The Lewis Center Sustainability Forum, generously supported by ULI Foundation Governor Randall Lewis, brings together leaders in decarbonization, health and equity, resilience, and real estate to discuss what they are doing, planning, and observing in the field. The forum will be a content-heavy, interactive discussion and exchange. 

This spring’s forum is organized in collaboration with ULI member leaders and will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the ULI Building Healthy Places Toolkit, which outlines opportunities to enhance health through changes in approaches to buildings and projects. The Forum will explore how the field has evolved in the past ten years and will highlight best practices in projects from Denver that include features that holistically support positive health outcomes. Additionally, participants will explore through the Mariposa development through discussions and a tour. Details for the day can be found here. 

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Experience the vibrant transformation of Denver’s Sun Valley and Montbello FreshLo Hub areas on an exclusive bus tour, where multicultural real estate professionals are shaping community-driven development. Explore impactful projects that center equity, culture, and economic opportunity. Lunch will be delivered directly to FreshLo Hub. This curated experience includes lunch and is reserved for Pathways to Inclusion participants only.

Join us for an exclusive ULI tour showcasing Northern Colorado, the fastest-growing region in the state, where a remarkable story of job creation and population growth unfolds. This dynamic region offers a blueprint for intentional regional design, connecting thriving municipalities through innovative planning and collaboration. Explore master-planned, mixed-use communities that reflect a commitment to smart growth and sustainable development. Experience firsthand how Northern Colorado is fostering economic vitality while preserving its unique character and enhancing quality of life. The tour includes mixed-use communities around I-25 and Highway 34 with a stop at Scheels, the first location of its kind in Colorado, setting a standard for retail and entertainment in the region; Colorado State University’s Powerhouse Energy Campus, a state-of-the-art facility at the forefront of clean energy research and innovation, where technology and sustainable solutions are shaping the future; the site named Fourth Best Square in America by USA Today, where culture, commerce, and community intersect in a vibrant public space; and one of Northern Colorado’s iconic breweries, showcasing the region’s vibrant craft beer culture. Discover how intentional regional planning and forward-thinking initiatives are driving Northern Colorado’s success, creating opportunities for talent, innovation, and meaningful connections across municipalities.

Join the Young Leader Group and explore the exciting developments by ULI member-led, Formativ. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a hard-hat tour of the greatly anticipated Denargo Market development and Formativ’s first investment, Fabrica (now owned by Conscious Bay). The tour will conclude with short tour and lunch in the ever-popular River North or RiNO area at The Central Market, a unique adaptive reuse development before heading back for the official kickoff of the Spring Meeting.

Bordered by the State Capitol, the City and County Building, and the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park is the centerpiece of Denver’s green space. With structures over 100 years old, the park blooms with 25,000 square feet of flower beds each summer and serves as a frequent event site year-round. As Denver’s first National Historic Landmark, Civic Center Park’s future is just as important as its past. The Civic Center Next 100 plan will catalyze new activity and animate this park in the heart of Denver. The transformation of four key areas will fulfill past community-driven planning visions and elevate the landmark for the next 100 years by providing new energy, world-class performances, and events.

This tour also visits nearby Populus, an energetic new social center in downtown Denver with both private and public spaces. The unique style of the hotel is informed by Denver’s aspen trees and its design supports its sustainability and efficiency. The windows are detailed to perform efficiently in the Denver climate, and on the exterior, the “lids” of each window stretch outward to shade the interior, while also channeling rainwater. Deepening the building’s commitment to sustainability, Populus promotes density downtown by activating the entirety of its compact, triangular footprint. The concrete structure minimizes cement by incorporating fly ash and forgoes any levels dedicated to parking—a first for a new building downtown—encouraging visitors toward greener modes of transport. With a green roof providing an attractive habitat for local wildlife and insects, Populus aims to reconnect city dwellers with nature in the heart of Denver.

Originally a medical depot for the U.S. Army during World War II, York Street Yards has been transformed into a thriving center for innovation and creativity. The preservation of this brick and timber project, guided by a deep respect for the site’s rich heritage, preserves the architectural integrity of the original buildings while infusing them with modern amenities for today’s tenants. These once-utilitarian warehouses have been reimagined as flexible workspaces, fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators.

In 2011, Denver nearly lost its legacy Stock Show. The National Western Stock Show organization was exploring other options after outgrowing its outdated facilities. In 2012, Denver came up with a plan not only to keep it but also to transform the 250-acre site into so much more. Five major partners—the City of Denver, Colorado State University, The National Western Stock Show, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and History Colorado—worked with the public to create a new master plan. In 2015, the citizens of Denver approved funding of nearly $1 billion to transform the site with 2.2 million square feet of new facilities as the future home for a convergence of food and agriculture innovation, education, and entertainment in the National Western Center.

