UrbanPlan Exchange

UrbanPlan is a dynamic, hands-on learning experience where participants step directly into the world of urban development. Through this project-based simulation, teams confront the real-life forces, trade-offs, and risks that shape how our communities grow—an especially valuable perspective as Central Texas continues to experience rapid change.

Working in small teams, participants take on the role of developers responding to a city-issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to reimagine a long-neglected downtown neighborhood. Using LEGOS, a site plan, and a financial model, each team must design a plan that balances city goals, community priorities, and economic realities. Tough choices arise: Should the homeless shelter remain? What kind of retail fits best? How do you satisfy neighborhood groups while ensuring the project is financially viable? The exercise culminates with presentations to a mock City Council, where teams make their case and the most compelling proposal wins.

This fast-paced, collaborative workshop (4-5 hours in person) offers participants a realistic experience wrestling with the competing interests and complex decisions that drive real-world redevelopment.

Chair: Devin Williamson, Raba Kistner

Staff Liaison: Cheryl McOsker

This YouTube video provides further insight into the program. 

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the UrbanPlan for Public Officials Workshops

Target Audience

The UrbanPlan Exchange is offered to industry professionals, business development professionals, allied professions, policymakers, community stakeholders and other thought leaders involved in shaping the communities in which we live, work and play. ULI Austin also offers the program on a contract fee-for-service basis to public/municipal clients and private sector companies for staff development.  Workshops can be delivered in-person in a format that ranges from 4-5 hours.  If you are interested in attending a workshop or contracting ULI to deliver training for your company, contact [email protected] or (512) 853-9803.

Volunteers Needed

UrbanPlan volunteers must complete a web-based training module that takes approximately 75-90 minutes.

SIGN UP TO BECOME AN URBANPLAN VOLUNTEER

After completing the form, applicants will receive a link to complete a virtual, on-demand training session from the convenience of their desk.

Once training is completed, UrbanPlan volunteers may choose to participate anywhere from 1 to 4 hours each workshop, and you may sign up for dates and times that fit your availability.