LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s advocacy coalition for triple-bottom-line real estate developers, is deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie Glieberman, a founding member of LOCUS and visionary developer. Bernie’s dedication to ensuring accessible housing and livable neighborhoods for everyday Americans helped shape LOCUS’ mission from its earliest days. His vision and unwavering commitment to improving communities will continue to live on and inspire LOCUS’s work.
Bernie was a beloved friend, husband, father, and grandfather. His commitment to inclusive development extended far beyond his contributions to LOCUS. As a member of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing and a former Board Chair of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Bernie left a lasting mark on the real estate field. His groundbreaking projects include the adaptive reuse of buildings like the well-connected affordable, and supportive housing of The Grandview Marquette.
LOCUS Steering Committee member Shannon Morgan—who Bernie inspired to join the committee—shared her deep admiration for Bernie. “Our early morning calls, brainstorming new ideas, and discussing the future of urban development, were some of the most formative moments of my career. Bernie’s legacy extends far beyond the homes he developed and his groundbreaking work. He was a true visionary who saw potential where others saw challenges.”
Bernie was a leader in advancing smart growth concepts, from taking over his family’s real estate holdings at the age of 17 to developing over 30,000 housing units. His work on brownfield sites and pioneering efforts in creating the first New Urbanist community positioned him ahead of his time. Bernie was also named LOCUS’s 2015 Michigan Developer of the Year.
“Bernie dedicated his life to ensuring that everyday Americans had access to affordable housing and great neighborhoods. Whether as a private developer, a philanthropist, or as a founding member of the LOCUS coalition, he always inspired us to live life with purpose and to see the humanity in others. He was a dear friend and a true partner in this space. His legacy will be felt by many Americans for years to come,” said Christopher Coes, Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy and former Vice President of Land Use and Development at Smart Growth America.
As LOCUS remembers Bernie, we reflect on his immense contributions to the field of development and his commitment to creating better places for people to live. His influence lives on through the projects he spearheaded, the policies he advocated for, and the lives he touched. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of innovation and passion will continue to shape the urban development landscape for years to come.