David Gilford is a nationally recognized infrastructure strategist and the Managing Partner of PolicyAlpha, an advisory firm bridging the gap between private capital and public priorities. With over two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, David provides infrastructure funds and institutional investors with the guidance necessary to navigate complex regulatory environments, structure public-private partnerships, and de-risk investments for the U.S. market.

David currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), providing high-level guidance on policy and partnerships across the firm’s portfolio. During his tenure as SIP’s Head of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, David oversaw the firm’s communications and marketing, including a comprehensive overhaul of SIP’s brand positioning and investment narrative to better resonate with global stakeholders.

David’s background emphasizes the integration of new technologies and commercial frameworks into the built environment. As a Principal at HR&A Advisors and co-founder of the Broadband Equity Partnership, he designed the commercial and technical frameworks for digital infrastructure projects. His project history includes co-founding the Connected Communities practice at Intersection, where he developed technology strategies for over 40 million square feet of mixed-use real estate. David’s perspective is further informed by his leadership at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he served as a Vice President after joining the agency during the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

David serves on the faculty of Columbia University as an Adjunct Professor, teaching graduate-level courses on urban innovation and infrastructure. He holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in Economics from Williams College.