AFFILIATION: Co-Founder and CEO, EFO Capital Management, Inc.

AREA OF EXPERTISE: Development of mixed-use master planned communities

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE: Jim became interested in New Urbanism in 1996, and he began studying how to develop mixed-use communities. He is now consulted regularly by local citizen groups and the planning office of Culpeper County to provide advice on local developments claiming to be using the principles of New Urbanism. His company has been integrally involved since 1999 in planning and developing the mixed-use community of Belmont Bay, a ninety-acre site in Prince William County, thirty minutes south of Washington, D.C.

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Jim’s research will evaluate the success of the mixed-use community of Belmont Bay, which is currently about fifty percent complete, and will assess one or more potential projects in relation to Belmont Bay and the current state of the field. His research will examine the following aspects of the community: financial considerations, political considerations, relationship of “hardware” to “software” (for example, what characteristics of urban design and/or citizen/government involvement are required to spark social, political, and artistic activity? What role does the developer play in enhancing those opportunities?), and motivation in terms of positive municipal and citizen involvement in community development.

E-MAIL: jepstein@efocaptalmgmet.com