Richard Lawson
Alpharetta
Summary
Award-winning journalist and policy analyst specializing in commercial real estate, housing policy, and urban development. Skilled at developing sources, uncovering untold stories, and delivering in-depth enterprise and breaking news for major publications. Expert in trend analysis, zoning legislation, and the economics of urban planning. Recognized for impactful investigative journalism, adept at both rapid news cycles and long-form features.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Contributing Writer
Forbes.com, Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Builders Daily
01.2023 - Current
- Produce news, analysis, and enterprise features on national real estate and housing policy.
Senior Staff Writer
CoStar News
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Led trend and policy reporting nationwide
- Created original content for LoopNet, profiled redevelopment & reuse
- Won awards for historic rehabs, celebrity business, pandemic innovations
Editor
Crain Communications
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed content/curated custom newsletters
- Produced editorial driving impressions & engagement
Principal
Communications Consulting
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Strategic/communications advisor for associations
- Developed high-impact newsletters & educational communications
President
Heartland Media
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Launched business/political news site, integrated social media
- Acquired/rebranded community newspaper, grew audience
Senior Writer/Columnist
Nashville City Paper, NashvillePost, Tennessean, NBJ
01.1996 - 01.2009
- Reported on development, housing, government
- Created specialty sections and new analysis columns
- Regular on-air business news expert on local TV station
Education
M.A. - History (with Distinction)
DePaul University
B.S. - Political Science
Arizona State University
Skills
- Investigative & enterprise journalism
- Policy analysis & legislative research
- Source development & interviewing
- Content strategy & editorial management
- Data visualization & trend analysis
- AP Style & newsroom leadership
Accomplishments
- Green Eyeshade Award-winning reporting
- NAREE recognition for investigative & feature stories
- Retooled housing beats for policy trend coverage
- Grew audience engagement + ad revenue
Honors & Awards
Green Eyeshade Award (multiple years), NAREE Best Investigative Story, Tennessee Press Association Award
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Editor/writer: business, telecom, defense/federal coverage
- Legislative Assistant, U.S. Rep. Ron Marlenee: tax/budget analysis
Timeline
Contributing Writer
Forbes.com, Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Builders Daily
01.2023 - Current
Senior Staff Writer
CoStar News
01.2018 - 01.2023
Editor
Crain Communications
01.2016 - 01.2018
Principal
Communications Consulting
01.2009 - 01.2018
President
Heartland Media
01.2009 - 01.2012
Senior Writer/Columnist
Nashville City Paper, NashvillePost, Tennessean, NBJ
01.1996 - 01.2009
B.S. - Political Science
Arizona State University
M.A. - History (with Distinction)
DePaul University