housing needs assessment for the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina. The Tribe received almost $10,000,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, and I am working on identifying the most effective way to utilize those funds for new development projects.
Following the needs assessment, I will lead an engagement to provide advisory and technical assistance to support the implementation of the priority projects and programs identified in the assessment.
Skills: Project Management, Housing Policy, Development Proforma, Operating Proforma, Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, Financial Feasibility Analysis, Program Development
Let's Work Together
Chicago, Illinois
Patrick.B.Birdsong@gmail.com
734 474 7921