Gary Benjamin is the founder and Principal of Alchemy Planning + Land Use, a premier Los Angeles-based land-use consulting firm, specializing in multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial development. Since founding the firm in 2017, he has advised on the development and acquisition of over 700 properties throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, and obtained over 80 complex discretionary entitlement approvals with a 100% approval rate, including entitlements for more than 40 mixed-use and multifamily projects, comprising nearly 2,400 housing units, in developments ranging in size from four units to 254 units.
Benjamin is recognized as an expert and forward-thinking innovator in the land use field, advising development teams in the earliest planning stages on how to utilize the nuances of the zoning code, recent land use legislation, and the discretionary approval process to maximize project value and achieve the highest and best use for a site. He is also a renowned problem-solver with strong relationships within city government, frequently brought in to rescue projects that have run into significant permitting and entitlement challenges and guide them to success.
Benjamin holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA and previously worked within the Los Angeles City Planning Department and as the land use and planning advisor to the former City Councilmember for Los Angeles City Council District 13, overseeing and guiding development in Hollywood, Silver Lake, and surrounding communities. He is passionate about finding solutions to bureaucratic challenges and contributing to the growth and development of the LA region.
Alchemy is a premier, boutique land use and development consulting firm specializing in entitlement approvals and zoning analysis for mixed-use and multifamily residential projects in Los Angeles.
Prior project approvals include:
RESIDENTIAL, MIXED USE & COMMERCIAL
ARCHITECTS
HOSPITALITY & RETAIL
PLANNING + LAND USE
ALCHEMY