Kent Dussair
CDS Community Development Strategies

The real estate market moves in cycles. When times are good, new projects are easy to justify—whether the land use is residential, commercial, or something else. But when the economic times are uncertain, the best use of a property is not always clear. In the Houston area, where the local economy has been adversely affected by low oil prices, land owners and developers are still moving forward… but cautiously. Projects currently underway are being closely scrutinized while future planned developments are being re-evaluated. Determining the highest and best use for an undeveloped (or under-developed) property is always important, but in a challenging local real estate market, it is absolutely essential.

Steve Spillette
CDS Community Development Strategies

In an effort to lure new commercial development, many communities want to make sure that prospective developers and businesses have access to accurate demographic data. However, this can be challenging in areas that are growing rapidly. Understanding this challenge requires a basic understanding about how demographic data is collected.

Brenda Crenshaw
CDS Community Development Strategies

So you've decided you need some research for your development or public plan. CDS can help. When we provide research for a project, we look at both quantitative and qualitative factors. Here's a breakdown of our approach... 

Kent Dussair
CDS Community Development Strategies

Everyone involved in marketing is at least somewhat familiar with Focus Group research. The idea of quickly gaining valuable insights from a small group of individuals is almost too good to be true. What could be easier than having a friendly discussion with a bunch of nice people? Well not so fast... there are a few important details that are often overlooked. 

In my mind there are two classifications of Focus Groups; those that are professionally managed and those that are thrown together haphazardly. The former often yields valuable results—while the latter may produce a false sense of confidence in your conclusions. Here are three basic suggestions: