2016 Year in Review: Francis Gorman, Harris Beach PLLC

Francis Gorman, Harris Beach PLLC

Name and Title:  Francis Gorman, Senior Counsel

Company Name: Harris Beach PLLC

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

We completed the sale of a 21-property mixed-use portfolio accomplished thru acquisition of membership interests of selling limited liability company entity. Transaction recognized as the Deal of the Year by the Rochester Area Chapter of NYS Commercial Association of Realtors at its Annual Awards Dinner in November. I was also elected to the Boards of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Western New York Chapter and the Rochester Downtown Development Corp.; appointed co-chair of the International Council of Shopping Centers Upstate New York Idea Exchange.

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

Urbanization of development, particularly multi-family, growth of affordable housing projects, use of public private partnerships, Historic Tax credits and Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

Continued build-out of legal and consultant team members producing speedier and more economically efficient work product resulting in value add to developer clients by shortening time line to project stabilization and developer income generation.

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2017?

Urbanization, anti-poverty initiatives, workforce and affordable housing and Uber in Upstate.