Somos Group

Later this month, I’ll return to my alma mater to take part in a thoughtful dialogue exploring how leaders across law, urban planning, finance, real estate, and public service can deepen cross-sector collaboration to shape more equitable and forward-thinking development outcomes. Join us if you're in the area on April 26!

After taking a day to reflect post-conference, I’m still at a loss for words to fully express how inspired and recharged I feel after wrapping up American Planning Association #NPC25. It was an honor to speak at two sessions and contribute to the conference’s success, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my insights. #NPC25 wasn’t just about learning—it was about reconnecting with long-time friends in the profession and forging new connections. Like many who attended, I’ll continue to process and reflect on the incredible ideas shared about advancing the planning profession. A heartfelt thank you to my fellow panelists— Daisy Marquez, AICP, James Rojas, and Leonor Vanik—for shining a light on best practices for engaging Latino communities. It was a privilege to present the Latinos in Planning Division Inclusive Engagement Guide - a true labor of love created by so many dedicated individuals that mirrors the inclusive ethos of serving disadvantaged communities I strive for in my work with Somos Group. The conference also offered to connect with my fellow Latinos in Planning division members, some who I've meet in person for the first time despite knowing for years: Daniel Besinaiz, Marco Hinojosa, AICP, Consuelo Arguilles, AICP, Rosa Y. Ortiz, AICP, LEED AP, Gabriela Juarez, AICP, Vidal Marquez, Matthew Gomez, Carlo Chunga Pizarro, Daniel Leal, AICP, Assoc.AIA. Thankful for the new connections I've made: Carlos I., Manuel Ochoa, Jessica Fields, PE, AICP, Noah Robles, Oscar Abello, Pascal Fuhr and finally catching up with folks like Nader Afzalan, Ph.D., Albert Casillas, AICP and Jonathan T. who its felt like years since we've chatted. It was great to bring Adrian N. Carver into the fold and connect with planners from back home in New Mexico. And laughing and scheming on evolving planning with the likes of Eric Shaw and Jose Richard Aviles. And of course, to my APA California tribe, who showed up in full force: your support and camaraderie continue to shape my career: Carey Fernandes, AICP, Hing Wong, FAICP, Reuben Duarte, Desmond Corley, AICP, Allison Joe, Elizabeth Tyler, Ph.D., FAICP, Julia Lave Johnston, Brian Mooney FAICP, Hanson Hom, FAICP, Robert Narvaez, AICP, Miroo Desai. Last but certainly not least, a huge thank-you to Miguel Angel Vazquez, FAICP - a mentor to many of us who consistently goes above and beyond. Here's to next year! #ItTakesAPlanner

Somos Group (SOMOS) principal Kira Teshima Conlon presented at the KAKEHASHI Presentation & Subcommittees Update Event hosted by Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone. The event highlighted the impact of the KAKEHASHI Project, a leadership and cultural exchange program administered by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The evening featured insights from the 2024 KAKEHASHI delegates, who traveled to Japan to meet with Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri, House Representatives members Taro Kono and Dr. Karen Makishima. Kira serves as Co-Chair of the Politics Subcommittee and as a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee for the LA Next Generation Japanese American Leaders Initiative. Each subcommittee—business, entertainment, politics, and women & diversity—also provided updates on their latest initiatives.  “As a 2023 KAKEHASHI delegate, I had the opportunity to engage firsthand with prominent government leaders in Japan, including Mr. Yasushi Hosaka, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Makishima of the House of Representatives, and City Council Member Risa Kamio of the Setagaya Ward.” said Conlon. “Programs like KAKEHASHI highlight the importance of cultural exchange in shaping innovative solutions to shared challenges.”    At SOMOS, cross-border collaboration and leadership development are essential to building stronger, more resilient communities. We are proud to contribute to initiatives that bridge perspectives and equip future leaders with the tools to navigate an interconnected world. #KAKEHASHI #USJapanRelations #SomosGroup #SOMOS #GlobalLeadership 

There is perhaps no better way to celebrate a season of new beginnings than to share in our team’s growth and success.  Join us in congratulating Diego Jasis, one of our dedicated Research Clerks, as he starts 1L at Georgetown University Law Center this fall! Last month, Diego traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend an open house for newly admitted law students where he met Georgetown Law Center’s Dean of Admissions, Andrew Cornblatt. At Georgetown, Diego will focus on environmental, human rights, and land use law—fields that align with his passion for advocacy and systemic change. He has been an invaluable part of the Somos Group (SOMOS) team, applying his analytical expertise to projects that drive equitable, community-focused solutions. We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.  Congratulations, Diego! #SomosGroup #GeorgetownLaw #LawSchool #1L

