David Simmons: Ground-Up Development in California’s Changing Regulatory Landscape

California’s housing shortage has created enormous challenges—but it has also opened the door to new opportunities for developers. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce sits down with David Simmons, a real estate developer and construction lending specialist, to discuss how recent California legislation is reshaping the development landscape.

David shares his journey from fix-and-flip investing and private lending to focusing on ground-up development and entitlement strategies. He explains how new laws, including SB 79, SB 330, and related housing reforms, are streamlining approvals, reducing bureaucratic delays, and creating new opportunities for developers looking to build much-needed housing throughout California.

Bruce and David explore how transit-oriented development is becoming a major focus, why smaller infill sites under one acre can offer tremendous potential, and how developers can benefit from faster entitlement timelines. David also discusses his strategy of bringing projects through entitlement before selling them to builders, allowing greater flexibility for the end developer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest