BOSTON— The Builder Coalition (TBC) marked a major milestone on December 5 with the graduation of its Affordable Housing Developer Fellowship, a program designed to expand Massachusetts’ pipeline of diverse and mission-driven housing developers. State leaders, industry partners, and emerging real estate firms gathered to celebrate the fellows’ achievements and the growing momentum behind equitable housing development across the Commonwealth.
Supported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and JPMorgan Chase, the six-month fellowship featured biweekly expert-led instruction, hands-on mentorship, and a final capstone project in which each participating firm presented an original affordable housing proposal. Synergy Investments and WinnCompanies sponsored the culminating event.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll delivered an inspiring keynote, urging fellows to anchor their careers in purpose-focused development and meaningful collaboration. Larry Curtis, President of WinnDevelopment, and other regional leaders emphasized the importance of preparing a new generation of developers to address the state’s escalating housing needs. Worcester Mayor Joe Petty highlighted his city’s significant growth plans—including 10,000 new housing units and major infrastructure investments—underscoring the critical demand for skilled developers.
“This fellowship proves what’s possible when emerging developers are given access, mentorship, and a real platform to build,” said Dave Madan, Executive Director of The Builder Coalition. “We’re incredibly proud of this year’s graduates, and we’re committed to expanding into Central and Western Massachusetts, where the need and energy for equitable housing development have never been greater.”
This year’s graduating cohort includes AM Management, Bold Vision Real Estate Solutions, Clearwater Real Estate Investment Group, DaSilva Enterprises, Historic Built, Mamba Capital, McPherson Development, Messiah Venture Partners, Naylor Nation, New Vision Enterprise, Sage Home Builders, SENZA Projects, and Stack Architecture & Development.
“This fellowship was transformative and changed the trajectory of our business,” said Kevin Mapp of McPherson Development. “The mentorship, the community, and the real-world development experience gave us the confidence and capability to pursue projects we once thought were out of reach.”
As TBC prepares for statewide expansion, the organization remains focused on cultivating a more inclusive, capable development ecosystem—and empowering emerging firms to create the affordable, community-centered housing Massachusetts urgently needs.
