Who This Is For

This program is for people who care about their block, their community, and the future of Dallas, especially in neighborhoods that have been overlooked or left out.

You do not need prior real estate or development experience to apply. This course welcomes people who are curious, committed, and serious about learning to become small-scale developers with the right tools, guidance, and support.

It is also for experienced builders, entrepreneurs, property owners, and investors who want to approach development in a more community-driven, equitable way.

Whether you are just getting started, exploring your first project, or already working on a property, you are welcome here.

Sessions will take place on the following Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM:

• June 6, 2026
• June 13, 2026
• June 20, 2026
• June 27, 2026
• July 11, 2026
• July 18, 2026
• July 25, 2026

All sessions will be held at:

Collab at Wheatland Plaza
544 E. Wheatland Road
Duncanville, TX 75116

About the Program

This intensive 7-week Saturday program guides participants through a proven framework for community-centered, small-scale real estate development.

Led by Monte Anderson, an award-winning developer who has spent 35 years doing real-world development exclusively in Southern Dallas County. Through Neighborhood Evolution (NEVO), he has trained emerging small developers across the country. Monte is teaching this course alongside expert guest speakers and Course Champions. Each session builds on the last to take participants from identifying their development area all the way through management, community impact, and paying it forward.

Before the course begins, each participant will receive the 12 Steps to Townmaking workbook, written by Monte Anderson and Bernice Radle, published by Neighborhood Evolution (NEVO). The workbook provides the framework for the development process - emphasizing commitment to place, practical exercises, cumulative learning, due diligence, and relationship-building across the local development ecosystem.

This is a small cohort program. Each participant will receive direct attention and one-on-one coaching through dedicated, weekly office hours with Monte. Students will receive feedback and support throughout the course to help them stay on track and succeed.

Participants will also gain access to guest speakers, local developers, and practical template tools that support each stage of the process.

What You'll Learn

• How to choose your “farm” — the area you will focus on.
• How to identify what is missing in a neighborhood and where small-scale development can add value.
• How to find and evaluate a small project.
• How to run a basic pro forma and work out early project numbers.
• How to investigate zoning and work through entitlement or code-related issues.
• How to source key information about a property from public sources.
• How to visit and evaluate a project site.
• How to build the right team, including potential lenders, contractors, engineers, accountants, lawyers, and other advisors.
• How to find funding and prepare yourself to approach lenders or investors professionally.
• How to build community support and strengthen relationships in your neighborhood.
• How to start small, stay local, and grow smart over time.

Coursework and Expectations

Homework is required in this course. The time needed may vary from week to week depending on the participant and the project, but each assignment matters because it builds directly on the prior session.

Examples of homework may include preparing a pro forma, investigating zoning, gathering public information about a project, visiting a site, mapping a target area, researching transactions, and consulting with members of a potential project team, such as lenders, contractors, engineers, accountants, or attorneys.

You will need basic comfort using spreadsheets and email; we will provide simple templates and walk you through them.

What You’ll Leave With

By the end, you’ll have a starter development package, something you can take to a bank or partner, including:

• A simple project concept
• A basic financial breakdown (pro forma)
• A rough budget and timeline
• Notes from conversations and site visits
• A next-steps plan tailored to you
  
  

Most of all, you’ll leave with a clear path forward — and the confidence to take the first step.    

Program Tuition

This is a tuition-based program. Limited tuition assistance is available for applicants who qualify. Details about eligibility and the tuition-assistance process will be shared during the selection process.

This portion of the application must be filled out completely to submit.

 Incomplete applications may not be considered. You may save your application and come back if needed by clicking on the save button at the bottom of the form.

If you have anything you’d like to share feel free to upload it below. 

Examples: 

• A resume or short bio
• A letter of recommendation
• Photos or info about a past or current project
• A short video or audio message introducing yourself
• A business plan or any notes you’ve already started