Services

• Property Management Consulting

  We consult on property management issues in Berkeley, California:  rent control, zoning issues, purchase and sale of multiple unit property, tenants-in-common ownership, tenant negotiations, and condominium conversions. We apply detailed knowledge of the Berkeley regulatory environment to questions and problems as they arise, with an eye to maximizing long run property value. We assist property owners in drafting rental agreements and other documents that conform to the regulations. We manage rent control hearings and tenant negotiations. We brainstorm with property owners to create strategic plans designed to maximize the long run financial potential of their Berkeley property.

 

• Economic Analysis
  Michael performs economic analysis when required in regulatory contexts. One focus is on the regulation of mobile home parks. In this context, we prepare rent increase applications and backup materials supporting park owners’ entitlements. Michael also advises California cities and counties about adopting or structuring rent control ordinances and about specific rent increase applications. Another focus is expert witness testimony in lawsuits involving fair return on investment. Michael has appeared as an economist in several fair return lawsuits. His report “Fair Return and the California Courts” defines the fair return concept in its California context and forms the theoretical ground on which his economic analysis of particular cases is based.

 

• Community and Economic Development
  

  A recent interest is in development and preservation on the North Coast. Michael is working to develop a model by which the coastal village of Caspar might be able to preserve its character, manage its extensive wetlands, serve its residents, and guide its own development in the coming decades. A prime candidate is the community land trust model now being used in both urban and rural environments to combine multiple objectives – provision of affordable housing, protection of agricultural lands, preservation of open space, and establishment of community. It is possible that this model can take root on the North Coast to facilitate appropriate, sustainable, affordable development along with preservation of forests, buildings, wetlands, agricultural lands, and viewsheds.

  
  

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