Urban Land Institute (ULI)

Organization Description

Born in 1936, during the Great Depression, the Urban Land Institute had original objectives that were very similar to its guiding principles today.

These early objectives were:

• to study and interpret real estate trends;
• to examine principles through which private enterprise could effectively develop real estate;
• to develop a body of knowledge in real estate and allied subjects; to publish informative texts and technical journals based on that knowledge;
• and to act as a statistical clearinghouse for the dissemination of real estate data.

The Institute’s continuing focus on nonpartisan research and education has made it one of the world’s most respected and quoted organizations in urban planning, land use, and development. ULI membership has grown from 230 members at its start to more than 40,000 professionals in 50 states. Through the direction and support of its members, the Institute is well positioned to provide responsible leadership in the use of land.

ULI initiates research that anticipates emerging land use trends and issues, proposing creative solutions based on that research. ULI’s practice program is interdisciplinary and practical, focusing on trends and the basics of many different parts of the industry:

• Resort and residential
• Retail and destination development
• Office and industrial development
• Transportation and parking
• Real estate finance and capital markets

ULI documents best practice and publishes books to impart cumulative knowledge to help the development community continuously improve its performance.