California recently took a major step to accelerate the delivery of much-needed housing and infrastructure across the state. A new legislative update has rolled back portions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for certain urban infill projects, removing a significant barrier that has long slowed housing production in the regions that need it most. This reform marks an important win for developers focused on dense, transit-oriented communities, like the ones Urban Catalyst is building in Downtown San Jose.
Bay Area at the Center of Economic Growth
Zooming in to the regional level, the Bay Area continues to demonstrate resilience and strong long-term growth, especially in the technology and innovation sectors. According to The Real Deal, Bay Area startups secured more than half of global AI funding in the first half of 2025. This influx of capital signals not only tech’s enduring strength but also increasing demand for workforce housing and transit infrastructure to support this growth.
Major companies like Apple are expanding their office presence in the South Bay, while the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority recently received $100 million to advance the six-mile BART extension into San Jose. These investments reinforce the region’s reputation as a hub for infrastructure and economic development.
Even with shifting workplace dynamics, The Mercury News reports that San Jose is the only one of the Bay Area’s three major downtowns to have nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic activity levels. This recovery is fueled in part by San Jose’s strategic location and the presence of top educational institutions.
New investments continue to fuel momentum across the city. For example, Costco acquired a $14 million office property in North San Jose, and Second Harvest expanded its footprint near its future headquarters with a $13 million land purchase, both demonstrating growing confidence in the local market.
San Jose: A City on the Rise
The optimism in San Jose is translating into tangible results. Apartment rents continue to rise as the construction pipeline tightens, according to CoStar, reflecting both constrained supply and continued demand.
San Jose State University was recently ranked one of the top public universities in the nation for return on investment by Money Magazine, highlighting the city’s growing appeal to students and young professionals alike.
Adding to the city’s vibrant urban fabric, Hapa’s Brewing Co. is opening a new taproom and beer garden within Google’s Downtown West development. This new local business supports the community-focused vision of the project and enhances the walkability and vibrancy of the surrounding area. As one of the first businesses in the district, Hapa’s helps set the tone for a mixed-use neighborhood that blends innovation with authentic San Jose character.
Urban Catalyst’s Role in the Transformation
At Urban Catalyst, we’re proud to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Downtown San Jose. Our projects are located in areas with access to transit, a development-friendly local government, and favorable market conditions. We focus on bringing housing, retail, and mixed-use space to a growing urban core. For investors evaluating opportunities in emerging markets, Urban Catalyst provides access to development projects in one of the Bay Area’s most active regions.
Want to learn more about our current projects and how we’re aligning with the Bay Area’s growth? Reach out to our team.
Important Disclosures
The contents of this communication: (i) do not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, (ii) offers can be made only by the confidential Private Placement Memorandum (the “PPM”) which is available upon request, (iii) do not and cannot replace the PPM and is qualified in its entirety by the PPM, and (iv) may not be relied upon in making an investment decision related to any investment offering by an issuer, or any affiliate, or partner thereof ("Issuer").
All potential investors must read the PPM and no person may invest without acknowledging receipt and complete review of the PPM.
With respect to any performance levels outlined herein, these do not constitute a promise of performance, nor is there any assurance that the investment objectives of any program will be attained. All investments carry the risk of loss of some or all of the principal invested. Assumptions are more fully outlined in the Offering Documents/ PPM for the respective offering. Consult the PPM for investment conditions, risk factors, minimum requirements, fees and expenses and other pertinent information with respect to any investment.
These investment opportunities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are being offered pursuant to an exemption therefrom and from applicable state securities laws. All offerings are intended only for accredited investors unless otherwise specified.
Past performance are no guarantee of future results. All information is subject to change. You should always consult a tax professional prior to investing. Investment offerings and investment decisions may only be made on the basis of a confidential private placement memorandum issued by Issuer, or one of its partner/issuers. Issuer does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Thank you for your cooperation.
Real Estate Risk Disclosure:
- There is no guarantee that any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives including, among other things, profits, distributions, tax benefits, exit strategy, etc.;
- Potential for property value loss – All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments;
- Change of tax status – The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner’s income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities;
- Potential for foreclosure – All financed real estate investments have potential for foreclosure;
- Illiquidity – These assets are commonly offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. There is no secondary market for these investments.
- Reduction or Elimination of Monthly Cash Flow Distributions – Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions;
- Impact of fees/expenses – Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors’ returns and may outweigh the tax benefits
- Stated tax benefits – Any stated tax benefits are not guaranteed and are subject to changes in the tax code. Speak to your tax professional prior to investing.
Opportunity Zone Disclosures
- Investing in opportunity zones is speculative. Opportunity zones are newly formed entities with no operating history. There is no assurance of investment return, property appreciation, or profits. The ability to resell the fund’s underlying investment properties or businesses is not guaranteed. Investing in opportunity zone funds may involve a higher level of risk than investing in other established real estate offerings.
- Long-term investment. Opportunity zone funds have illiquid underlying investments that may not be easy to sell and the return of capital and realization of gains, if any, from an investment will generally occur only upon the partial or complete disposition or refinancing of such investments.
- Limited secondary market for redemption. Although secondary markets may provide a liquidity option in limited circumstances, the amount you will receive typically is discounted to current valuations.
- Difficult valuation assessment. The portfolio holdings in opportunity zone funds may be difficult to value because financial markets or exchanges do not usually quote or trade the holdings. As such, market prices for most of a fund’s holdings will not be readily available.
- Capital call default consequences. Meeting capital calls to provide managers with the pledged capital is a contractual obligation of each investor. Failure to meet this requirement in a timely manner could elicit significant adverse consequences, including, without limitation, the forfeiture of your interest in the fund.
- Opportunity zone funds may use leverage in connection with certain investments or participate in investments with highly leveraged capital structures. Leverage involves a high degree of financial risk and may increase the exposure of such investments to factors such as rising interest rates, downturns in the economy or deterioration in the condition of the assets underlying such investments.
- Unregistered investment. As with other unregistered investments, the regulatory protections of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are not available with unregistered securities.
- It is possible, due to tax, regulatory, or investment decisions, that a fund, or its investors, are unable realize any tax benefits. You should evaluate the merits of the underlying investment and not solely invest in an opportunity zone fund for any potential tax advantage.
The above material cannot be altered, revised, and/or modified without the express written consent of Urban Catalyst.