Union Station is a Denver icon. Opened in 1881, it held the distinction of being the tallest building in the West in its day. The Station reached its zenith in the mid-1940s, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors daily, but with the waning popularity of train travel in the latter half of the 20th century, the Station gradually fell into disuse.

In 2001, efforts began in earnest to reimagine the once-great landmark. The historic Denver Union Station would become the centerpiece of a shopping, dining, and cultural destination—part of a grand vision to revitalize 14 city blocks featuring offices, apartments, restaurants, stores, condominiums, hotels, and entertainment.

 

The scope of the project included three primary components:

• Transit: A joint venture of East West Partners and Continuum Partners, this project was planned and financed with additional partnership of the City of Denver, RTD, the state, and Trammell Crow. A $480 million multimodal transit station is now the hub of Denver’s rail and bus system; it features incredible new public spaces and is the impetus of an urban migration that’s drawing young singles, families, and retirees back to the city’s core.
• Private development: Several parcels of the station land were redeveloped, including two 100,000-square-foot companion office buildings that frame the historic building on the new kinetic plaza; the Triangle Building, a modern, mixed-use office and retail tower; 16 Chestnut, a 430,000-square-foot office building; and The Coloradan, Union Station Neighborhood’s only for-sale, residential high-rise, among others.
• Renovation of the historic station as the crown jewel of the community: Preservation and adaptive use of the historic station reached their highest form to maintain the neighborhood’s storied history. The Union Station Alliance continues to put love and care into Denver’s living history. Inspired by the journey, Denver Union Station has nearly completed an extensive refresh that honors its position as a thriving transit hub and downtown cultural destination.

Today, the entire Union Station Neighborhood works as a powerful economic engine for the city and the region, generating $3.8 billion in initial impact in 2014 and an additional $2.9 billion of impact on an ongoing basis. Come learn about the development of Denver’s iconic Union Station as a transportation hub, retail center, and hospitality location as it continues to serve visitors and locals from around the world.

Explore River North (RiNo), one of Denver’s most dynamic areas of development along the South Platte River. This tour will kick off at the Arkins Promenade, a mile-long pedestrian corridor that reclaims the river’s edge as an inviting, walkable public space. From there, visit RiNo ArtPark, the first dedicated park space along the river in the RiNo Art District, a district inclusive of four historic neighborhoods with deep industrial roots and a vibrant arts community. The tour will conclude at the forthcoming Denargo Market, the largest urban infill project currently underway in Denver. At full build-out, this 17-acre project will feature 3 million square feet of development and four protected and programmed acres of open green space.

Join us on a tour through Denver’s RiNo Art District, one of Denver’s most sought-after neighborhoods that serves as a hub for cultural diversity and creative innovation. Two significant projects—The Mission Ballroom and T3 RiNo—are redefining the future of this vibrant neighborhood.

 

The Mission Ballroom is a 60,000-square-foot ballroom that anchors North Wynkoop, a 14-acre mixed-use project including office and retail as well as a 227-car garage. The Mission Ballroom features a moving stage that provides flexible capacity from 2,200 to 3,950 guests, unrivaled sight lines via tiered rows, state-of-the-art sound and lights, and a large dance floor. Full-service bars conveniently placed around the venue maximize flow, efficiency, and patron experience. The Mission Ballroom is not only a premiere concert facility but also serves as a unique special event space for corporate meetings and other functions, award shows, galas, weddings, receptions, launch parties, trade shows, private events, and more. Also featured is the art of 16 local artists of various mediums to create an atmosphere that connects visual and sonic art.

 

Mica RiNo, also located in the heart of North Wynkoop’s expansive 1.25-million-square-foot mixed-use development, exemplifies urban living with its contemporary design and luxury offerings. T3 RiNo, a groundbreaking six-story, 235,000-square-foot office building that features a refined industrial, heavy-timber-structured design. Paying homage to the city’s historic brick and timber buildings, T3 RiNo’s timber design is 100 percent renewable and one of the most sustainable in Denver. Hear from the project team about the challenges and successes of this complex mass timber build.

Just minutes from downtown Denver, Cherry Creek North is a destination in itself, with 16 blocks of walkable streets lined with independent boutiques, celebrated restaurants, and an array of hotels and residences. A robust business district is also woven into the fabric of this thriving district and has positioned itself as one of the top markets in the United States—outperforming most downtowns and suburban office parks across the country over the past five years. Crossing 1st Avenue, the landscape shifts as Cherry Creek West takes shape—a vision that deepens the neighborhood’s relationship with Cherry Creek.

