Opening Case Study: Transforming Austin

The Light Rail Vision Reshaping the City

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  Davon Barbour

  Davon Barbour serves as the President & CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance. His areas of expertise include, public/private partnerships, business attraction, retail revitalization, and community development. He has worked for private sector, public sector, and non-profit organizations revitalizing urban communities across the nation including Baltimore, Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles. Immediately prior to joining the Austin community, Davon served as the President & CEO of the Downtown Development District, the nation’s first property-based assessment district, where he was recognized twice as one of New Orleans’ Top 500 Business Leaders. Since joining the Austin community, he has been recognized as one of “26 Austinites to Watch in 2026” by the Austin-Statesman and one of “Texas 100 Annual List of Impactful Texans” by the Austin Business Journal. As Director of the Community & Economic Development Division for the Los Angeles County Development Authority, Davon oversaw the county’s redevelopment initiatives, revolving loan portfolio, construction administration, and the nation’s largest urban county district Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. He played a lead role in developing and administering more than $150M in COVID-19 economic recovery programs. In his role as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Davon led the organization to win an Award of Excellence in economic development from the International Downtown Association (IDA) for its TechConnect business attraction program. Davon considers his proudest professional achievement to date, the development of a master plan and urban renewal legislation for an ambitious $2 billion mixed-use redevelopment project that includes up to two million square feet of life sciences and technology space, new mixed-income housing, park space and local employment opportunities to revitalize neighborhoods that encompass the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in his hometown of Baltimore, MD. Additionally, as Director of the City of Hollywood’s Community & Economic Development Department, Davon led the city to win three (3) consecutive annual awards from the National Community Development Association. Davon has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles throughout his career. He is extensively engaged in the Innovative Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) where he currently serves as a member of its Board of Trustees. Davon also served a past Vice Chair of the International Downtown Association. He has served on advisory panels and/or authored works for ICSC, IDA, and the Urban Land Institute. Notably, he chaired a re-imagined ULI Advisory Panel for the Sankofa CDC/Lower Ninth Ward for the revitalization of a neighborhood severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina resulting in broad community support.

  Downtown Austin Alliance

  President & CEO

  Davon Barbour

  President & CEO

  Downtown Austin Alliance

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  Greg Canally

  Greg Canally is the Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Transit Partnership charged with delivering the first phase of Austin Light Rail – a multi-year project catalyzing economic development opportunities with new transit infrastructure, jobs, and housing. Prior to leading ATP, he held multiple leadership positions in finance for over 20 years at the City of Austin. Greg has spent his career building partnerships while delivering large- scale projects that connect the community to key Austin destinations and experiences, including the central Austin Public Library, Q2 Stadium, Mueller, and other major redevelopment projects.

  Austin Transit Partnership

  CEO

  Greg Canally

  CEO

  Austin Transit Partnership

• Moderator

  Kristin Marcum

  CEO

  ECPR Texas

Austin’s Next Frontier

Infrastructure, Mobility and the City’s New Centers of Gravity

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  Sharmila Mukherjee

  Sharmila Mukherjee, AICP is a transit executive and industry leader with over two decades of progressive urban transportation planning and project management experience in private and public sectors. At CapMetro, she manages service planning, short and long-range planning, ridership analysis, regional transportation coordination, transit-oriented development, federal discretionary grants strategy and delivery, and offers one of the guiding voices in the Project Connect, Austin’s high-capacity transit system expansion program. Prior to joining CapMetro, Sharmila held leadership positions at an international engineering and infrastructure consulting firm. Sharmila serves on Board of Trustees of the TransitCenter, a national think-tank and on Board of Directors of Austin’s own, the Leadership Austin. Sharmila holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning with specialization in Transportation Planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Graduate Certificate in Traffic Engineering Methods from Northwestern University. Sharmila is the 2017 graduate of Leadership APTA and 2016 Eno Transit Leadership (Mid-Manager) Program.

