Client & Coworker Feedback
Kelly is smart, creative and hard-working with a unique perspective given her experience in both the public and private sectors. She shines in complex settings where her expertise with retail, housing and office products can be harnessed. Kelly has far-reaching relationships with brokers, tenants, planners and developers as well as amazing technical savvy.
Kelly Kline, Chief Economic Development and Land Use Officer, Mayor Sam Liccardo's office
Kelly stands out as a leader with exceptional abilities to bring diverse voices and stakeholders into conversations, spark engaging and thoughtful dialogue, and expertly navigate complex situations with poise, humor, and grace. Kelly has a knack for seeing and shining a light on people's strengths, and generously supports, connects, and promotes colleagues, students, and community members. Kelly's passion for urban planning, public policy, community, and all things San Jose is contagious - it's truly a joy to work with Kelly.
Paula Kirlin, Attorney and Professor
UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design
Kelly is one of the most influential and motivational managers I’ve had the pleasure to work with, always finding a positive outcome out of desperate situations. Courteous in the face of opposition, yet strong while demonstrating dramatic persuasion techniques.
This infectious energy would be a benefit for any organization.
Joanne Price, Vice President Real Estate & Operations at LifeMoves
Kelly is nothing short of spectacular. She really understands how technology and innovation affect people. She has the capability to fly from 30,000 feet to the ground in a nanosecond. She gets the moonshot objectives and drives toward real world impacts. Kelly knows when to use tried-and-true strategies and when a problem requires innovation to solve. Aside from her propensity to swear, she is terrific.
Alison Novak, Head of Sidewalk Urban Development at Sidewalk Labs
Kelly was instrumental in helping our firm navigate the entitlement process within the City of Santa Clara for our Mission Park Market Place project, a 23,000 SF amenity retail center and a 175 key Element by Westin hotel. On top of that, she was fun to work with! I would highly recommend Kelly.
Brent Lower, Executive Vice President at Washington Holdings RE
Her extensive work experience with local communities... gives her a unique ability to look at things more comprehensively. She just left me in awe of her ability to bring strategic partners on boards, streamline processes, and lead sensitive negotiations. She has been very open to mentor me and also help me start my own independent practice. Such women leaders are a rare find!
Atishna Varshney, AICP
Principal, Forward City Labs
Kelly was amazing - she knew the issues and the key influencers. She isn't just a government relations advisor - she understands costs, construction, and design just as well as she knows entitlement and land-use policies. Most importantly, she was responsive and fun to work with.