Cherry Creek West has been designed for people first. It will be a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood where everything you need is a 15-minute walk or bike ride away. The $1.5-billion development will be built in two phases. It is located at 1st and University on 13 acres and will feature seven buildings–three are anticipated to be office (600,000 square feet) and four for-rent multifamily buildings (around 825 units in total). There will be restaurants and services on the ground floors of the buildings and four acres of public space, including a large park and market square. Here, urban living meets sustainability, with new residences, offices, and retail spaces thoughtfully envisioned to integrate with four acres of open space and its prominent neighbor, Cherry Creek Mall.

Since its founding in 1984, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) has worked to serve people experiencing homelessness through housing, health care, and supportive services. One of the most significant struggles for CCH clients has been the difficulty in maintaining health following release from hospitals and other facilities, safely recovering from recent medical or clinical procedures, and other recovery needs that cannot be safely met in shelters or on the streets. The new John Parvensky Stout Street Recuperative Care Center (JPSSRCC) exponentially increases the Coalition’s ability to serve these clients.

The facility treats clients with a variety of needs, including healing from postsurgical procedures, wound care, respiratory or heart issues, oxygen needs, chemotherapy treatment, and more. In addition to medical assistance for acute conditions, clients are provided with the opportunity to receive care onsite and ongoing integrated health care at the adjacent Stout Street Health Center including behavioral health support, pharmacy access, substance use treatment, peer support, and job training. Clients also can work with integrated case managers and housing counseling staff to identify long-term housing options, thereby providing them the opportunity to successfully transition out of homelessness to a long-term residence upon discharge.

 

The interior design of the building was selected through a trauma-informed process, and donated art warms the space. The Coalition believes that energy efficiency and environmentally friendly construction should be the standard for affordable housing. The building is designed and constructed to meet or exceed Enterprise Green Communities guidelines. These standards deliver greater energy and water efficiencies, better indoor air quality and space use that will be sustainable over time—ultimately resulting in lower utility costs. Architectural services for the mixed-use project, which is designed as attractively as market-rate housing in the Arapahoe Square neighborhood, were provided by Christopher Carvell Architects, and construction was provided by Milender White.

Participate in a fast-paced, interactive UrbanPlan Lightning Round with fellow industry professionals to experience one of ULI's key impact programs for introducing the complexities of real estate development and empowering participants to play an active role in shaping better communities through the built environment.

Register here.

Join us in the Denver Connection Hub to unwind and network during Spring Meeting! We’ve designed a welcoming space for engagement and community building throughout the event. Take a moment to enjoy refreshments, meet colleagues with shared interests, or simply recharge between sessions—our dedicated space was created with your conference experience in mind.

Featuring ULI Terwilliger Center's Home Attainability Index data, we will present the latest findings for Colorado's metro areas: how are the different regions' housing markets performing?; what are the latest homeownership and rental trends?; how deep is the affordability challenge?; and what other interesting findings did the team discover that will impact Colorado's housing and economic outlook?

Moderne Ventures is a strategic venture capital and growth equity fund that invests in technologies shaping real estate, finance, insurance, and more—industries that represent over 20 percent of U.S. GDP. In this session, Moderne will spotlight companies that are redefining how we build, transact, and live—featuring innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, energy systems, digital infrastructure, and global payments. These aren't future concepts—they're active solutions driving measurable change across the industry today.

Welcome High Tea Reception for the 2025 WLI Americas Prologis Leaders and Mentors. We also invite all past WLI Prologis Leaders to join us in welcoming our newest cohort of members.

Avivo Village provides transitional homeless housing in a reuse of a 48,600-square-foot distribution building. Low-barrier entry requirements and its downtown location make Avivo accessible to homeless people who may not be accepted elsewhere. To better serve the residents' needs, the team used trauma-informed design and an extensive engagement process. As a result, the interior of the building has open corridors with natural light and individual units, giving its residents a sense of community and safety. Comprehensive support services offer health care and prepare residents for the transition to permanent housing. Community leadership played a crucial role in modernizing zoning regulations and building codes to permit Avivo and protect the safety of the residents.

Have you ever wondered what real estate attorneys do on a day-to-day basis to support real estate development? Real estate attorneys serve as legal advisors and advocates for their clients, helping them navigate the complexities of real estate development and risk management, and helping projects get across the finish line. This session will highlight the key themes in ULI Learning's new course from the attorneys who lead it.

