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About us

Meet the Team

Principal Consultant

Francesc R. Martí

With over 17 years of experience, Francesc Marti is a seasoned housing and urban policy strategist deeply versed in the California, New York, and federal housing landscapes. He has led significant initiatives, including a landmark partnership between Apple and the State of California that created thousands of affordable housing units. He played key roles in developing mixed-income housing programs and negotiating major municipal tax incentives like New York's 421-a program.

His career includes leadership positions at the California Housing Finance Agency and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development.

Francesc holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Urban Policy and Public Finance from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Vassar College.

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Consulting Partner, Housing Finance

Timothy Hsu

With over 28 years of experience, Tim is a widely recognized expert in housing finance, public finance, and affordable housing. His career spans leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. In the private sector, he served in senior positions within the public finance groups at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, contributing to high-impact financial strategies and transactions.

In the public sector, Tim held key leadership roles at the California Housing Finance Agency, including Director of Financing and Director of Homeownership. During his tenure, he spearheaded and managed some of the largest and most transformative initiatives in the agency’s history.

Tim has also served as a Senior Consultant at cfX Inc., a premier municipal and housing finance advisory services firm, where he provided expert guidance on complex financing structures and policy development.

Consulting Partner, Policy Research

Muhammad T. Alameldin

Widely recognized for his work at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, Muhammad leverages cutting-edge research to inform housing policy at local, state, and federal levels. In addition to his ongoing work at UC Berkeley, Muhammad serves on the boards of both the Casita Coalition and the Rockridge Community Planning Council. His expertise has been featured in various outlets, from The Atlantic to The White House.

Our Story

The Urban Policy practice at Avenir Advisors LLC was founded with a clear vision: to reshape urban landscapes and create inclusive, sustainable communities. Our journey began with a deep passion for housing and urban policy, driven by the belief that effective policy solutions can significantly improve the quality of life for countless individuals.

We bring a diverse and extensive background in housing and urban policy. We have led projects that created thousands of affordable housing units, developed innovative financing mechanisms, and implemented programs to support mixed-income housing and affordable homeownership. Our approach is grounded in thorough landscape assessments, strategic planning, and collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure that our solutions are both practical and impactful.

Our story is one of dedication, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of better solutions for urban development. We have earned the trust of policymakers, stakeholders, and business leaders by consistently delivering strategic insights and actionable plans that drive meaningful results. At Avenir Urban Strategies, we are more than consultants; we are partners committed to helping you create vibrant, equitable, and thriving communities.

Our Experience

Proven track record in pioneering housing initiatives and shaping impactful urban policies.

Apple / California Partnership

Design and project management of a landmark partnership between Apple and the State of California, creating an innovative affordable housing finance mechanism.

California State LIHTC Program

Design and legislative drafting of California's $500 million State LIHTC program.

California Dream for All Program

Policy development and funding strategy for one of the nation's most ambitious and innovative homebuyer assistance initiatives.

NYC 421-a Tax Exemption Program

Policy and political strategy to successfully enact the nation’s largest municipal tax incentive for residential development .

NYC Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program

Policy design of a rent freeze program for 50,000 seniors New Yorkers.

CalHFA ADU Program

State budget strategy and policy development for the nation's leading accessory dwelling unit (ADU) grant program.