ULI Forecast Sees Improvements for Real Estate Industry Through 2014 … A new ULI survey of 38 leading real estate economists and analysts from across the United States projects broad improvements for the nation’s economy, real estate capital markets, real estate fundamentals and the housing industry through 2014. The ULI Real Estate Consensus Forecast, conducted during late February and early March, is a consensus view and reflects the median forecast for 26 economic indicators, including property transaction volumes and issuance of commercial mortgage-backed securities; property investment returns, vacancy rates and rents for several property sectors; and housing starts and home prices. The recent release of the survey results marks the start of a semi-annual survey of economists conducted by the ULI Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate. Click herefor more information on the survey’s results or hereto view the archived press webinar.

Abandoned Outer-Ring Developments Will Remain Vacant for Years to Come … A recent analysis by the USA Today on recent Census data suggests that current population growth is occurring in the more central, closer-in counties of metropolitan regions while many outer edge counties have been losing population since 2006. This is a startling turnaround and the first time this has occurred since the end of World War II. As a result, it looks unlikely that the half-completed and abandoned outer-ring developments will ever be completed, much less any new home construction on the now-empty lots. In a recent Urban Land magazine column, ULI senior resident fellow for housing, John McIlwain, argues that geography, governments finances, and changing demographic housing preferences indicate that suburban sprawl may well be over in the United States. Read moreor contact usto speak with John.

A City's Unique Character Drives Economic Prosperity, Says ULI Fellow… Around the world, cities are seeking the recipe for economic success in a rapidly changing global marketplace. Indispensable assets in a post–industrial economy include: well–educated people, the ability to generate new ideas and to turn those ideas into commercial realities, connectivity to global markets, and multi-modal transportation infrastructure. Another critical—but often forgotten—asset is community distinctiveness. In a recent Urban Land magazine column, ULI senior resident fellow Ed McMahon points to a recent research which finds that one of the most important factors for creating emotional bonds between people and their community is “physical beauty, opportunities for socializing and a city’s openness to all people.” In addition, studies show that communities with the highest levels of attachment also had the highest rates of gross domestic product growth and the strongest economies. McMahon argues that community differentiation is a key concept in 21st economic development. “If you can’t differentiate your community from any other, you have no competitive advantage,” he says. Contact usto speak with Ed.

Joint University of Colorado and Harvard Team Wins Top Prize in 2012 Student Urban Design Competition … A joint team of students representing the University of Colorado and Harvard University took home the $50,000 first place prize in the 2012 ULI Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition with a long-term redevelopment plan for a new downtown Houston district that included public open space, was integrated into the existing fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods, and brought residential units into the city’s core. This year’s ideas competition, which marked its tenth anniversary, was open to graduate-level students and provided multidisciplinary teams the opportunity to propose a long-term vision for creating a distinct identity for a new downtown Houston district. The winning proposal, “Bayou Commons,” was strategically designed to be downtown Houston’s first residential district celebrating cultural diversity and urban lifestyle. Click hereto read more about the winning proposal.

There Is Still Time to Register for the ULI Spring Meeting …The 2012 ULI Spring Meeting is just around the corner, set for May 8 – May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. You’ll get the latest updates and expert insights on a wide variety of issues and trends affecting commercial real estate and land use. With the theme “The Power to Lead, Energy to Thrive,” the event will focus on building sustainable communities through development that conserves land and energy. Don’t miss out on a great chance to gather the most timely and relevant industry information that can be packed into three days! Visit the Spring Meeting websitefor more information and contact us to register as press.

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About the Urban Land Institute:
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.