March 18th, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
HLW
5 Penn Plaza floor 5, New York, NY, USA
Pedram Mahdavi is Chief Operating Officer at Type A Projects, a mission-driven, women-owned real estate development firm. He brings experience across the public and private sectors, with prior roles at The Hudson Companies and Forsyth Street Advisors, where he led the financing and delivery of new construction and rehabilitation projects totaling nearly 2,000 affordable and market-rate homes, 200,000 square feet of commercial space, and more than $500 million in development costs.
Most recently, Pedram served as a senior advisor in the NYC Mayor’s Office to the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, overseeing real estate and economic development agencies and leading negotiations to deploy City tools and assets in support of policy priorities.
As Executive Vice President of Development at Gotham Organization, Simeon manages entitlement, design, construction, and delivery of Gotham’s new developments and oversees and coordinates architecture, engineering, environmental, and construction teams from preliminary feasibility studies through construction.
Simeon’s current projects include a multi-phase 2 million square foot development consisting of nearly 2,000 affordable units, a community facility, public open space, and retail in East New York and the entitlement of a planned one million square foot project on the Brooklyn waterfront. Past projects include the recently completed 500 unit Broome Street Development on the Lower East Side and the construction of a new Covenant House facility, a brand new purpose-built shelter facility for teenagers.
Jessica Yoon is managing director at L+M Development Partners and oversees affordable housing development in New York through conception, predevelopment, financing, construction and stabilization. She manages joint venture partnerships and spearheads new development opportunities.
Join us for a discussion on how New York City can expand housing supply while delivering meaningful community benefits with Pedram Mahdavi, Simeon Maleh, and Jessica Yoon.
Housing development in New York City is costly, often forcing tradeoffs between feasibility and public value. Yet New Yorkers need more than just units – they need affordable, well-designed homes with amenities and infrastructure shaped by local needs. Creative models that bring together local leaders, developers, and government can expand supply while also meeting community needs to build complete neighborhoods.
How can New York City build more housing while reflecting local needs and supporting vibrant neighborhoods?
Guest & Accessibility Policies
Urban Design Forum promotes conversations between invited civic leaders, designers, developers, and advocates. This event is open to Forum Members. Members may also invite a guest to join them.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
- This venue is ADA accessible. There will be microphones and speakers.
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
- Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
- If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
Continuing Education
This event has been approved for AIA CES LUs.
About Public Works
Public Works is a discussion series to drive civic dialogue around new and forthcoming built environment projects in New York City. Throughout the year, we invite government officials and private sector leaders to present design and development initiatives that shape the public good. Our goal is to create an open and collegial venue for deeper conversation between the public sector and our network of civic leaders building, caring for, and maintaining our city.
Support Our Work
Public Works is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
To learn more about supporting Public Works, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.
Image Credit: Billie Grace Ward
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