"For the right deal, there is money to be had…what does the right deal look like?" How do you position your deal to be the right one? Hear insights and learn strategies for navigating real estate capital markets today. In this session, hear from the full range of lenders: large banks, regional banks, private equity, debt funds, and others. Who is lending and who isn't? For what types of deals? What size? What terms? Refinance? Development? What changes in the debt landscape can be expected up ahead?

Nevada Avenue runs north-south through the heart of Colorado Springs, Colorado, stretching about 10 miles from Fort Carson in the south to the sprawling campus of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) at its north end. Prior to the construction of Interstate 25 in the 1960s, this roadway was the main route between Colorado Springs and Denver, and for destinations as far away as Mexico and Canada. Today, the corridor continues to serve as an essential connection between downtown and UCCS. It also has the potential to become much more than just a place to travel through; it can become a hub for research, health and wellness, and sports performance tech, as well as a catalyst for a new innovation neighborhood. Join this session to learn more about a recent ULI Advisory Services panel in Colorado Springs that offered recommendations for transforming North Nevada Avenue into a corridor for the future.

Whether you are company founder or it is your first day on the job, you have unique friends, family, and acquaintances that enrich your life. This session gives practical and unexpected examples of how these people you already know can also support your career (and how you can find ways to help them). The people you know can inspire you, teach you, and advocate for your career. The secret is being comfortable explaining what you do and being curious and engaged. We'll help you with conversation starters and tactics and encourage you to find your own way to talk about work that's authentic and find your way to projects you care about. We'll also talk about ways to intentionally grow your business networks and some tips and tricks for traditional business development environments such as industry events and conferences. We look forward to hearing about your experiences.

ULI has selected Rick Reinhard, principal of Niagara Consulting Group, as the recipient of the 2023–2024 ULI Apgar Thought Leader Award, which recognizes the authors of outstanding works written for Urban Land magazine. Reinhard was recognized for his article "Affordable Housing: YIGBY ('Yes in God's Backyard') Movement Seeks to Counter NIMBY Movement," from the Winter 2024 issue of Urban Land. Reinhard acknowledges the barriers to repurposing faith properties for housing, including the emotional ties communities have to their religious institutions, physical constraints of adaptive use, and regulatory obstacles. He provides examples of the successful adoption of the YIGBY movement, along with steps to increase opportunities for religious institutions, housing advocates, and real estate developers.

With ongoing policy uncertainty and the future of cornerstone programs such as Energy Star in question, real estate sustainability stands at a crossroads. Join Measurabl's CEO and co-founder, Matt Ellis, and president, Maureen Waters, for an executive-level briefing on how new market dynamics—from the rise of sustainable finance to an increasingly complex and uncertain policy and regulatory environment—are working to revise the business case for sustainability. Drawing on investment-grade data from Measurabl Intelligence and case studies from leading real estate owners and lenders, this discussion will unpack the progress and pitfalls in sustainable real estate globally. This is about real data, real results, and real estate's path forward to sustainability, measured. Join this executive conversation to explore the following: What progress is happening and will it be sustained? Why is data quality the new foundation for sustainability success? What happens if Energy Star or other government-backed programs are diminished or defunded? How are real estate organizations positioning operating expenses and cost of capital in their sustainability priorities? How are capital markets—and lenders in particular—quietly reshaping the business case for sustainability?

This timely and ever-changing presentation by the world's most trusted voice on world affairs addresses what it takes to thrive amidst the forces in the society, economy, and culture which are creating the future.

Refuel and connect with an afternoon pick-me-up, located at a food station in Mile High Ballroom on the lower level. Enjoy delicious treats and live music, explore the space, and network with fellow attendees.

YLG Members are invited to meet and exchange ideas and best practices for recruiting new members, providing engaging programming, and operating an effective local district chapter at a series of roundtable discussions lead by the YLG Americas Networks Committee.

Celebrating 10 years of the Real Estate, Diversity Initiative (REDI) program, this session is designed to (re)engage REDI program graduates while celebrating the success of individual graduates throughout the life of the program. The session will be moderated by ULI Key Leader, Jim Heid, developer, speaker and author of "Building Small: A Handbook for Entrepreneurial Developers, Civic Leaders and Great Communities".

