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Chris Austin is the accomplished Managing Principal of the Northern California Office at DPFG. With a remarkable tenure of over two decades, Chris has been a driving force behind the success of our firm since joining in 1998.
With his extensive experience, Chris has provided invaluable consulting services on over 800 projects, solidifying his reputation as an industry expert. He has also played a pivotal role in securing financing of over $4 billion in public improvements for developer and builder clients across California, Nevada, and Washington.
Chris’s expertise extends to a broad range of real estate consulting matters, with a specialization in planning and implementing public financing districts, negotiating and documenting school district financing transactions, conducting fiscal impact analysis, and performing development feasibility analysis for residential and non-residential properties.
In addition to his role at DPFG, Chris serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the California Building Industry Association (CBIA). Through this influential position, he has been instrumental in advocating for impact fee and school facilities financing reform, showcasing his dedication to driving positive change within the industry.
Chris actively participates in various professional memberships, including the Chairman’s Circle of the North State Building Industry Association and the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area. These affiliations further demonstrate his commitment to staying connected with industry trends and fostering strong relationships within the real estate community.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Arizona State University, equipping him with a solid educational foundation to support his extensive industry knowledge.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris cherishes quality time with his family. He enjoys activities such as golfing, boating, and proudly cheering on his daughters in their cheer competitions.
To connect with Chris and explore opportunities for collaboration, please reach out to him at chris.austin@dpfg.com. His wealth of expertise and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results make him a trusted partner for your real estate needs.
Chris Cole is a highly respected Co-Managing Principal in the Orange County office of DPFG. With an impressive tenure since February 2003, Chris has been an integral part of our firm’s success.
Throughout his career at DPFG, Chris has provided exceptional consulting services on over 750 projects, solidifying his reputation as a trusted industry expert. He has played a key role in securing financing of over $1.95 billion in public improvements for a diverse clientele, including developers, builders, land banks, hedge funds, and financial institutions across California.
Chris brings a wealth of experience in various real estate consulting matters, with a specialization in planning and implementing public financing districts, negotiating and documenting cost-sharing agreements, reviewing and critiquing development impact fee studies, development agreements, school district financing transactions, fiscal impact analysis, and development feasibility analysis for residential, industrial, commercial, and non-residential properties.
In addition to his role as Co-Managing Principal, Chris also heads DPFG’s Disclosure Services and Reimbursement Services group, showcasing his expertise in these critical areas.
Prior to joining DPFG, Chris served as a Contract Lobbyist for a California-based lobbying firm, further enhancing his understanding of the intricacies of the industry and its regulatory landscape.
Chris is an active member of the Builder Industry Association of Southern California, which includes chapters such as San Diego, Baldy View, LA Ventura, Orange County, and Riverside. These memberships reflect his commitment to staying connected with industry developments and fostering strong relationships within the real estate community.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Chico.
To connect with Chris and explore opportunities for collaboration, please reach out to him at chris.cole@dpfg.com. His extensive experience, dedication to excellence, and comprehensive understanding of the real estate landscape make him a trusted partner for all your consulting needs.
Chris Lightburne is the Co-Managing Principal of the Orange County Office at DPFG. With a career spanning over 36 years and tenure at DPFG since 2001, Chris has been an integral part of the firm’s success in delivering new and innovative financing solutions to clients.
Chris has extensive experience in financial analysis, real estate economics, public finance, capital markets, information technology, and accounting. He is skilled in using complex financial modeling to simplify and provide practical solutions.
During his time at DPFG, Chris has been involved in various public financings, including bond authorizations exceeding $23 billion for CFDs, IFDs (EIFDs and IRFDs), and other financing tools.
In addition to his expertise in public finance and real estate development strategies, Chris provides a diverse range of real estate consulting services. These include cash flow analysis, portfolio and asset analysis, litigation support, and reimbursement services. He specializes in analyzing fiscal impacts of new developments, tax increment financing, land secured financing, establishing rates, charges, and development impact fees.
Throughout his career, Chris has worked on behalf of the development community across California. He has analyzed and negotiated development impact fees, school fees, and maintenance and services taxes. His comprehensive experience in financial analysis, real estate economics, public finance, capital markets, information technology, and accounting allows him to deliver comprehensive solutions to his clients.
Prior to joining DPFG, Chris served as a manager of consulting with Kenneth Leventhal & Company (later Ernst and Young Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group) in Newport Beach, California. In that role, he handled client engagements involving strategic planning, public finance, real estate portfolio acquisition and disposition, market and feasibility studies, mortgage-backed securities, restructuring and reorganizations, as well as audits of public and private companies.
Chris has also held senior management positions in three start-up/high-growth companies involved in manufacturing and media. His responsibilities included finance, information technology, operations, real estate and facilities, sales and marketing, and strategic planning.
Chris Lightburne holds a BA in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Selected recent projects that Chris has been involved in include Great Park in Irvine and Valencia in Los Angeles in Southern California. In San Francisco, he has worked on projects such as Treasure Island, The San Francisco Shipyard and Candlestick Point, Potrero Power Station, and Pier 70.
To contact Chris Lightburne and explore opportunities for collaboration, you can reach him at chris.lightburne@dpfg.com. He is dedicated to providing exceptional insights and strategic guidance to help clients achieve their goals.
Peter Piller, the Co-Founding Principal of DPFG, brings over thirty-one years of experience in the real estate industry. His extensive expertise spans a diverse range of real estate consulting services.
Throughout his career, Peter has successfully planned and implemented land secured public financing districts, negotiated and implemented maintenance and services districts, and facilitated public school district transactions. He possesses a deep understanding of fiscal impacts analysis for new developments, and has skillfully negotiated and documented cost sharing and development agreements. Peter’s proficiency also extends to reviewing and critiquing development impact fee studies, conducting valuation and feasibility analysis for various land uses, and presenting property tax appeals. His knowledge and expertise have led him to serve as an expert witness in federal court cases.
As a dedicated member of the real estate community, Peter actively participates in several Building Industry Associations, further demonstrating his commitment to staying connected with industry trends and fostering strong relationships within the field.
Prior to co-founding DPFG, Peter spent seven years with the national accounting firm of Kenneth Leventhal & Company, where he honed his skills and expertise in the Newport Beach office.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Cal State University, Fullerton, underscoring his solid educational foundation and proficiency in financial matters within the real estate industry.
To connect with Peter and explore opportunities for collaboration, please reach out to him at peter.piller@dpfg.com. His wealth of knowledge, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional results make him a trusted partner for all your real estate consulting needs.
Lucy Gallo, CGMA, is a managing principal at DPFG Southeast Offices, she provides fiscal and economic impact analysis, real estate market analysis, cost/benefit modeling and public infrastructure finance (impact fees, tax increment financing, and special assessment districts) advisory services for urban development, redevelopment and comprehensive planning projects. She has been the lead fiscal consultant for numerous large-scale economic developments and public/private partnership engagements across the country. Prior to joining DPFG, Lucy served as an Associate Vice President at AECOM Economics, an international consulting firm providing research, applied economic analysis, and strategic planning services to a wide range of clients.
Over the course of her career, Lucy has assisted a cross-section of communities, ranging from small towns and rural counties to large urban cities, with fiscal and economic analyses to evaluate important land-use planning initiatives. Regardless of the community’s size, the goal of each engagement has been to address pertinent issues and concerns regarding long-term fiscal sustainability. Academic collaborations include the University of North Carolina City and Regional Planning Department, the University of North Carolina School of Government, Winthrop University, and the Virginia Tech Real Estate Program.
