Denise Kelly

Urban Strategist @Future City Consulting, LLC

COOCEOCustomer ResearcherAdvisorBusiness AnalystConsultingC-level ExecutiveBusiness Owner

I help municipalities, developers, and mission-driven organizations move complex real estate and economic development projects from strategy to delivery. As Principal of Future City Consulting, LLC, I provide project-based advisory across three areas where the details make or break a deal: incentive structuring and capital stack design (NMTC, TIF, Opportunity Zones, CDBG, EDA), entitlements and public approvals strategy, and equitable development frameworks for mixed-use, workforce housing, and commercial revitalization projects. What I bring that's less common: I've sat on both sides of the table. I've directed a $264M mixed-use brownfield redevelopment for Forest City Enterprises, negotiated complex incentive packages for a private workforce housing developer, and produced an EDA-funded Opportunity Zone investment prospectus for a Drexel University research lab — all while maintaining active municipal advisory relationships. That range means I understand what cities need to say yes, what developers need to make the numbers work, and how to build the community support that holds a project together. I hold dual credentials as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through IEDC and a Certified Planner (AICP) through the American Planning Association — a combination held by a small share of practitioners nationally. Currently accepting select consulting engagements in economic development strategy, real estate advisory, and public-private partnership structuring across the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Let's connect if you're navigating a complex project, responding to an RFP that needs specialized expertise, or building a community development strategy that needs to work for both the spreadsheet and the neighborhood.