Abe Farkas, Strategic Partner

Abe is a highly sought after national leader in managing catalytic, sustainable and equitable development projects. He has three decades of experience shepherding large, complex projects from an idea to reality utilizing public-private partnerships. His past projects include the adaptive reuse of vacant Washington High School in Portland OR into creative office, music venue, community theater and rooftop bar; a 33-acre development on Portland’s South Waterfront that includes a major university research hospital expansion, mixed-use, housing and neighborhood open spaces served by a streetcar, aerial tram and light rail; and a 118-acre redevelopment on Southshore in Austin TX, which is under construction.

Abe’s experience on both the public and private side of development projects gives him the ability to maximize the community benefit components of projects and achieve financially feasible outcomes. Evidence of his successful past work is visible across the country in the form of vibrant, catalytic, mixed-use projects in communities large and small.

Previously, Abe served as Director of Development Services for ECONorthwest, Development Director for the Portland Development Commission, Planning and Development Director for Eugene, Economic Development Manager for Seattle; and Community Development and Planning Director for Fort Wayne.

Abe has a Ph.D. in American Studies from University of Minnesota and a M.A. in American Studies from Purdue University. He has served on the board of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and on several advisory boards for the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Contact:
Abe@Cascadia-Partners.com