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Rick Rosenberg is the Managing Principal for DPFG’s Texas Region. In this capacity, Rick provides strategic planning, investment analysis, workout and financing services at both the project and entity level including recapitalizations, restructurings and the sourcing of new equity and debt capital for investments and developments with a particular focus on the use of public/private partnerships to efficiently and effectively finance the infrastructure and vertical improvements associated with residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. With a broad combination of analytical, strategic and communication skills, Rick has over 42 years of extensive real estate and finance experience, encompassing the investment analysis, acquisition; deal structuring, equity sourcing, asset management and financing of commercial and residential real estate investments (existing and under development) and operating companies, at both the entity and project level, located throughout the United States.
Prior to joining DPFG, Rick was the Vice President of Investments for the Cole Companies, the Chief Financial Officer for the Arizona Division of Centex Homes, the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Land Acquisitions for the Houston Division of K. Hovnanian Homes, and the Chief Financial Officer for MAXXAM Property Company. In addition, he has over ten years of prior consulting experience providing investment advisory services to developers, public agencies, Fortune 500 corporations and institutional investors. Rick is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the Real Estate Council of Austin, the Real Estate Council of San Antonio, the Greater San Marcos Partnership, the Homebuilders Association of Austin, the Greater Houston Homebuilder’s Association, the Dallas Builders Association and the Greater San Antonio Builder’s Association. He also holds an MSRB Series 50 Municipal Advisor License. You can contact Rick at rick.rosenberg@dpfg.com.
Rick has been an active tennis player for more than 55 years. In addition, he is a very active participant in the Austin Jewish Community including currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Shalom Austin, the largest Jewish non-profit serving the Austin metropolitan area through leadership, financial support, services, facilities and connections with people and Jewish organizations throughout Austin, Israel and the world. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his four grandsons.
Chris Hall is a Principal based in the Orange County, CA office of DPFG, where he plays a pivotal role in providing a diverse range of real estate consulting services. With a career spanning over 18 years in the industry, Chris has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. He joined DPFG in 2007 and has since been instrumental in numerous projects.
Chris’s areas of expertise encompass various aspects of real estate consulting, including development impact fee review, negotiating and documenting impact fee credits and reimbursements, property tax projections, property tax appeals, planning and implementing land secured financing districts, and fiscal impact analyses. His clientele is comprised of home builders, multi-family builders, private developers, commercial/industrial developers, and financial institutions. Chris’s work extends beyond California, as he is actively involved in projects in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Before joining DPFG, Chris gained valuable experience working in planning positions with both a public agency and a private developer. In these roles, he contributed to transportation studies, prepared specific plans, and conducted entitlement research for proposed development projects. His comprehensive understanding of the planning process has proven invaluable in his current role.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in City and Regional Planning (Cum Laude) with a Minor in Real Estate Development from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. He is an active member of the Building Industry Association and the Urban Land Institute, further demonstrating his commitment to professional development and industry involvement.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys various activities to unwind. He plays ice hockey, indulges in mountain biking, and cherishes spending quality time outdoors with his family.
With his extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence, Chris Hall continues to make significant contributions to the real estate industry and DPFG. His dedication to providing top-notch consulting services, identifying cost-saving measures, and expertise in land secured financing has earned him a well-respected position in the field.
Kelly Restelli is a highly experienced Director at DPFG, based in the Orange County office. She joined the firm in May 2013 and has since become an invaluable asset, leveraging her expertise to provide exceptional services to clients.
Kelly is a proud graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in City and Regional Planning. Additionally, she holds minors in Environmental Studies and Real Property Development, highlighting her comprehensive understanding of the planning and development sectors.
Throughout her tenure at DPFG, Kelly has demonstrated her versatility and proficiency in a wide range of services. She excels in project review during due diligence, preparing detailed development impact and permit fee analyses, conducting comprehensive tax rate analyses, facilitating the formation of maintenance districts, and overseeing the establishment of Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) and CFD bond issuances.
