When it comes to creating and implementing partnerships between the public and private sectors, there is no standard approach or “one size fits all” solution. Every public-private partnership is unique and presents its own legal, financial, and operational challenges that must be carefully managed to achieve the goals of both the public and private stakeholders involved.
Morningstar advises developers, municipalities, institutions, and project stakeholders on public-private development initiatives that require coordination among governmental entities, private investors, community stakeholders, and project teams.
Our attorneys understand the tools available to local governments and can provide hands-on guidance to developers seeking public support, financing, and infrastructure participation. Our experience includes development agreements, public financing mechanisms, special assessment districts, synthetic tax increment financing, public grants, tax exemptions, density and height bonuses, infrastructure development, economic development incentives, and other strategies used to support complex development projects. Morningstar attorneys helped structure the first special assessment improvement district in North Carolina and continue to advise on innovative approaches to financing public infrastructure that supports private investment.
The team regularly works on mixed-use developments, hospitality projects, industrial and logistics facilities, healthcare and institutional projects, affordable housing initiatives, and other developments where public participation, infrastructure investment, or governmental approvals play a critical role in project success.
Successful public-private partnerships often require more than legal guidance alone. They require building consensus among stakeholders, navigating public processes, and balancing competing interests. When negotiating with local governments, our attorneys bring practical experience and credibility to the table. We have worked extensively with elected officials, city managers, municipal attorneys, planning directors, and public agencies in communities across North Carolina to help clients reach workable solutions and move projects forward. We also work closely with engineers, architects, landscape architects, economists, and other project professionals whose expertise can play a critical role in securing support and advancing complex development initiatives.