  CapMetro

  EVP, Chief Strategic Planning and Development Officer

  Sharmila Mukherjee

  EVP, Chief Strategic Planning and Development Officer

  CapMetro

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  Lyn Estabrook

  Lyn Estabrook has over 26 years of experience in planning, design, and construction and over 8 years of experience in aviation and airport experience. She is a licensed Architect with a Project Management Professional Certification (PMP). Lyn is the Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Planning and Development at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. She leads the Airport's Journey With AUS Expansion Development Program, and she has been with the City of Austin for nearly sixteen years. Before coming to the City Lyn worked in the private sector designing and building all kinds of commercial and civic buildings. Lyn is originally from the North East coast but has been in Texas for over twenty-five years. Her Architecture degree is from Cornell University. Lyn is married and has two daughters, one in middle school and the other in high school. Her hobbies include exercising, art and writing. If you asked Lyn to summarize what she does at the Airport, she would say: "I guide the planning, design, and construction of the airport; focusing on creating AUS as the gateway to the world for all. It is an exciting time to be part of the AUS team

  Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

  Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Planning & Development

  Lyn Estabrook

  Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Planning & Development

  Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

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  Daniel McElrath

  Daniel is a 7th generation Austinite with over 10 years of experience in the real estate and construction industries. He has acquired, entitled, and developed a variety of Central Texas based projects spanning everything from 600+ acre suburban master plans to infill podium projects, totaling over 5,000 residential units and 200 acres of commercial use. Daniel worked at Jimmy Evans Company, Milestone Community Builders, lntracorp Homes, and NXSTEP Opportunity Partners. He also co-founded a civil construction software business, Pit TicketPro, which is now part of Command, a Thoma Bravo backed company. Daniel holds a BBA in Economics from Texas State University and an MBA from Acton School of Business, where he was Valedictorian of his class. He is a member of the Real Estate Council of Austin, Urban Land Institute and Austin Monitor Strategic Advisory Council. Daniel lives in Austin with his wife, Katie, and their two boys, Emmett and Bouldin.

  River City Capital Partners

  Partner

  Daniel McElrath

  Partner

  River City Capital Partners

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  Mark Grobmyer

  Mark Grobmyer is a Shareholder in Winstead's Real Estate Development & Investments Practice Group. Mark’s practice is focused on real estate development, with an emphasis on structuring and administering residential, mixed-use and office condominiums, and residential and mixed-use communities. Mark also has experience in a wide variety of commercial real estate transactions including drafting acquisition and disposition contracts, easements and license agreements. In addition to representation of homebuilders, Mark specializes in representing build-for-rent and single-family rental owners and operators on a variety of matters, including acquisition, disposition, land-banking, governance, exit-strategy planning, and regulatory requirement compliance. Mark also represents master planned community developers on the challenges in planning for accommodating build-for-rent and single-family rental projects within and adjacent to new and mature master planned communities, and serves as the Chair of Winstead’s Build-for-Rent and Single Family Rentals Practice Group. Prior to joining Winstead, Mark worked in Washington, D.C. as a legislative aide for United States Senator Blanche L. Lincoln of Arkansas. While attending the University of Arkansas School of Law, Mark worked as a summer clerk in the Office of the Attorney General for the Republic of Palau.

  Winstead

  Shareholder

  Moderator

  Mark Grobmyer

  Shareholder

  Winstead

24-Hour Austin

How Experience, Hospitality And Entertainment Influence Growth And Culture

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  Gian Michael Piano

  Gian Michael Piano is Principal at Presidium, where he leads the firm’s mixed-use development efforts and drives expansion across core asset classes. Since joining in 2016, Michael has played a central role in Presidium’s growth, delivering successful ground-up multifamily projects and spearheading its move into large-scale, integrated developments. His leadership has been critical to launching three landmark Austin-area projects—River Park, The Row, and The Pecan District. With deep experience in multifamily, mixed-use, entitlement, and land development in Central Texas, Michael is known for navigating complex entitlements, executing transformative transactions, and building high-performing teams to bring ambitious projects to life.

  Presidium

  Principal

  Gian Michael Piano

  Principal

  Presidium

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  Will Woodworth

  Will is primarily responsible for identifying, evaluating and executing on new development projects, identifying joint venture opportunities and managing the business responsibilities of Peachtree's development division. Prior to joining Peachtree, Will served as vice president of investments at AMS Hospitality/Stormont Hospitality Group, an Atlanta-based developer of full service and boutique hotels. He previously held positions with Rockbridge and Wells Fargo Hospitality Finance Group. Across these roles, he has been involved in over $2.5B of hotel debt and equity originations. Will earned his MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech. He sits on the board and is the treasurer for the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance.