Working closely with developers and builders, Kelly plays a crucial role in evaluating existing taxes and districts that may impact projects. Her expertise in determining the feasibility of forming CFDs and guiding clients through the process has been instrumental in achieving successful outcomes. Moreover, Kelly collaborates closely with various public agencies, ensuring effective coordination and seamless implementation of CFD formations and bond issuances.
As an active member of the Building Industry Association, Kelly remains up-to-date with industry trends and actively participates in key events throughout the year. This engagement demonstrates her commitment to fostering relationships and contributing to the growth and development of the real estate community.
During her leisure time, Kelly enjoys quality moments with her family and friends. She also finds joy in playing sports and embarking on travel adventures to explore new destinations.
Kelly Restelli’s vast knowledge, meticulous approach, and dedication to delivering exceptional results make her an invaluable resource for developers and builders seeking expert guidance in the planning and development process. For further inquiries or to explore collaboration opportunities, you can contact Kelly at kelly.restelli@dpfg.com.
Marc Santos Sr. Disclosure Manager, Orange County Office
Marc Santos is the Disclosure Manager at DPFG – Disclosure Services, Inc. He has been overseeing the property tax disclosure division at DPFG since 2009. With over 16 years of experience at DPFG, Marc has established himself as an experienced advisor in the disclosure field.
Marc holds a degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in City Planning from San Diego State University. Prior to joining DPFG, Marc worked as an Assistant Project Manager at KB Home, a prominent national homebuilder. His educational background and previous work experience in homebuilding have provided him with a strong foundation for understanding the real estate development process and the intricacies of property tax disclosures and their importance in real estate transactions.
As the Disclosure Manager, Marc is responsible for preparing various types of property tax disclosures for major homebuilders and developers throughout California. His role involves ensuring compliance with relevant tax disclosure regulations and accurately disclosing the required information for these disclosures. Marc’s attention to detail, knowledge of property tax regulations, and understanding the needs of clients make him an essential part of DPFG’s specialized services.
To contact Marc, you can reach him at marc.santos@dpfgdisclosure.com
Zach is a Senior Manager for DPFG’s Texas office. Mr. Crawford is a graduate of Texas State University with degrees in both Finance and Economics. As a Senior Manager he has assisted in the formation of special assessment districts throughout the state, specializing in financial analysis, bond sizing, and authoring service and assessment plans. His experience and attention to detail make him highly qualified to carry out the work required of him. His passion lies in assisting clients with creative problem-solving skills to progress real estate development projects that advance community goals.
His expertise in leveraging private investment through sound public investment comes from wise stewardship of municipal bond funds, structuring public incentive packages and complex funding collaboratives. Current areas of specialty include planning and implementing public financing districts to fund capital improvements such as Public Improvement Districts (PID), Municipal Utility Districts (MUD), Water Control and Improvement Districts (WCID), and Tax Increment Areas.
Mr. Crawford also works closely with the developer’s legal team to draft and implement Service and Assessment Plans used within the Public Improvement Districts, as well as other legal documentation required for district formation.
Mary Lu is a highly experienced Senior Manager based in the Orange County office. With 18 years of experience in the real estate and financial industry, Mary has made significant contributions throughout her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from the University of Riverside California (UCR) in Riverside, CA.
Mary began her career as a financial analyst for a residential developer, where she developed and maintained Excel models and databases to support financial forecasting. She played a key role in generating monthly cash flow reports and proformas to analyze project status and predicted profitability. Additionally, Mary managed the loan process and determined loan amounts for each project by reviewing current costs and forecasting future expenses.
For the past 16 years, Mary has focused on real estate consulting, specializing in the financing of public infrastructures through municipal bonds. She acts as a liaison between developers and public agencies, working with various developers nationwide. Her expertise lies in managing the reimbursement process for eligible improvements, working closely with a team of consultants to review and process invoices/payments. Mary’s financial analysis skills and budgeting expertise ensure efficient and effective reimbursement for developers, handling over 1,500 reimbursements and distributing over $1.1 billion.
