It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our colleague and friend, Daniel “Danny” Fred, passed away following a bicycle accident.
Danny was not only a respected leader in his field, but also a deeply kind, generous, and compassionate human being. As Principal and President, he was a Managing Member and founder of DFA Development LLC, bringing decades of expertise in financial advisory services and housing development. His work spanned all areas of development, including finance, project feasibility and market analysis, program design, land use planning and entitlements, and project coordination.
Prior to establishing DFA Development LLC and Fred Consulting Associates, Danny served as Director of Community Development for the City of Galveston, Texas, and Director of Housing Programs for the City of Palo Alto, California. Throughout his distinguished career, he was known not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for his integrity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities through thoughtful housing and development initiatives.
Danny held a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley (1972) and a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University (1974). He carried his academic foundation into a lifetime of meaningful work that improved the lives of countless individuals and families.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Danny was a devoted father to his children, Ben and Elianna, and a loving partner, family member, and friend. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. His warmth, humor, and steady presence enriched every team and community he was part of.
The loss of Danny leaves an immeasurable void in our workplace and in our hearts. We are grateful for the time we shared with him and for the lasting impact he made on our organization and the broader community.
We extend our deepest condolences to Danny’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We will honor his memory by carrying forward the kindness, leadership, and humanity he modeled every day.
Please keep Danny’s family in your thoughts.