Programs Committee
The Programs Committee plans monthly educational and informational meetings including our flagship monthly breakfast series, trends conferences, and networking events.
Chair: Lance Coplin, Frost Bank
Get Involved
As a member-based organization, none of our work would be possible without the support of our volunteer committees. Our committees are comprised of ULI members active in the field of land use and real estate and are chaired by dedicated ULI leaders that have been appointed by staff and our board.
The Urban Land Institute’s Austin District Council is committed to advancing ULI’s mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. ULI Austin is the leading multidisciplinary real estate organization in the region for expanding your network and increasing your industry knowledge.
Expectations of Committee Members
- Lead or support at least one committee program or project as a sub-committee member
- Be an active contributor to the committee (e.g. active participation in committee meetings, reviewing meeting minutes, completing assigned action items within set deadlines, etc.)
- Be proactive in identifying goals, objectives, and ideas to drive the organization’s membership and growth
- Support ULI Austin programs (e.g. attend major programs, webinars, invite industry contacts to participate, volunteer as a mentor, etc.)
- Be familiar with the products and services provided by ULI and publicly promote them
- Attend 75 percent of committee meetings per year (3 excused absences) – your participation is critical to the operations of the committee and ULI Austin overall
- Be a ULI member in good standing
Committees and Councils are Still Meeting with both in-person and virtual options available
See All Member OpportunitiesOperational Opportunities
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee develops and implements member recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies (such as Coffee Chats and Welcome Ambassadors) to help grow and maintain membership in ULI.
Chair: Matthew Taylor, Norris Design
Communication Committee
The Communication Committee promotes events and helps keep members informed about ULI initiatives and activities. Committee members do not need prior experience in marketing. This is a great way to expand your professional network.
Chair: Amy Neskar, WGI
Short-Term Opportunities
Sponsorship Committee
The Sponsorship Committee solicits financial support from local companies of ULI and organizes sponsor appreciation activities. Annual sponsorship provides over half of ULI Austin’s operations budget and 100% of donations remain local in Austin.
Chair: Rhonda Bly, American Constructors
Education Committee
ULI has several committees focused on the advancement of education of individuals from school-aged to college and professionals. ULI needs mentors and presenters for these programs.
Education Chair: Roberta Salas, Dunaway
Hines Student Design Competition – Challenges college students to collaborate across disciplines to imagine a better-built environment. ULI members mentor and coach local university teams. December – February. Chair: Rebecca Leonard, Lionheart
UrbanPlan Exchange – Members facilitate hands-on workshops where participants learn about the fundamental forces that shape and affect the built environment. Chair: Caitlin Admire, City of Austin
Building Industry Leaders (BIL) is a program built in partnership with the ULI and the Boys & Girls Clubs to educate and mentor high school students on career opportunities in commercial real estate and give them the professional skills to become industry leaders and contributing members of their community. BIL’s aim is to enrich the lives of students and young leaders who participate in the program, and to promote greater ethnic and gender diversity among our future real estate industry leaders.
Special Events Committees
The Special Events Committee plans ULI Austin’s three signature events including identifying venue and program and soliciting guest speakers and sponsors. Committees mostly meet biweekly for three months before the event.
Chair: Jared Pyka, RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture
Impact Awards – Recognizes projects and people that exemplify ULI’s Mission. Chairs
Marketplace – A showcase of Austin’s emerging real estate projects. Chair: Melissa Brown, Cumby Group
Butler Game Day – Networking extravaganza with golfers and tailgaters. Chair: John Lewis, Stantec
Leadership and Professional Development
ULI NEXT
ULI NEXT offers small groups (flights) where members between the ages of 35-45 meet for presentations of topical interest to seed candid discussion from diverse perspectives. Applications for new participating members open in June annually. Program runs September through May; $125 Annual Fee
Chair: Chris Kemp, Austin Title Company
Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI)
WLI strives to promote the advancement of women and increase the number of women who serve in leadership positions in the real estate industry and in ULI. The steering committee plans the overall direction of WLI and the various events and initiatives. If you are a female member of ULI, you are automatically included in WLI.
Chair: Terese Everson, Focus Strategies
Young Leaders Group
YLG events/activities create a unique setting for early-career professionals and students under the age of 35 to develop professional skills and build relationships while fostering an understanding of thoughtful development practices.
Chair: Karly Houchin, Allensworth
The Mentorship Forum For Young Leaders pairs small groups of early-career professionals with experienced, senior-level members to build leadership through a broad understanding of all facets of the real estate industry. Applications for members open once annually in June. Program runs September through May; $200 Annual Fee Chair: Stephen Buchanan, CREA
2021 Season Sponsor
Swinerton
Mission Advancement Opportunities
Local Member Councils
Local Member Councils are topically focused, multidisciplinary groups that meet regularly to exchange ideas, examine industry trends, and share information and best practices concerning a specific real estate topic in a collaborative manner. Applications for new participating members opens June and December annually. Runs year-round; $150 Annual Fee.
Chair: Sara Ibarra, Page
Councils:
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee
The committee plays a unique dual role within ULI Austin as a resource in bringing an equity, diversity and inclusion lens to the work of our local District Council leadership; and as a catalyst for facilitating change in the real estate industry.
Chair: Julio Carrillo, Parkhill
Strategic Councils
Strategic Councils partner public and private entities to discuss and impact local issues. We are currently seeking experts and stakeholders.
Affordability – Chair: Sarah Andre, Structures Development
Creative Culture – Chair: OPEN
Transportation – Chair: Dan Hennesey, WGI
Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs)
Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) leverage ULI members’ knowledge to provide expert, multidisciplinary advice to local governments, public agencies and nonprofit organizations facing complex land use and real estate issues. The committee vettes TAP opportunities and reviews previous TAP outcomes. Participation on a panel requires two full-day commitment with follow up emails per TAP.
Chair: Allen Wise, IBC Bank