Outside of work, Mary enjoys a variety of interests and hobbies. She values her fitness routine, enjoys spending time with family and friends while savoring a glass of wine, and loves dancing. Additionally, Mary has a passion for travel and exploring the world.
With her extensive experience in real estate finance, expertise in municipal bonds, and dedication to delivering results, Mary Lu is an invaluable asset as a Senior Manager at her firm. Her financial acumen, leadership abilities, and passion for her interests contribute to her ongoing success in the industry.
Eric Quinlan is a highly experienced professional in the real estate and public finance sector, serving as a Senior Manager for DPFG. With an impressive 26-year tenure in the industry, Eric has garnered a wealth of knowledge and expertise that makes him an invaluable asset to our team.
Eric graduated from San Diego State University, where he earned a degree in accounting. His educational background has provided him with a solid foundation for his career in the real estate field. Since joining DPFG in 2014, Eric has consistently demonstrated his proficiency in providing consulting services for numerous projects.
One of Eric’s notable accomplishments is his involvement in facilitating the financing of over $250 million in public improvements for developers. His keen insights and strategic approach have played a pivotal role in the successful completion of these projects. Eric’s specialization lies in planning and implementing public financing districts, conducting fiscal impact analyses, evaluating development impact fee studies, and conducting school facilities needs analysis.
Before joining DPFG, Eric gained valuable experience in public accounting. Additionally, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of a division for a large publicly traded homebuilder. In this role, Eric was responsible for conducting comprehensive financial analyses of numerous land transactions, contributing to the company’s growth and success.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Eric enjoys staying active in his community. He actively participates in volunteering activities and engages in various philanthropic initiatives.
With his exceptional financial acumen, extensive experience, and dedication to delivering outstanding results, Eric Quinlan continues to make significant contributions to DPFG’s success. His passion for the industry and commitment to excellence make him a trusted advisor for our clients.
For any inquiries or collaboration opportunities, feel free to reach out to Eric at eric.quinlan@dpfg.com. He is always ready to provide expert guidance and assist you in achieving your real estate goals.
Vanessa Stowe is a Senior Manager for DPFG and has over 10 years’ experience in real estate and the public finance sector. Ms. Stowe is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Mathematics involving a concentration in Statistics, and a minor in Business. As a Senior Manager with prior experience in the economic development and real estate finance sector, she has assisted in the formation of a multitude of special assessment districts throughout the state of Texas. In addition to her expertise in public finance and real estate development strategies, Vanessa provides a diverse range of real estate consulting services specializing in financial analysis, bond sizing, cash flow analysis, authoring service and assessment plans, and facilitating reimbursement services. Her experience and attention to detail make her highly qualified to carry out the work required of her. Her enthusiasm lies in assisting clients with creative problem-solving skills to progress real estate development projects that advance community goals. Her expertise in leveraging private investment through sound public investment comes from wise stewardship of municipal bond funds, structuring public incentive packages and complex funding collaboratives. Current areas of specialty include planning and implementing public financing districts to fund capital improvements such as Public Improvement Districts (PID) and Tax Increment Areas.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys days at the park with her dog, trying out new restaurants and breweries with family and friends and exploring the world through travel.
With her extensive knowledge in real estate finance, experience with municipal bonds, and her commitment to close deals, Vanessa is an invaluable asset when it comes to the public finance sector. Her leadership abilities, financial acumen, and passion for her clients contribute to her ongoing success in the industry. To contact Vanessa and explore opportunities for public financing collaboration, you can reach her at vanessa.stowe@dpfg.com.
Matt Johnson is a highly experienced Manager working in the DPFG Sacramento Office. With over 16 years of experience in the real estate and public finance sector, Matt has established himself as a trusted professional. Before joining DPFG, he worked with other consulting companies, further expanding his knowledge and expertise in the field.
