Building Foundations

The Mel King Institute’s Building Foundations Program (in partnership with LISC Massachusetts), is designed to provide flexible, accessible, training for emerging and mid-level project managers involved in affordable housing development. This Program consists of:

  • Full-day in-person trainings
  • Half-day virtual sessions that address key topics in affordable housing development
  • Clinic Cohort seminar for 8-10 committed project managers seeking deeper, hands-on learning and peer support.

The curriculum combines theory with practice, incorporating real case studies, interactive exercises, and structured guidance from subject matter experts.

 

Clinic Cohort

Are you managing affordable housing projects and looking for real-world support to get your next deal across the finish line? Are you a project manager actively working on an affordable housing project?  

The Building Foundations Clinic Cohort is designed for project managers who are actively managing deals and looking for space to troubleshoot, learn, and grow with peers who understand the work. We'll meet monthly, through a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, creating a supportive space to get hands-on help with your own projects while learning what's working for others across the state.  

It's an excellent opportunity to build community, swap lessons learned and dive into technical learning on topics like negotiating contracts, deciphering insurance requirements, managing construction/equity installments, working effectively with lenders, investors, and other key players. Whether you're a new project manager or emerging developer, the Clinic Cohort offers a hands-on, intensive learning environment designed to support your work. 

Limited to 8–10 participants, the Clinic Cohort includes 6 in-person sessions and 6 virtual sessions. The cohort will meet monthly over the course of a year. 

It’s built for those currently navigating the complexities of affordable housing development and provides a consultative, problem-solving space led by seasoned affordable housing developers. 

Participants are expected to attend and participate actively in all 12 sessions.   

 

Eligibility

You must be actively working on an affordable housing project to participate. If you're interested in joining the Clinic Cohort, please complete the application below by November 25, 2026.   

MKI Building Foundations 2027 Clinic Cohort Application 

Please note the application includes support letters from supervisors.   

Virtual Trainings

Dive deeper into the operational challenges of affordable housing project management in our Virtual Building Foundations Trainings. Whether you’re working on a large project or looking to sharpen your skills, these sessions are open to everyone.

 

Upcoming Virtual Trainings: 

Upcoming In-Person Trainings: 

 

Pricing

$750 per person includes: 

  • Opportunities to create community and share resources
  • 10 monthly cohort meetings (Jan- Oct)
  • 3 Full days of in-person training
  • 2 virtual trainings

*additional MKI trainings not included, will be at the MKI student rate.