Construction Through the Lens of Development
A Real Talk Fireside Chat
Moderated by: Tanya Saldivar-Ali
Guest: Richard Hosey, principal of Hosey Development
Development doesn’t start at ribbon cutting. It starts long before permits, financing, or bids are approved.
This Real Talk Fireside Chat features Richard Hosey, Detroit-based developer and principal of Hosey Development, in an unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to build at scale, equitably, sustainably, and in real partnership with community.
Drawing from projects like Fisher Body Plant 21 and Six55 Detroit, Hosey brings firsthand insight into the systems shaping power, access, capital, and capacity in Detroit’s built environment. This is not a pitch session or a highlight reel, it’s an honest discussion about barriers, trade offs, and what gets lost between intention and execution.
What we’ll cover
How public incentives, policy, and capital really work
The real barriers to scaling as a developer or contractor
Participation vs. true partnership
Where contractors get cut out, and how to change that
What “community benefit” looks like in practice
What needs to shift to build long-term capacity
Who should attend
Contractors and trades ready to grow and compete
Developers working on large-scale or adaptive reuse projects
Community leaders and advocates
Funders, lenders, and public-sector partners
Anyone invested in building Detroit with community, not just in it
Come for the conversation. Leave with clarity, connections, and next steps.
Real talk required. Comfort not guaranteed.
Appetizers & Refreshments Provided
Proud Sponsors of Real Talk