Since joining the DPFG Sacramento office in 2012, Matt has worked on a wide range of projects, showcasing his diverse skill set. His areas of expertise include preparing and reviewing development impact fee studies, encompassing school districts, water agencies, and other utility providers. He has also been involved in public/private financings, development feasibility assessments, fiscal impact analysis, development agreements, tax share agreements, and public facilities financing plans.
Matt’s work has played a pivotal role in the entitlement of over 35,000 residential lots in Placer County, including university and commercial/office/industrial land uses. Additionally, he has contributed to the entitlement of another 6,500 residential lots in Sacramento County. His expertise and contributions have been crucial in these successful projects.
Matt holds a degree in economics from the University of California at Davis, with a minor in managerial economics. His educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in understanding economic principles and their applications to the real estate industry.
Actively engaged in his professional community, Matt is a member of the North State Building Industry Association. He actively participates in regional roundtable discussions and events, contributing to conversations and addressing issues that affect the home building industry. His involvement demonstrates his commitment to staying informed about industry trends and advocating for the interests of home builders.
With his extensive experience, expertise in various areas of real estate and public finance, and active involvement in the industry, Matt Johnson is an invaluable asset as a Manager in the DPFG Sacramento Office. His contributions to numerous successful projects and dedication to the home building industry position him as a trusted and reliable professional.
Joey Lujan is a highly skilled Manager based in the DPFG Sacramento, CA office, with 11 years of experience in the real estate and public finance sector. Joey joined DPFG in 2012, and since then, has played a crucial role in various projects and client engagements. His expertise extends to the formation of land secured public financing districts, financing of public improvements, strategic planning, development feasibility analysis, cash flow analysis, and preparation of public facilities financing plans.
Throughout his career, Joey has been involved in assisting land developers and merchant home builders in Northern California with the financing of over $175 million in public improvements. His knowledge and experience have been instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of these projects.
Before joining DPFG, Joey served as an assistant controller for the northern California division of a publicly traded national homebuilder. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of financial operations within the real estate industry. Additionally, he has held corporate financial planning and analysis roles in the telecommunications industry, further diversifying his skill set.
Joey holds a degree in finance from California State University, Sacramento. His educational background, combined with his extensive professional experience, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to his clients.
Actively engaged in his professional community, Joey is an active member of the North State Building Industry Association. By participating in industry events and discussions, he stays updated on current trends and issues affecting the building industry.
To contact Joey Lujan, you can reach out to him at joey.lujan@dpfg.com. He is available to assist with inquiries, provide expertise, and contribute to the success of real estate and public finance projects.
Nathan Morris is a dedicated Manager based in the Orange County office. With over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry, Nathan has established himself as a valuable asset in his field. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Arizona State University.
Nathan has managed reimbursement projects totaling over $300 million for Community Facilities District (CFD) financed facilities. His expertise in overseeing these projects has honed his skills in managing complex financial processes and ensuring successful outcomes.
In addition to his reimbursement project management, Nathan has experience in preparing fiscal impact analyses. This involves assessing the potential net fiscal impact that proposed development projects may have on a municipality’s general fund. By conducting thorough analyses, Nathan helps inform decision-makers about the financial implications of such projects.
Nathan’s expertise extends to working on public financing for various development projects, ranging from large-scale initiatives to smaller-scale endeavors. His experience spans municipalities across all of California, allowing him to navigate different regulatory landscapes and understand the intricacies of each local market.
Outside of his professional life, Nathan is an avid sports fan, enjoying the excitement of various athletic events. He also actively participates in playing basketball, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, Nathan has a passion for traveling, allowing him to explore new places and broaden his horizons.
With his extensive experience in real estate, expertise in reimbursement projects and fiscal impact analyses, and a passion for sports and travel, Nathan Morris brings a well-rounded approach to his role as a Manager. His dedication to delivering successful outcomes and his diverse range of interests make him a valuable asset to his firm and clients.