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Development Pipeline

Default weight: 12%·5 data sources

Development Pipeline tracks active building permits, satellite-detected construction activity, land cover changes, and opportunity zone designations. This signal group reveals where physical transformation is happening and where new supply is coming online.

Why it matters for CRE

The development pipeline directly impacts CRE supply/demand dynamics. Heavy construction activity can signal both opportunity (area improvement) and risk (new competitive supply). Opportunity zone designation attracts capital flows. Understanding the pipeline helps investors time entries and exits.

Signal position in the octagon

2040608075COMPOSITE

Sub-scores

Permit Volume

25% weightMonthly

Number of active building permits within the trade area.

Methodology

Permit count from municipal APIs (10+ cities). Higher volume = more development activity.

Source: Municipal Permit APIs

Permit Value

25% weightMonthly

Total estimated construction value of active permits.

Methodology

Sum of estimated_cost from building permits. Higher value = larger-scale development.

Source: Municipal Permit APIs

Construction Activity

20% weightMonthly

Satellite-detected construction activity based on land cover changes.

Methodology

Bare earth and vegetation change analysis from Sentinel-2 imagery. Rapid changes indicate active construction.

Source: Sentinel-2 Satellite

Land Cover Change

15% weightMonthly

Rate of land use transformation from vegetation to built environment.

Methodology

NDVI delta analysis comparing current vs 6-month-prior satellite imagery.

Source: Sentinel-2 Satellite

Opportunity Zone

15% weightStatic

Whether the location falls within a designated Qualified Opportunity Zone.

Methodology

Census tract overlay with QOZ designations. Binary indicator with score boost.

Source: IRS / CDFI Fund

How the score is calculated

A Development Pipeline score of 60 means development activity scores 60 out of 100 on our fixed-range scale. High permit values and satellite-confirmed construction are the strongest contributors.