The Inaugural Emerging Developer Academy
Memphis, TN

A Place-Based Model Advancing Affordable Housing and
Community-Led Development in Memphis
A Place-Based Model Advancing Affordable Housing and Community-Led Development in Memphis

The Problem

Memphis faces a critical shortage of over 40,000 quality affordable housing units. This gap is compounded by a lack of local, community-rooted developers equipped to build in neighborhoods where public and philanthropic investments have historically been scarce. Structural barriers prevent marginalized communities from fully participating in and benefiting from real estate development, deepening housing inequity across the city.

The Solution

Alliance for Housing Progress (AHP) has launched the Emerging Developer Academy, a place-based, cohort-driven program designed to build the capacity of 15 to 25 local developers annually. Through targeted education, project support, and wraparound technical assistance, the Academy equips these developers with the tools and resources needed to produce quality, affordable housing in some of Memphis’ most underserved neighborhoods. AHP works to eliminate structural barriers through advocacy, capacity-building, and technical assistance, empowering community-rooted developers to increase equitable access to housing across Memphis.

Our Approach

 Alliance for Housing Progress believes that real estate development should create opportunities within local neighborhoods and communities. Our approach is rooted in comprehensive community development and resident voice. Through the Emerging Developer Academy, we cultivate a dirt-to-disposition ecosystem that strengthens every step of the development process, preparing community-rooted developers, connecting workforce opportunities, aligning capital, and advancing projects that reflect neighborhood priorities. 
 

By building people, capacity, and systems together, we ensure that the value created through development translates into stability, ownership, and long-term community benefit.

2025 Inaugural Cohort

Congratulations to the 2025 Inaugural Cohort of the Emerging Developer Academy

Tarvasha Austin

Brooke Boone

Tamara Brown

Nick Butler

Angela Cage

Antwoine Clark

Monique Clayton

John Cornes

Rasie
Dobbins-Turner

Ricardo Carroll

Gabriel Franceschi

Donald Hall

Anthony Jackson

Stephon Jones

Mareco Knox

Terica Lamb

Gregory Lawrence

Kevin Mckinney

Jason Pettis

Victoria Robinson

Yvonne Spencer

Britney Thornton

Philena Wuraola

Emerging Developer Academy – Memphis, TN
Steering Committee Members

Rasheedah M. Jones

TN Managing Director
Alliance for Housing Progress

Courtney Q. Jones

Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Alliance for Housing Progress

Jozelle Booker

President / Chief Executive Officer
The MMBC Continuum

Ashley Cash

Housing & Community
Development Director
City of Memphis

Michael Cowan

Managing Director of
Grants & Programs
Community LIFT

Kelbert Fagan

Program Manager
Convergence Memphis
 

Charia Jackson

Director of Neighborhood
Planning & Essential Housing
Community Redevelopment Agency

Tonya Meeks

District Council Lead
Urban Land Institute |
ULI Memphis

Brody Wamble

Community Affairs Officer
Simmons Bank
 

Our Partners

Support the Work of
Alliance for Housing Progress

   Alliance for Housing Progress is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

Get in Touch

Have a question or need support? Our team is just a message away.