Get Involved

As a member-based organization, none of our work would be possible without the support of our volunteer committees. Our committees are composed 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 provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving 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 Virtually

See All Member Opportunities

Operational Opportunities

Program’s 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

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: Brad Compere, Capstone Title

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: Kelly Maxwell, CM Constructors

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 Committees

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.

Chair: Roberta Salas, Dunaway

Hines Student 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: Claire Hempel, Design Workshop

Urban Exchange for Public Leaders – Members lead hands-on workshops where participants learn about the fundamental forces that shape and affect the built environment. Chair: Tricia Williamson, Jacobs

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: Andrew Grimm, Frost Bank

Impact Awards – Recognizes projects and people that exemplify ULI’s Mission.  Chairs: Jennifer Finch, JE Dunn & David Smith, Austin Commercial

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 of perspectives. Applications for new participating members open in June annually. Runs September through May; $100 Annual Fee

Chair: Jonathan Fleming, KTCivil

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 Leader’s 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 & Porter Texas Construction Lawyers

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 June annually. Runs September through June; $200 Annual Fee Chair: Lexi Hall, Cushman Wakefield

2021 Season Sponsor

Swinerton