Jennifer E. Renk

Partner

415.651.5049
jen.renk@gvrpartners.com

Jennifer Renk focuses her practice on land use entitlements and environmental law throughout the Bay Area, with particular expertise in commercial, residential, mixed-use, and independent school projects. With her background in federal politics and public policy, Jennifer brings a nuanced understanding of the regulatory and political dynamics that impact complex entitlement projects across Northern California.

Over the course of her career, Jennifer has successfully assisted clients with entitlements for a broad range of projects, including Facebook's Menlo Park headquarters, Jay Paul Company's Cityview project in downtown San Jose, numerous transit-oriented mixed-use developments, a range of multi-family residential projects, and high profile independent school campuses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Clients consistently benefit from her ability to navigate challenging entitlement processes with pragmatism and strategic clarity.

Jennifer advises clients on all aspects of entitlement processing in California, with extensive experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and state housing laws. She is based out of the firm's San Francisco office and serves clients pursuing approvals throughout Northern California.

Prior to law school, Jennifer served as District Director for U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher, where she devised the Representative's district strategy, served as her primary community liaison, and advised on land use and transportation policy. Before that, she held multiple roles in the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.

Jennifer currently serves as a member of the Oakland Planning Commission. In addition, for over five years, Jennifer has served on the Board of the Housing Action Coalition, an organization dedicated to advancing housing policy and production throughout California.

Education
J.D., Santa Clara University (2003)
B.A., Bryn Mawr College (1990)

Associations/Commissions
Oakland Planning Commission
Housing Action Coalition — Board Member
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR)
Bar Association of San Francisco
Commercial Real Estate Women San Francisco (CREWSF)

Bar Admissions
California

Awards & Recognition
Northern California Super Lawyer, Land Use/Zoning (2014–2019, 2025)
Legal 500 US, Land Use/Zoning (2014–2016, 2020, 2025)
Northern California Rising Star, Land Use/Zoning (2009–2013)
Best Lawyers, Real Estate Law (2019–2026)

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