ULI Austin

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a member-led organization providing leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  ULI is a network of people in every profession and sector in real estate development and land use from all over the world and in every career stage.  While global in scope, we are local in impact through sharing knowledge and making connections.

The Austin District Council was founded in 1994 and now includes over 1000 Austin-area members.  Our members are involved in all aspects of the development and city planning process – private, public, and non-profit.  Membership in ULI Austin includes the research and resources of the oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts in the world.

Member Michael Wilt says, “There’s a reason I make ULI my number one priority when it comes to professional development and engagement, and it starts with the people you’re surrounded by. They are the best and brightest minds in the industry, and they are committed to creating and championing a built environment that promotes prosperity, inclusiveness and opportunities for all Austinites.”    

Our real estate community is nationally recognized for innovation and resilience.  In ULI Americas’ 2019 annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, ULI ranked Austin first out of U.S. markets to watch for overall real estate prospects. Since 2010, Austin has ranked seventh or higher in ULI’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report. 

Our Members… Our Mission…

The Urban Land Institute provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities.  We have 17 committees, 14 member groups and several mentor opportunities.

In 2019, ULI Austin…

• Introduced the UrbanPlan Exchange for Public Leaders including holding three volunteer training sessions and five exchanges.
• Hosted a Greater Austin Regional Luncheon on Project Connect and a breakfast on the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) as part of the Transportation Strategic Council’s efforts.
• Commented on the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint Implementation Plan as part of the Affordability Strategic Council’s efforts.
• Provided an education breakfast on the City of Austin Code Rewrite and comment on the City Council Direction and October draft through our Code Rewrite Workgroup.
• Produced a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for the City of San Marcos on Activating their Riverfront.
• Provided education on development strategies and career options to over 150 8^th
• Grew our Local Member Councils program to 6 councils (Commercial, Housing, Master-planned Communities, Multi-Family, Regional Growth, and Urban).
• Held 5 Young Leaders events and support 57 participants in the Mentorship Forum.
• Expanded Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) events by hosting four Lunches with Visiting Leaders, two dinner series, an informal golf outing and a happy hour at the Independent.

History of ULI Austin

The Austin District Council was founded locally in 1994 to serve the greater Austin Area.  We have grown to over 1000 members and 45,000 members internationally, as of January 2020.  We are a network of people in every profession and sector in real estate development and land use, from all over the world, in every career stage. ULI at global in scope, while local in impact, through sharing knowledge and making connections.

ULI is a trusted, independent convener of professionals in the planning, architecture, design, landscape, engineering, investor, lender, legal, construction, communication and government industries, involved in every sector of real estate development, from residential and retail to commercial and hospitality.

Our real estate community is national recognized for innovation and resilience.  In ULI Americas’ annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, ULI ranked Austin second out of U.S. markets to watch for overall real estate prospects. Since 2010, Austin has ranked seventh or higher in ULI’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, predominately ranking in the top five markets.