BALTIMORE, MD (February 21, 2020) – In the fall of 2019, the University of Baltimore’s Real Estate and Economic Development (REED) Program partnered with the Baltimore Chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to offer  the inaugural “UrbanPlan program ”— an intensive learning experience with area professionals in the classroom. For four weeks, students enrolled in REED 312 “Real Estate Principles and Transactions,” worked with professional volunteer members of ULI Baltimore to understand market and non-market dynamics, working in multidisciplinary teams, and managing conflicting needs of multiple stakeholders who all care about development within communities.

A team of land use practitioners and academics developed UrbanPlan to provide a realistic, engaging exercise in which students learn about the fundamental forces that affect real estate development. Students experience the challenging issues, private and public sector roles, complex trade-offs, and fundamental economics in play when proposing realistic land use solutions to vexing growth challenges. The goal is to expose students to the variety of real estate professions, apply research and stakeholder input while grappling with land use controls that confine real estate development and transactions.

“Urban Plan is a relevant and realistically complex example of real estate development projects that gives students an opportunity to explore various roles within land use professions. Being a part of the student’s experience, sharing our experiences, and exposing them to professional opportunities within our industry, is as enriching for professionals as it is for the students.” said Steve Marker, who is chair of the ULI Baltimore UrbanPlan committee and Development Director for Brightview Senior Living.

Other ULI Baltimore members who volunteered their time in 2019 include:

• Jay Amin, Development Director, Maryland Land Advisors
• Terra Barnes, Business Development, Froehling and Robertson, Inc.
• Lauren Burrows, Business Development, Bozzuto
• Will Cawthern, Associate, Cushman & Wakefield – US
• Will Dorfman, Economic Development Manager, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
• Bobby Haase, Civil Engineer, Kimley – Horn
• Josh Halbedel, Senior Associate, EA Commercial Real Estate
• Armstead Jones, President, Imagine Think Tank
• Dan Loveless, Civil Engineer, Whitman, Reuardt & Associates
• James Prost, Principal, Prost Associates
• Mark Thompson, Senior VP of Development, Stronach Properties

“Bringing UrbanPlan into the classroom was a great way to provide students a realistic view into the multiple tradeoffs that cities and developers face for neighborhood revitalization. For our students who are hoping to enter into the real estate profession, engaging with the ULI volunteers provided a great way to both learn from professionals and also grow their network. The students really enjoyed the whole learning process.” stated Seema D. Iyer, Associate Director of the Jacob France Institute and Director of the REED program at the University of Baltimore.

Building on the success of the 2019 program, ULI Baltimore’s UrbanPlan Committee is working to make this program available to the broader community and was recently awarded a $2,800 ULI grant to put towards such work.

ABOUT ULI BALTIMORE

The “go to” organization for unbiased strategic visioning, ULI comprises an international community of development experts who take on today’s issues in the context of a livable tomorrow. The local component of the Urban Land Institute, the Baltimore District Council coordinates monthly program events and a leadership forum addressing land use, development and financing issues facing our region. A committee made up of local ULI members identifies topics and speakers for our programs and special events throughout the year.

Learn more about UrbanPlan.

ABOUT THE REED PROGRAM

Located within the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore, the Real Estate and Economic Development (REED) program is the only undergraduate program in this field in Maryland. The program is committed to helping working adult learners integrating academic work with industry practices and innovations. To learn more about the REED program, visit www.ubalt.edu/realestate.