Built Environment: Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit research and education organization.  It was founded in 1936 and  represents land use and real estate development.  ULI gives industry leaders an open forum to discuss issues, ideas, and information.  ULI is headquartered in Washington, DC.  It is recognized as one of the world's most respected and widely quoted sources of information on urban planning, growth, and development. 


The mission of ULI is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  Membership is over 30,000 members worldwide.  Members consist of community builders, those who develop and redevelop neighborhoods and business districts.  


ULI has a code of ethics that consists of:

• Respect for the Land
• Respect for the Profession
• Respect for the Consumer
• Respect for the Public
• Respect for Equality of Opportunity
• Respect for Others in the Land Use and Development Profession
• Respect for the Larger Environment
• Respect for the Future
• Respect for Future Generations
• Respect for Personal Integrity

ULI promotes progressive thinking that anticipates future trends and issues.  The ULI publishes best practice recommendations and publishes books to address community development performance.


ULI is committed to:

• Bringing together leaders from across the fields of real estate and land use policy to exchange best practices and serve community needs;
• Fostering collaboration within and beyond ULI’s membership through mentoring, dialogue and problem-solving;
• Exploring issues of urbanization, conservation, regeneration, land use, capital formation, and sustainable development;
• Advancing land use policies and design practices that respect the uniqueness of both built and natural environments;
• Sharing knowledge through education, applied research, publishing, and electronic media; and
• Sustaining a diverse global network of local practice and advisory efforts that address current and future challenges.

ULI Statement of Principles (Strategic Directions)

•  ULI will increase its effectiveness locally.
•  ULI will accelerate its expansion worldwide to increase the exchange of ideas.
•  ULI will create a “virtual ULI”, a strong network for communications, interaction, and information exchange.
•  ULI will retain its culture of sharing and learning from each other.
•  ULI will coordinate its many activities through a strategic, integrated, mission driven, Program of Work.
•  ULI will reorganize staff resources to more effectively support its mission, its members, and the Program of Work.
•  ULI will continue its commitment and emphasis on being inclusive and diverse.
•  ULI will devise a leadership structure that will enable it to effectively manage the business of ULI and govern the organization worldwide.
•  The ULI Foundation will increase its effectiveness in supporting the ULI Mission.

By joining ULI, one could gain a vast wealth of information while also sharing their input towards sustainable development.  The networking potential is tremendous.

Resources: About ULI, Who We Are, What We Do, Mission and Principles