LEADERSHIP
Howard Kozloff
Principal & FOUNDER
As Founder and Principal of Agora Partners, Howard Kozloff blends urban planning and real estate development to deliver a holistic approach to rethinking the built environment. This entrepreneurial planning approach focuses first on defining value, then on maximizing that value within the public realm. With over two decades of consulting and development experience across national and international markets, Howard identifies and creates value-add opportunities in urban environments by solving complex real estate challenges. Leveraging his experience as both principal and advisor, he works across various asset types, geographies, and scales, collaborating with public agencies, municipalities, developers, private landowners, private equity funds, family offices, commercial and investment banks, and philanthropic funds.
Before founding Agora Partners, Howard held leadership positions across boutique entrepreneurial firms, public REITs, and institutional funds. His positions included Director of HH Development Strategies and Director of Operations at Hart Howerton, an international planning and design firm; Development Manager at both The Martin Group and Macerich (MAC), Southern California-based firms focused on urban infill and retail development, respectively; and Project Manager at BRV Corp., a placemaking consulting firm specializing in parks, public spaces, neighborhood streetscapes, and public mixed-use developments.
Passionate about opportunistic planning and urban redevelopment, Howard has published over 50 articles and participated in dozens of speaking engagements at industry conferences. He holds a Master of Urban Planning from Harvard University, a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Design of the Environment from the University of Pennsylvania. Howard has also shared his expertise as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California.
Ben Donsky
PRINCIPAL
Ben Donsky, Principal at Agora Partners, brings over two decades of experience guiding real estate developers, foundations, and government agencies through the planning, development, and operation of public space projects and open spaces within mixed-use developments and entertainment districts. His expertise spans creating and implementing innovative programming and activation plans, launching park conservancy operations, structuring public-private partnerships nationwide, and revitalizing high-profile public destinations.
Prior to joining Agora Partners, Ben served as Vice President of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation, where he led numerous high-profile public space projects. His portfolio includes programming and activating Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, developing a comprehensive business plan for Levy Park in Houston, reimagining the management and programming of the Buffalo waterfront, and revitalizing Newark's historic Military Park. He also oversaw significant stadium-adjacent projects for the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, helped establish New York City's largest WiFi network in collaboration with Google, launched the fastest WiFi network in the country for Newark, and negotiated Indianapolis' first-ever private management agreement for a park. Ben previously held leadership roles as Vice President of the Military Park Partnership and Vice President of Management and Operations for the Chelsea Improvement Company.
Ben holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Brown University. His innovative work has earned recognition from prominent industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, the International Downtown Association, and the American Planning Association, among others.