Brian Kurtz’s 2016 ULI Fall Meeting Blog

ULI has always been a beneficial tool and resource in my work with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and the private sector connections made at the ULI Fall Meeting in all areas of the trade, many of whom are looking to enter Pittsburgh the market, will be beneficial in my economic development role. Additionally, the ability to participate in the Urban Development and Mixed-Use Product Council – due in large part to Rose Center staff having me accepted as a guest – and getting to meet and collaborate with industry leaders from all areas of the real estate sector was invaluable. We took behind the scenes views of both public and private sector development, having very candid conversations with about successes and setbacks with each.

I value my role within the ULI Pittsburgh District Council as co-chair of the Young Leaders Group and member of the Council’s Executive Committee. Having the opportunity to join the YLG Leadership Summit and attend networking events with other YLG leaders around the country has provided me with insight and direction to create new opportunities for our existing and prospective members to better engage with the local real estate community. We are the future of ULI and the industry and the national ULI network will prove to be beneficial as we look go grow our membership and impact within the community.

None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t been awarded the Rose Center Scholarship, which was my first opportunity to participate in a Fall Meeting or any national ULI event in the six years I’ve been a member. Working for a non-profit community development organization, I wouldn’t have otherwise had the financial resources to attend and I’m grateful for the opportunity afforded to me that established lasting connections within the industry.