  Peachtree Group

  SVP of Development

  Will Woodworth

  SVP of Development

  Peachtree Group

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  Brandon Lester

  Brandon joined Transwestern in 2006 and brings more than 18 years of experience specializing in agency leasing, life science, and healthcare advisory services for institutional and private clients. A top producer nationally, he has leased and marketed office and medical buildings across every major Austin submarket on behalf of local owners and institutional real estate investors. Brandon has built long-standing relationships with regional and national clients including Ascension Seton, Welltower, Healthpeak Medical Office Properties, Olympus Ventures, Clarion Partners, Barings, Wedge Holdings, and Omnient Capital. His extensive tenant representation experience provides a well-rounded perspective that strengthens his strategic approach to commercial real estate. He currently serves as Transwestern’s Central Texas Market Leader, overseeing strategy and operations across the region.

  Transwestern

  Managing Director & Central Texas Market Leader

  Brandon Lester

  Managing Director & Central Texas Market Leader

  Transwestern

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  Franz Prinsloo

  A Senior Associate Principal with over 18 years of experience, Franz has contributed to KPF’s portfolio of iconic projects, from Beijing’s tallest tower to the final plot at New York’s World Trade Center. His programming specialty spans residential, office, mixed-use, and supertall buildings. Franz’s work emphasizes each project’s context, taking into consideration the impact of the new development on its locale and vice versa. In Atlanta, Franz’s work on 1020 Spring Street delivered a hospitality-forward office building with lively collaboration spaces and flourishing greenery. Located just north of Tech Square, the city’s center for Georgia Tech-spawned businesses, the project brings Class AA office space to the city’s innovation district. Ahead of its completion in 2024, 1020 Spring Street was identified as a key driver of the city’s tech boom by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Franz’s other projects include 5 World Trade Center in New York, a mixed-use tower that mediates between the historic texture of the neighborhood and the modern character of the World Trade Center. Further west, Franz serves as Project Manager for Waterline in Austin, soon be the tallest tower in Texas, which incorporates office, residential, and hotel program while embracing its natural surroundings with a set-back form. Franz is a member of the Urban Land Institute and American Institute of Architects. He has guest lectured for the Graduate Real Estate Development Program at Columbia University and has guest critiqued for the Architecture Program at North Carolina State University.

  KPF

  Senior Associate Principal

  Franz Prinsloo

  Senior Associate Principal

  KPF

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  Drew Hanish

  Drew Hanish is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pravo Construction, a commercial general contractor in the Austin area specializing in tenant improvements for historical buildings and first-generation spaces. In addition to having extensive knowledge in Austin's historical sites, buildings, and preservation methods, Drew works closely with top-area architects, designers, subcontractors, and brokers that work with high-end material who caters to some of the largest tech giants and industrial companies in America. As more and more companies begin to relocate to the area, there is a greater need to help facilitate and build spaces that support a growing sophisticated and tech-savvy workforce while preserving the area's cultural values. Drew graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Construction Management and was awarded a scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota's Men's Baseball Team. Drew is an active member of RECA as a Christmas in October committee member and ULI as a Creative Culture committee member. When not overseeing developments or attending City of Austin Construction committee meetings, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, working out with a fitness community, and cheering on his Gophers.

  Pravo Construction

  CEO, Founder

  Drew Hanish

  CEO, Founder

  Pravo Construction

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  Marci Hoxworth

  Marci Hoxworth serves as Executive Vice President of Civilitude, where she leads the firm’s people, process, growth, and partnerships. Acting as the operational driver behind the firm, she works alongside leadership to scale performance, strengthen culture, and position Civilitude as a trusted partner in shaping Central Texas. Marci operates at the intersection of development and infrastructure, bringing together public agencies, private developers, and community stakeholders to move projects forward in complex regulatory environments. She is particularly passionate about projects that create long-term civic value, from mixed-use districts to affordable housing and public infrastructure. With deep Austin roots and an unwavering “do hard things” mindset, she believes thoughtful growth is both an economic and community responsibility.

