Real estate is more than buildings — it’s the backdrop of our daily lives. I believe in the power of placemaking to shape communities, foster connection, and create spaces that serve people in meaningful ways.”
Kara Harrison-Gates
Vice President
Experience
As a vice president with Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), Kara supports clients in navigating real estate development projects with a focus on affordable and workforce housing. She works closely with developers to identify and pursue financial incentives — such as tax credits, grants, and public-private partnerships — that help move projects forward.
Kara’s background includes eight years in real estate consulting, where she has contributed to the financing and delivery of numerous housing developments. Her work spans a variety of funding tools, including low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, and tax increment financing (TIF) programs. She also assists with project planning, financial modeling, and coordination with development teams.
Before joining PMR, Kara held roles at Mosaic Community Advisors and Colliers International, where she played a key role in securing over $200 million in financing to support the development of more than 350 affordable housing units. Her clients have included housing commissions and both nonprofit and for-profit developers.
Kara holds a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business and a BBA in Finance and International Management from Grand Valley State University. She was named to Crain’s West Michigan 40 Under 40 and contributed to the development of a graduate-level affordable housing course at Cornell.
