About | LJS Consulting

Meet Our Founder

A results-driven real estate professional with 30 years of experience in multifamily housing, Lara Schwager, specializes in affordable, workforce, and market-rate developments. With a proven track record in executive leadership, real-estate development, finance, and organizational structuring and strategy, she fosters collaboration to enhance company performance and create lasting impact.

For the past 15 years, Lara has overseen over $2.5 billion in development, providing high-quality, sustainable housing for families and seniors on fixed incomes.

Community Leader

Lara is deeply committed to giving back to her community, using her expertise and leadership; mentoring the next generation of leaders, and empowering others to create lasting, positive change in their communities.

As an industry leader in 2024, Lara is a founding Board Member and is Vice President of Membership of the Women's Affordable Housing Network.

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Since 2013, she has been a member of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) and served in various roles including, the creator and chair of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Council for the NJBA, as an Executive Committee member for the State Builders Association and a builder board member for the South Jersey Chapter of NJBA. Additionally, Lara serves on the NJBA Legislative Committee and speaks regularly at the NJBA Builder’s Conference.

Her passion for mentorship and community impact extends beyond local efforts. As a National Grassroots Advocacy Leader, she spearheaded advocacy initiatives across the Greater Metro NY/NJ regions, ensuring that voices were heard and meaningful change was achieved.

For over fifteen years, she has served as a volunteer and a Board member for Breakthrough TID (formerly Junvielle Diabetes Research Foundation), a cause close to her heart. She has been an unwavering advocate, leading regional and national advocacy teams and conducting outreach efforts for the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, covering South Jersey, Delaware, and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Additonal Leadership Roles

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING (NYSAFAH) 2022-2023,

Executive Board Member
Strategic Planning Committee

JDRF (JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION) 2009-2023,

Executive Board Member, South NJ Chapter
Advocacy Team Chair, South New Jersey
Chair, JDRF Walk for A Cure

Real Results. Real Testimonials.

"We’ve had the good fortune of partnering with Lara since 2023. During our work together she has found a way to positively impact key organizational structures and processes across our company. As a midsize business going through a critical growth period, we benefitted a great deal from Lara’s strategic thinking, support and institutional knowledge. We look forward to continuing our work with Lara as we continue to strengthen collaboration, performance and empowerment amongst our teams/team members."

~ Richard Martoglio
Chief Operating Officer, RPM Development

Real Results. Real Testimonials.

“I had the pleasure of working with the Founder of LJS Consulting & Development, Lara Schwager, in several municipalities on several affordable housing projects. Lara was extremely capable, and competent, and routinely went above and beyond to keep projects on track when unanticipated hurdles arose.

Lara is one of the most effective individuals in the entire state when it comes to obtaining and maximizing outside subsidies for 100% affordable housing projects to mitigate and reduce fiscal exposure for the municipal entity.

I highly recommend Lara for consulting services and intend to work with her in the future, simply because it is in my own clients’ interests to have her involved in the process.”

~Michael J. Edwards, Esq.
Surenian, Edwards, Buzak & Nolan LLC

REAL RESULTS. REAL TESTiMONIALS.

"I have worked with Lara as a representative for affordable housing developers where she was instrumental in bringing quality projects to fruition with the maximum leveraged funding possible. This led us to hire her as a Township Consultant, where she has been instrumental in helping the Township meet its affordable housing obligations. As our consultant, she continues to provide invaluable guidance with her expertise and dedication, ensuring that the Township's vision and interests are upheld as the next affordable development is built in our community.
Lara’s reputation and experience with countless professionals and leaders in Trenton; her network of attorneys, developers, and State officials; and her command of the complicated market of funding for construction and site improvements through the affordable housing channels, make her the quintessential single expert in New Jersey in her field."
~ Peter Valesi
Township Administrator, Freehold Township

Real Results. Real Testimonials

"Lara has a rare ability to blend deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach. We worked together on intricate affordable housing projects, where her leadership and insights were key to success. Now, through her consulting work, she is helping our organization unlock new opportunities and solve tough challenges with the same level of excellence."

~ Seth Gellis
President, Community Preservation Partners

BNE

Borough of Franklin Lakes

Clinton Township

CPP (Community Preservation Partners)

Danbro Properties

Eva's Kitchen

Freehold Township

Hanini Group

Harding Township

Paparone New Homes

RPM Development Group

Stanhope Borough

Shift Capital

Toll Brothers

"I have worked with the founder of LJS Consulting, Lara, as a representative for affordable housing developers. She was instrumental in bringing quality projects to fruition with the maximum leveraged funding possible. This led us to hire her as a Township Consultant, where she has been instrumental in helping the Township meet its affordable housing obligations. As our consultant, she continues to provide invaluable guidance with her expertise and dedication, ensuring that the Township's vision and interests are upheld as the next affordable development is built in our community.Lara’s reputation and experience with countless professionals and leaders in Trenton; her network of attorneys, developers, and State officials; and her command of the complicated market of funding for construction and site improvements through the affordable housing channels, make her the quintessential single expert in New Jersey in her field."
Peter Valesi
Township Administrator,
Freehold Township
“I had the pleasure of working with the Founder of LJS Consulting & Development in several municipalities on several affordable housing projects. Lara was extremely capable and competent and routinely went above and beyond to keep projects on track when unanticipated hurdles arose. Lara is one of the most effective individuals in the entire state when it comes to obtaining and maximizing outside subsidies for 100% affordable housing projects to mitigate and reduce fiscal exposure for the municipal entity. I highly recommend Lara for consulting services and intend to work with her in the future, simply because it is in my own clients’ interests to have her involved in the process.”
Michael J. Edwards, Esq.
Surenian, Edwards,
Buzak & Nolan LLC
"We’ve had the good fortune of partnering with Lara since 2023. During our work together she has found a way to positively impact key organizational structures and processes across our company. As a midsize business going through a critical growth period, we benefitted a great deal from Lara’s strategic thinking, support and institutional knowledge. We look forward to continuing our work with Lara as we continue to strengthen collaboration, performance and empowerment amongst our teams/team members."
Richard Martoglio
Chief Operating Officer, RPM Development
Seth Gellis President,
Community Preservation Partners
"Lara has a rare ability to blend deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach. We worked together on intricate affordable housing projects, where her leadership and insights were key to success. Now, through her consulting work, she is helping our organization unlock new opportunities and solve tough challenges with the same level of excellence."