  Civilitude

  Executive VP

  Moderator

  Marci Hoxworth

  Executive VP

  Civilitude

From Vision to Vertical

What It Takes to Deliver In An Evolving Market

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  Craig Cavileer

  Co-Founder

  Delightful Development Co

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  Kevin Burns

  Kevin Burns is the CEO of Urbanspace, a multi-faceted company specializing in project development and marketing, real estate sales and leasing, interior design, modern furnishings, logistics and hospitality. 2025 marked the year that The Modern Austin Residences, a luxury 56 story condo tower and Kevin’s most recent development, delivered in the Rainey Street District. His newest hospitality concept, Modern Bar, recently opened on the ground floor of the tower. Since founding Urbanspace in 2000, Kevin’s firm has served as the exclusive sales and marketing brokerage on highly successful projects including The Modern, 44 East Ave, The Independent, Seaholm Residences and numerous other projects in the Austin area. True to his lifelong enterprising spirit, Kevin opened his first hospitality concept, Codependent Cocktails + Coffee, next to Urbanspace at the base of The Independent. Additionally, he developed a boutique hotel on the water in the form of two luxury sailing catamarans, Seahome I and II, as well as a luxury ski house vacation rental in Park City featuring six bedrooms, five full bathrooms and modern furnishings. For the past three years, Kevin has been named to Austin Business Journal’s Power Players list, recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts in Austin and their industries. Kevin remains actively involved in real estate, topping over $1.5 billion in sales throughout his career and earning Austin Business Journal’s Top Realtor award in 2020. He is a multi-year member of Elite 25, Austin’s top luxury agent group. Kevin is an urban community advocate and an active contributor to the Shoal Creek Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation and Waterloo Greenway. He is also an active member of YPO, board member and former executive committee member of The Real Estate Council of Austin and former chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Urban development council, while also giving back by mentoring young talent through RECA and ULI. Kevin lives, works and builds community downtown, and enjoys traveling, sailing, skiing and the many perks that the urban lifestyle offers.

  Urbanspace

  CEO

  Kevin Burns

  CEO

  Urbanspace

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  Matt Isbell

  Matt Isbell is the President and Founder of EnvelopiQ, bringing over 20 years of experience in the construction and technology industry. Throughout his career, Matt has been instrumental in designing and implementing technology for some of the largest and most complex projects. For the past decade, he has focused on adopting a user and experience-driven approach to planning and integrating technology within the built environment. His expertise and dedication have positioned him as a leader in the field. Matt and EnvelopiQ are currently involved in planning and connecting technology in iconic projects across the country. These include the $4.3 billion IU Health Downtown Hospital, OCVIBE in Anaheim, CA, COTA Turn 11 car condos, the $650 million+ Indiana School for the Deaf and Blind, Elanco Animal Health’s new global headquarters, and the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis. A native of Indianapolis, where EnvelopiQ is headquartered, Matt also oversees an office in Austin, TX. His innovative mindset continues to drive EnvelopiQ’s success and influence in the industry.

  EnvelopiQ

  President

  Matt Isbell

  President

  EnvelopiQ

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  Mark DePiero

  Executive leader with a diverse domestic and international background in hotel operations, sales, corporate meetings, co-working, community building, workplace management, and Class A commercial real estate amenities. As a founding member of Dolce Hotels & Resorts, played a key executive role in expanding the brand from a single property in Texas to 26 properties across seven countries in North America and Europe. A core team member at Convene, instrumental in establishing the company’s organizational foundation and fiscal controls for its next phase of growth. Led the transition from a centralized corporate model to a balanced structure of field operations and accountability, supported by corporate resources. Developed a reporting framework that optimized productivity metrics, service delivery, guest satisfaction, and property performance.

  Arch Amenities Group

  SVP Real Estate

  Mark DePiero

  SVP Real Estate

  Arch Amenities Group

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  Amber Autumn

  Amber Autumn serves as Director of Business Development for Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) in Central Texas, residing in their Austin office. A business development and commercial construction veteran, Amber brings more than 26 years of diverse experience in the built environment. In her role, Amber leads the development and execution of growth strategies to expand AP’s footprint across Central Texas. Her focus includes identifying new opportunities, cultivating lasting client relationships, and ensuring growth aligns with AP’s mission and core values. Amber is a University of Phoenix graduate and an active leader in the business development community. Prior to AP, she served as Strategic Business Developer at Summit Design + Build, LLC for more than 10 years, where she launched the business development division and implemented the industry’s best practices. Under her leadership, the business development program contributed to a $200 million increase in annual bid opportunities. Amber’s experience also includes more than 15 years of direct fieldwork, beginning her career as a superintendent and spending more than two decades with a general contractor. Her passion for building began during her childhood, assisting her father’s masonry company and exploring job sites as early as age six.

  Adolfson & Peterson

  Director

  Moderator

  Amber Autumn

  Director

  Adolfson & Peterson