During September, October and November, ULI volunteers are working with high school and MSRE graduate students to learn the essence of development: how the forces of our market economy clash and collaborate with the non-market forces of our representative democracy to create the built environment – providing the foundation required for any informed land use discussion.  ULI volunteers help facilitate conversations and ultimately act as a city council to teams of 5 students, while they work through a mock RFQ.

The experience is rich for the students as well as the ULI volunteers:

“I am so inspired by the high school students regard for the importance of all aspects of the development process and how it impacts their community. Having done UrbanPlan with graduate students before, I was not expecting this level of civic mindedness, openness to new ideas and ways of doing things, importance for financial return, strong team approach, and general appreciation for all sides of the equation.”  Charlie Rulick, Miller-Valentine Group

“To see passion, intelligence and humility in the young students is always refreshing.”  Tom Wright, NarmourWright Architecture

To learn more about UrbanPlan, click here.  If you would like to learn more about how to get involved in the UrbanPlan program, contact [email protected]