ULI Austin is launching a new program called the UrbanPlan Exchange for Public Leaders. The UrbanPlan Exchange provides an opportunity for participants to experience the many fundamental forces that shape development. This program is important to facilitate holistic approach to the growth occurring in Central Texas and we need ULI member volunteers to implement the program. Attendees participate in a day-long simulation of a planning process involving teams that work together using LEGOS, a site plan and a spreadsheet to respond to a hypothetical RFP for a fictional urban neighborhood. Teams must decide how dense to build out a 5½ block area, whether to keep or move a homeless shelter, what type of retail is appropriate, and which neighborhood groups to keep happy – all while meeting the financial projections of the City and the Developer. The exercise concludes with teams presenting to a mock City Council that will award the project to the Development Team with the best proposal. This YouTube video provides further insight into the program.  We are now seeking volunteers to for UrbanPlan for Public Leaders.

Chairs: Tricia Williamson, Jacobs and Greg Weaver, Catellus.

Staff Liaison: Cheryl McOsker

The volunteer training is not a long, boring day of lectures; but rather a fun, interactive competition with peers in an educational setting. During the training you will participate on a cross-functional team to prepare a response to the same hypothetical RFP used in the simulated exercise.  You must be able to devote the full day and provide undivided attention (though there are breaks), as the exercise is dependent upon interactive team collaboration.  After training, we ask that you commit to a minimum of two volunteer hours a few times throughout the year. ULI Austin is targeting to host 4-6 UrbanPlan Exchanges in 2019 and we need ULI member volunteers to realize this goal.