When a new development proposal comes to your neighborhood, questions often arise. Who decided this project should happen? What does the process really entail? How do different professionals—architects, developers, city planners and attorneys—work together to shape our communities? These are exactly the kinds of questions the Urban Land Institute (ULI) helps answer through its nonpartisan approach to land use and real estate development. And if you live in Newport Beach or Orange County, there's a strong chance ULI's influence is already visible in your community.

A Global Movement with Local Impact

Founded in 1936, the Urban Land Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization with over 40,000 members across the globe. Here in Orange County and the Inland Empire, ULI boasts nearly 1,000 members—making it one of the 10 largest district councils worldwide. Kendra Chandler, Executive Director of ULI Orange County/Inland Empire for the past 17 years, describes the organization's core mission with clear passion: "We shape the future of the built environment through transformative impact in communities worldwide."

What sets ULI apart from other real estate organizations is its truly multidisciplinary membership. Unlike groups that focus on a single sector—say, apartments or industrial development—ULI brings together developers, architects, landscape architects, planners, real estate brokers, attorneys, public officials and engineers all at one table. "We don't pick a side," Chandler explains. "We really want everyone's opinion—good, bad, and ugly—so we can all make informed, educated decisions on what we're doing in our communities."

Why Members Join

Members cite three primary reasons for joining: sharing best practices, networking across disciplines and accessing exclusive research and educational content. "Some are looking to network and connect with other people in the industry. Some are looking to be in a leadership role," Chandler says. "And some are just looking to come and learn." The organization offers monthly programs where members gather to discuss pressing issues like housing shortages, sustainability and resilience planning—topics that directly impact residents' quality of life.

Some of ULI's longest-standing members have been with the organization for 40 years, a testament to the value of these multidisciplinary connections. "When you meet people from so many different sectors of the industry, and you continue to build those relationships, it becomes a really great educational and networking opportunity," Chandler notes.

Education for Tomorrow's Leaders

Perhaps one of ULI's most innovative programs is UrbanPlan, which brings land development education directly into high schools and colleges. ULI volunteers work with students to teach them about the development process—from initial conception through community approval. At the end of the program, students present their projects in a mock city council meeting, giving them a real sense of how communities actually make decisions about growth and development.

"The beauty of UrbanPlan is that whether students go into the real estate industry or not, they become informed citizens," Chandler explains. "They understand that there are lots of decisions that have to be made for something to be built. And when they eventually become involved in their own communities—whether as homeowners or community members—they're going to be so much more educated and able to help their neighbors understand the process." Currently, ULI operates UrbanPlan programs at Laguna Beach High School and Samueil Academy in Santa Ana, and Chandler welcomes inquiries from other schools interested in bringing the program to their campuses.

Tackling Local Issues with Regional Expertise

One of the most pressing issues ULI addresses is the so-called "missing middle" in housing. While expensive luxury housing and subsidized low-income housing get built fairly easily, there's a gap for working families looking for attainable homes. ULI regularly convenes professionals and officials to discuss strategies for addressing this challenge. Upcoming initiatives include a November housing symposium bringing together state and local legislators, developers and community stakeholders to explore solutions specific to California's unique market conditions.

"The thing I think is really great about ULI is that we are not a lobbying organization," Chandler emphasizes. "We share information and bring people together to make informed decisions, but we're not pushing an agenda. We're providing a forum for discussion and debate, which is especially important given how polarized these conversations can become."

Getting Involved

Membership in ULI is open to anyone interested in land use and real estate. There are no specific qualifications required. The organization offers special discounts for professionals under 35 and students (75% off), recognizing that bringing young people into the field is essential to the industry's future. Membership dues include access to exclusive research, monthly programs and networking events—most of which take place in the Irvine, Newport Beach,and Costa Mesa area, though programs are also held in Riverside and Ontario for Inland Empire members.

"I try to meet with every new member to understand what drew them to join," Chandler says. "And then there are opportunities for them to volunteer and get involved in all kinds of ways, whether that's serving on committees, presenting programs, or helping with our Urban Plan initiatives."

Learn More

To learn more about ULI Orange County/Inland Empire, visit orangecounty.uli.org. You can join online, attend a monthly event, or inquire about volunteer opportunities. Questions? Contact Kendra Chandler at kendra.chandler@uli.org.