Somos prides itself on partnering with best-in-class innovators working to effectuate and sustain affordable housing solutions. One of the most successful companies in this area, as noted in this New York Times article, is The Vistria Group, which has raised more than $2.5 billion for its real estate fund aimed at addressing the affordable housing crisis.   Last year, working with Vistria and ETHOS Real Estate, Somos represented the principal developer in the planned conversion of 700 market-rate units in the Hillsdale Garden Apartments to long-term affordable housing. And we also worked alongside Vistria and Ethos to ensure the permanent preservation of 151 units of affordable housing at the Vista Lane apartment community in Chula Vista.   This type of collaborative innovation to address some of the biggest economic and social challenges we face is at the heart of our mission; it’s what defines The Somos Way. And we are excited about the future working with partners like Vistria and Ethos! https://lnkd.in/gdrMqAEq

🏳️⚧️ Trans Visibility is more than recognition—It’s a call to action. On #TransVisibilityDay, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of transgender communities. But visibility alone isn’t enough. True equity requires resources, protections, and systemic change. That’s why advancing trans-led solutions and advocating for safe housing, affirming healthcare, and economic opportunity must be a year-round effort. Supporting initiatives like the Trans Wellness Center in Los Angeles—a project led by our partners at The TransLatin@ Coalition—is one way to make a lasting impact. 💡 How can we all move beyond visibility and into meaningful support? Let’s commit to uplifting trans voices, advocating for trans-led initiatives, and ensuring that visibility leads to tangible progress. Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #TransRightsAreHumanRights #BeyondVisibility #LGBTQAdvocacy #SomosGroup 

Just wrapped up a productive trip to our Somos San Francisco office, pounding the pavement with Ramneek S. and Ontario Smith, meeting with clients, and reflecting on the impact our platform has had these past few years. I couldn't ask for better collaborators than them, Kira Teshima Conlon, and our growing Somos team. Big projects and partnerships ahead!

After a six-year hiatus since my last American Planning Association national planning conference, I’m excited to attend #NPC25 and even more thrilled to present at two sessions focused on Latino resilience and inclusive engagement in planning. 📍 El Movimiento: Latino Resilience in Changing Neighborhoods - A tour showcasing how historically Latino neighborhoods in Denver persist and thrive amid urban change. SUN 3/30/2025 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM MT 📍 Levantando Voces: Meaningful Inclusive Engagement in Latino Communities - A deep dive into strategies for fostering inclusive and action-oriented engagement with Latino communities, featuring insights from the Latinos in Planning Division’s new engagement guide. TUE 4/1/2025 | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM MT Looking forward to connecting and sharing these important conversations! See you in Denver! #NPC25 #UrbanPlanning #LatinoEngagement #InclusivePlanning

Somos Group (SOMOS) principal Kira Teshima Conlon spoke at the LA84 Foundation as part of the TOMODACHI Initiative – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program. Through a partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Japan, the initiative brings together young Japanese and American leaders through sports, education, and cultural exchange. As Los Angeles prepares to take the world stage with the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the power of sports to unite communities has never been more important. Kira spoke about the resilience and spirit that bind our communities—whether in recovery from natural disasters or in pursuit of athletic excellence. “Since that 2011 humanitarian response in the Tohoku region, the Initiative has become a leading program for connecting next generation Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchange,” said Conlon. “As Angelenos face our own recovery process in the aftermath of the Eaton and Pacific Palisades Wildfires, the founding spirit of the TOMODACHI Initiative and the 10 exceptional delegates is especially meaningful.”   A huge congratulations to the 10 TOMODACHI delegates and a special thanks to WLS, LA84, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo for supporting this impactful program! SOMOS understands that leadership and resilience extend far beyond any single field—in policy, planning, or the world of sports.   #TOMODACHI #USJapanRelations #SomosGroup #SOMOS #GoForGold #LA84 #LeadershipThroughSports 

160 housing bills have been introduced this legislative session that focus on rebuilding and accelerating production and funding for affordable housing. The Terner Center for Housing Innovation, UC Berkeley provides invaluable research and data that helps our team at Somos Group track this legislation to provide timely technical assistance for our clients. As a former Terner Center Fellow, I highly recommend their 2025 California Legislative Preview, which highlights key themes and legislative proposals to watch–policies that will shape how we tackle affordability, production, and equity in 2025 and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gMz6myzu