09/22/2026
Legal Scholars and Real Estate Leaders Explore Urban Development Challenges and Opportunities
FAMU College of Law in collaboration with CrossMarc Capital hosted Developing in Urban Environments: Land Use and Economic Challenges and Opportunities, a moderated discussion sponsored by First Horizon Foundation. The event was the first in a new Real Estate and Land Use Series.
Panelists represented academia, law, and real estate development:
• Joshua Harris, Ph.D., Moderator and Adjunct Professor, Fordham University; Senior Vice President, CrossMarc Capital
• Kara Consalo, JD, LLM, Associate Professor of Law, FAMU College of Law
• Craig Ustler, MAI, CCIM, Owner and President, Ustler Development
The group addressed the state of the real estate and housing market and the current difficulties and opportunities in developing dense urban areas.
Attendees, including students from FAMU Law, planners, and developers, participated in a question-and-answer session. Topics included technology, vacation rentals, zoning, the stigma associated with renters and renting, and increasing community awareness and engagement with municipal planning and development.
In addition, FAMU Law students Ashley Papagni and Zenee Theophille were each recognized with a scholarship from First Horizon Bank, for achievement with the 2026 Real Estate Land Use Series.
Thank you to John Crossman and CrossMarc for helping to make this event possible.