Members gathered to learn about the nuances of the zoning variance process in Philadelphia to shed light on the intricacies of obtaining zoning variances while exploring the challenges, opportunities, and recent developments in the City. Alex Goldberg, Associate Attorney of Nochumson P.C moderated the panel discussion with Roy Aharonovich, Developer of Vich Properties; Bill Bergman, Chairman of the City of Philadelphia, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA); William Harris, President of the United Neighbors Alliance Civic Association; and Brenna March, Architect of Gnome Architects.

ULI members celebrated a year full of programming at the annual Holiday Party.

The Small Scale & Impact Development Product Council toured Braid Mill, a redeveloped maker space for entrepreneurs, creatives and small businesses located in Germantown.

Central PA Regional Council members met for a “cabin fever” social to reconnect after the holidays and collaborate on the year ahead.

The Young Leaders Group organized the inaugural Mentorship Speed Networking Breakfast, an engaging opportunity for mentees to build meaningful connections with senior and executive-level mentors. The program quickly sold out and will become a yearly program hosted by the Young Leaders Group.

The first Member Breakfast of the year recapped 2023’s Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) and Advisory Services Programs (ASPs). ULI members heard from volunteers and sponsoring organizations from the Riverfront North Partnership TAP, the St. Andrew’s School TAP, and an implementation workshop from an Advisory Services Panel held with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.

Lehigh Valley Regional Council members toured the new 67,000-square-foot Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, an interactive and immersive STEM education facility for all ages set to open in May 2024.

The Life Sciences Product Council hosted Jen Gilburg, Deputy Secretary, Technology and Entrepreneurship, of DCED for a presentation on the Governor’s Economic Development plan and budget that incorporates 5 priority sectors including the Life Sciences for economic growth in PA.

Central PA Regional Council members heard from Dana Hanchin, President & CEO of HDC MidAtlantic for a presentation on their current affordable housing projects in development throughout Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, and eastern Pennsylvania.

Over the course of three weeks, ULI members facilitated UrbanPlan to high school seniors at Girard College.

The Resilience Committee welcomed guest speaker Rich Freeh, Executive Director of Green Building United, to share information about the work GBU is doing in the city and region, and opportunities for our organizations to collaborate. From this conversation, the groups are planning two joint events in 2024.

ULI leaders and representatives of different committees and councils welcomed new and prospective members at our Open House to learn about how to get involved as a ULI member.

ULI welcomed undergraduate students from the University of Delaware for an educational workshop and tour of two developments in University City. Students had the opportunity to learn about planning principles, real estate development and investment strategies.

The NEXT Cohort hosted an insightful panel discussion aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in urban development and economic revitalization in the era of hybrid and remote work. Speakers included Tony Bracali of Drexel University; Rebecca Nuver of Parkway Corporation; and Lauren Smith from the Center City District, with the conversation moderated by Nicole Ozdemir from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.

The Central PA Regional Council hosted a panel discussion for their March meeting on real estate development opportunities and risks ahead for 2024, including exciting projects that continue to revive the city of Harrisburg. Panelists included Bradley Jones, President and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, Inc.; Tarik Castell, Owner and President of TLC Construction & Renovations, LLC; and Doug Neidich, CEO of Greenworks Development.

ULI Philadelphia was selected as one of five district councils for the first cohort of the Homeless to Housed (H2H) initiative. Members volunteered for two technical assistance panels that worked with emergency and transitional housing providers in the city who were looking to reposition their real estate assets to supportive and affordable housing.

ULI hosted Health Leaders Network Forum in Philadelphia welcoming dozens of practitioners from around the world to explore topics at the intersection of real estate, land use, health, and equity.