Sandidge Urban Group, Inc. (SUG) is a leading development consultancy based in the Bay Area, specializing in affordable housing and community development. SUG offers a comprehensive range of real estate services, including development planning, entitlements, community engagement, and project financing. The firm primarily works with smaller nonprofits and church-based organizations, acting as a development coach to assist them in leveraging their land for housing projects.

Originally a subsidiary of C. Sandidge & Associates, a former women-owned general contractor construction firm, SUG has evolved significantly since its inception. In the early '90s, CSA held a Federal 8(a) designation, providing construction services on numerous federal projects. However, due to the mid-2008 recession, CSA was closed, necessitating the formation of SUG to continue its mission in a new capacity.
 

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, SUG was approached by numerous Black church organizations seeking assistance in developing affordable housing on their church-owned properties. This collaboration has created a unique market niche of development opportunities. SUG continues to engage with community faith-based organizations and has worked with some of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area on significant future projects.

In 2020, Cherene Sandidge established the State of California BIPOC pool to address the historical disenfranchisement of Black developers in accessing capital. SUG played a pivotal role in drafting three significant white papers that informed the creation of this pool. Concurrently, Cherene founded the Black Developers Forum, where she currently serves as president and Board Chair. The award-winning BDF, which has over 75 members, enjoys four-seat representation on the State’s Working Taskforce, unifying its members under my leadership to advocate for issues central to our cause.

Looking ahead, SUG is actively developing its own pipeline of projects. Currently, there are six projects in the pipeline, with over 300 units planned through 2026. This includes some of the most challenging developments, such as homeless/ELI supportive service units—populations that SUG is committed to serving. Internally, SUG is building capacity, with one part-time experienced project manager already in place and plans to hire administrative support in the next three months.