Known for a depth of experience in government entitlement and project development processes, Burnham Planning & Development helps developers both small and large approach implementation of development projects with full clarity and knowledge of local land use policies, entitlement and permitting processes. We bridge developer vision and land use possibilities for mutually beneficial outcomes for our clients and the community, with an emphasis on creating great places for people.

Started by Derek Burnham in 2013, Burnham Planning & Development represents private-sector owners and developers providing specific insight and technical expertise on a variety of planning, zoning, project development and real estate matters and is known for fostering strong relationships with key municipal leaders, government agency staff, local organizations and stakeholders necessary to effectively communicate client needs and facilitate development projects through local government entitlement and building processes.

EXPERIENCE

ABOUT

Derek C. Burnham

Derek Burnham has more than 20 years experience in the urban planning and real estate fields in both the public and private sector.

Mr. Burnham started Burnham Planning & Development, an urban planning and real estate development firm, in October 2013. Burnham Planning & Development offers a wide range of services for real estate development projects, including site selection, property acquisition, due diligence, project management, entitlements, and permitting, for projects throughout Southern California.

Since 2013, Burnham Planning & Development has assisted in the approval of more than 1,000 residential units, facilitated the adaptive reuse of more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space, and provided services to more than 70 clients.

Prior to starting Burnham Planning & Development, Mr. Burnham served as the Planning Administrator for the City of Long Beach where he was involved in many high-profile projects and major policy efforts throughout Long Beach. Most notably, Mr. Burnham was one of the key staff members involved with the preparation of the award winning Downtown Plan and Program EIR. Mr. Burnham was also responsible for overseeing all Planning Bureau functions including development project review and permitting functions. 

In addition, Mr. Burnham has served on the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Mr. Burnham previously served on the DLBA Public Realm Committee, where he participated in streetscape and public activation projects, and assisted with administering the Placemaking Grant Program, and coordinated the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) that evaluated the Waterfront area of Downtown Long Beach. 

Mr. Burnham attended the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy where he received a Masters in Urban Planning with an Economic Development concentration. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Carroll College in Montana.

Ford Do

Ford Do has been working in real estate for over 15 years. He started his career as a property manager for his family’s multi-family assets and has extensive experience in value-add projects, leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations.

Prior to joining Burnham Planning & Development as Vice President, Ford served on the acquisitions and project management teams for KB Home, a publicly traded homebuilding company. He worked on many residential projects. He has experience in underwriting, entitlement, land development, project management, and bond exoneration. He has participated in entitling and constructing more than 800 residential units.

Projects he has worked on include: Elderberry at Portola Springs in Irvine (83 SFD units), Prado at Cadence Park in Irvine (87 attached condo units), Sage at Portola Springs in Irvine (125 attached condo units), Highmark at Ironridge in Lake Forest (83 SFD units), Lotus in Santa Ana (35 SFD units), and Euclid Place in Anaheim (39 attached and detached condo units).

Ford attended the Paul Merage Business School at the University of California, Irvine where he received a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A) with a focus on Finance and Real Estate. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine.