Reed Smith land use and real estate counsel Phillip Babich, Complex Litigation associate Emily Lynch, and former associate Jamie Knauer were honored by One TI for providing the Bay Area nonprofit organization with exceptional legal services throughout the year.

One TI’s mission is focused on providing pathways for economic advancement for lower-income San Franciscans, including those who have experienced homelessness.

“We are very honored and pleased to represent One TI and support its mission to provide affordable housing by achieving positive outcomes for One TI,” Babich said. “It is also rewarding that Reed Smith fully supports this and other pro bono work that serves a greater goal of promoting equity and social justice. This work is at the core of the firm’s motto, ‘driving progress through partnership.’”

One TI presented the award to Babich, Lynch, and Knauer virtually on October 21 at their annual “Breaking New Ground” fundraising event. The theme of this year’s event was “A Blueprint for Equity & Inclusion,” highlighting One TI’s mission to create construction jobs for disadvantaged workers, affordable housing for low-income residents, and open spaces for the Bay Area community.

“After 25+ years of planning and approvals, Treasure Island is creating new construction jobs for people who have had barriers to employment while building the first new affordable housing that will serve homeless veteran.”

The 2021 Breaking New Ground ceremony, attended by San Francisco Mayor London Breed and other civic leaders, highlighted a new development project on the island that will create up to 8,000 new homes – more than 2,000 of which will be offered for sale at below-market rates. Newly created open spaces are also key to the landmark project. More than 300 acres on both Treasure Island and the adjoining Yerba Buena Island will be devoted to parklands, wetlands, recreational sites, trails, and native habitats.