ULI Fall Meeting addresses urban development challenges

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cities in the U.S. and around the world are facing 21st century challenges resulting from population and demographic shifts, new economic drivers and increasing concerns related to climate change. Rethinking urban development to meet these socioeconomic and environmental realities will be a primary focus of the 2013 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Annual Fall Meeting in Chicago.

Set for November 5-8 at the McCormick Place Convention Center, the meeting will cover a broad range of issues, from the outlook for property fundamentals to creating healthy communities. As the largest of the institute’s events and one of the industry’s premier meetings, the annual ULI Fall Meeting routinely draws nearly 7,000 members and guests, including internationally renowned land use experts representing all land use disciplines.

The theme for the meeting, “ULI Works,” will highlight ULI’s impact on the creation of thriving communities for the 21st century. Keynote speakers include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and real estate icon and chairman of Equity Group Investments Sam Zell. This year’s special programming will feature sessions on technology and urbanization; coastal development and the creation of resilient communities; demand and market forces; energy and land use; connecting capital and real estate through value; and health-conscious design and development.

Several new reports will be available, including ULI research on making the numbers work for affordable rental housing development and preservation; guiding principles for building places that promote healthy living choices; and trends in the commercial real estate industry, including the most promising markets for investment and development.