Ms. Walser has over 20 years of experience leading large-scale community development efforts. She is currently leading the firm’s efforts to develop new models of housing that better meet the needs of veterans and their families. She is responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of the initiative from concept development to project feasibility, financing, construction, and lease-up. She facilitates communication with key partners including foundations and local, state, and federal agencies.

Previously she was responsible for Heritage Park, a 140 acre, $250 million mixed-income public housing redevelopment in Minneapolis. The development includes 900 new, mixed-income rental and for-sale homes as well as affordable housing for seniors and over 30 acres of new and renovated parks and wetlands.

Ms. Walser joined MBS in 1999 with nine years of experience in community organizing, community planning, and development in both Minneapolis and Seattle. She spent seven years as a community organizer for the Jordan neighborhood in North Minneapolis working with the community to develop and implement a $15 million comprehensive neighborhood plan that focused on housing, youth, safety and economic development. As a HUD fellow working for the Seattle Public Housing Authority, Ms. Walser managed NewHolly, a $180 million HOPE VI Redevelopment Project in Seattle. NewHolly includes 1200 units of mixed-income rental, for-sale, and senior housing, the development of a new community center, and a $12 million comprehensive education, job training, family and youth, and community services component.

Ms. Walser is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul with degrees in geography and international studies, and received her Master in Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

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