Colin Behring Named Developer of the Year: What It Means for EB-5 Investors

Colin Behring, CEO of Behring Companies, has been recognized as the 2024 Developer of the Year by the San Francisco Business Times, a distinction awarded in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets—San Francisco, Oakland, and the greater Bay Area. This honor, paired with the 1950 Franklin project winning “Deal of the Year,” cements Behring’s reputation as a visionary developer capable of delivering transformative, resilient urban projects even in challenging environments. 

Proof of Concept in a Highly Competitive Market 

Behring’s approach, inspired by his experience in Shanghai, China, has redefined Oakland’s urban landscape through the creation of a true “urban campus.” His developments–—1900 Broadway and 1950 Franklin–—combine luxury apartments, flexible office and coworking spaces, and a suite of high-end amenities, all directly atop above a major BART transit hub. The 1900 Broadway tower, for example, is 75% leased just eight months after opening, demonstrating robust demand and validating the integrated “Full Stack Real Estate Solution” model. 

These projects have not only revitalized a struggling downtown but have also set new standards for mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the Bay Area. Industry experts have praised the developments for strengthening Oakland’s urban core, delivering much-needed housing, and fostering transit-oriented, sustainable living. 

Critical Issues for EB-5 Investors: What This Recognition Proves 

For EB-5 investors, Colin Behring’s Developer of the Year award provides a powerful proof of concept and addresses several critical due diligence concerns: 

• Project Viability and Market Demand: The rapid lease-up rates and market accolades for 1900 Broadway and 1950 Franklin demonstrate that these are not speculative projects, but proven successes in a tough competitive market. This tangible performance reduces risk for EB-5 investors, who must show that their capital is deployed into viable, job-creating enterprises. 

• Developer Track Record: Behring’s recognition by independent industry bodies (San Francisco Business Times, CoStar Impact Award) provides verifiable third-party validation of his capability and integrity as a developer. This is a key due diligence factor for EB-5 investors and their advisors. 

• Transparency and Compliance: The scale and visibility of these projects mean they are subject to heightened public and regulatory scrutiny, making it easier for EB-5 investors to verify that funds are being used appropriately and that compliance protocols are in place. The involvement of reputable partners and the city government further enhances transparency. 

• Job Creation: With over 1.2 million square feet of mixed-use space and hundreds of units delivered, these projects are well-positioned to meet and exceed EB-5 job creation requirements, a cornerstone of program compliance. 

• Innovative, Resilient Model: Behring’s “Full Stack” approach-integrating residential, office, amenities, and transportation-has proven resilient even post-pandemic, attracting tenants and residents back to urban cores. This adaptability is crucial for long-term project stability and investor security. 

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever 

Recent changes in EB-5 regulations and compliance standards have placed a premium on project transparency, developer reputation, and the ability to verify every aspect of an investment-from source of funds to job creation. In this environment, Behring’s high-profile recognition and the documented success of his Oakland developments offer EB-5 investors a rare level of verification and confidence. 

“For most investors, buying nearly half a million square feet of empty office space in Oakland might have been a hard sell. For Colin Behring, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… It’s a first-of-its-kind development in Oakland that observers say could help kickstart the city’s comeback story.” 

Conclusion 

Colin Behring’s Developer of the Year accolade is more than a personal achievement–—it is a market-validated indicator of reliability for EB-5 investors seeking certainty in a complex regulatory and economic landscape. The success and recognition of Behring’s projects directly address the core concerns of EB-5 due diligence: project viability, compliance, transparency, and job creation. For investors, this news is not just a headline, it’s a critical verification tool that sets a new standard for what to expect from EB-5 investment opportunities in the United States.