Message from Chair

This morning I set my alarm so I could make it to Whole Foods before a possible rush on pasta, frozen vegetables and, yes, hand-sanitizer. Times have changed, but as we all know this current “Twilight Zone” moment will not continue indefinitely.  While most of us are dealing with the here and now, I have also been thinking about the lingering impact the pandemic will have on our city, neighborhoods, community, and businesses.

This week two insightful commentaries came my way – one an article by Bill Fulton, the former planning director for the City of San Diego, now the director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University – Bill covers how the pandemic will change our cities.  The second is a webinar by the always brilliant futurist J Walker Smith from Kantar on consumer and market tends called Pandemic, Politics & Business. This focuses on both the near and long term and provides practical tips on how to think about your brand.

Both what Bill and Walker highlight is that much of what we will see moving forward are structural changes that were already underway; the pandemic has just supercharged the timeline.

The power of ULI is in our collective knowledge, experience, and networks. I know many of you are following specific experts, data and news sources. If there is something you are finding valuable as you navigate this strange time, we’d want to know so that we can share it with others.  Contact Chris Clark with your recommendation.

Look for more opportunities to share and virtually participate soon.

Stay healthy,

Beth Callender