Presenter and Moderator: Jim Heid, ULI San Francisco

• Panelists Include REDI alumni:
  • Keeya Clayton, ULI Central Florida 
  • J. Alex Frank, ULI Minnesota
  • Rev. Andre Alexander, ULI St. Louis
  • Katie Donahue, ULI Colorado

Funding shifts and policy changes at the federal and state levels renew calls to further define the private sector’s role in addressing homelessness. Explore solutions to the U.S. housing and homelessness crisis at the fourth ULI Homeless to Housed (H2H) Symposium, hosted by Joy Horak-Brown (New Hope Housing, Houston, TX). Keynote speaker Jeff Olivet (former director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)) will provide crucial context on the current state of homelessness in the U.S. and invite participants to shape ULI’s forthcoming publication, "10 Principles for Addressing Homelessness: A Guide for Commercial Real Estate and Finance".

The state of mountain resort communities is being impacted by changing demographics, aging infrastructure, housing shortages, climate change, and expanding year-round tourism to drive economic growth. The public sector (primarily municipalities), developers, and resort owners are investing hundreds of millions of dollars. The investments aim to modernize, diversify, and create resilient resort communities. The desired outcomes and the expected returns on investment are strategic to achieve success today and be relevant for the next generation.

The conversation around maximizing real estate benefits often focuses on net zero emissions and adaptive reuse, overlooking human health. The emerging model of wellness real estate addresses this gap by introducing new metrics to evaluate the built environment's impact on individuals. Using Lakehouse, Colorado's first WELL Certified community, the panel will explore how wellness-driven design can generate social and economic benefits. The project architect will explain the rationale behind Lakehouse's healthy infrastructure, while researchers from Colorado State University will present findings from a multiyear study on the positive effects of thoughtful design on residents' emotional and physical health. In addition, an international research scientist from the International WELL Building Institute will provide a pro forma analysis of the financial implications of WELL Certification, including its effects on consumer attraction, social capital, health care outcomes, and employment. Join us for this discussion on the transformative potential of healthy design in real estate and its dual economic and community well-being benefits.

The government is a huge holder of both land and real estate. In some jurisdictions, the potential market value of land can exceed the total gross domestic product of that jurisdiction. This session will explore the potential of using government-owned land to attract private investors in fiscally constrained environments. The discussion will focus on two archetypes of sectors: revenue-driven sectors and cost-driven sectors. Revenue-driven sectors include real estate subsectors, such as residential, commercial, and hospitality. These sectors rely on land as a primary revenue driver, where the ultimate product is the use of real estate space. Cost-driven sectors include industries such as manufacturing, which require land for hosting production facilities, and service sectors such as banks, which use office space to deliver services. Each archetype represents unique opportunities for leveraging land as a currency to stimulate private investments. Panelists will share insights on effective strategies and examine the role of government-owned land in facilitating private investments in these sectors, highlighting the potential for economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

As "revenge travel" is waning and group demand is soaring, this session will examine the forces that drive the current U.S. hotel industry. Higher-end hotels post record room rates while the lower end of the market is showing cracks. This session will examine the reasons for the current bifurcation and how this shapes the current in-construction pipeline and deal environment.

Endorsed by the Flex Space and Experience Council, this session will explore the drivers of today's high-performing workplace environments and challenge assumptions that the workplace cannot be a thriving, full-time destination. With data from the Gensler Research Institute's 2024 Global Workplace Survey and the 2024 CityPulse Survey, attendees will learn about the amenities and experiences that are drawing workers to the workplace and to downtown districts. Randy Howder, a regional managing principal at Gensler, will be joined by a landlord, a flex office operator, and an end-user tenant for an esteemed panel that will explore how the workplace experience is evolving to meet the needs of a post pandemic workforce that is requiring more than just places to focus and meet. The session will challenge conventional wisdom about workplace environments while highlighting the types of spaces, amenities, and services that are ushering in a new era of work in our cities.

Join ULI Boston/New England and the Terwilliger Center for Housing to play a new game exploring the tradeoffs of housing development. This game was developed in partnership with Stantec and Play the City, is in pilot phase and will be deployed in community settings- your experience and feedback will help shape the final product! 

 

"Homeward" is an engaging and thought-provoking board game that brings players face-to-face with the challenges of addressing America’s home shortage while building vibrant, sustainable communities. Players form competing teams, each with unique goals and perspectives. Together, they navigate the intricate web of housing production, balancing density, affordability, open space, and environmental impact to create thriving neighborhoods. 

 

Through strategic decision-making and collaboration—or conflict—players must weigh trade-offs as they create homes for their town. Will your team succeed in crafting a balanced, forward-thinking community, or will competing priorities lead to gridlock? "Homeward" invites you to explore the complex interconnectedness of housing and community building in a dynamic, immersive way.

Join John McNellis, author of ULI's bestselling title Making It in Real Estate, as he candidly—and humorously—recounts the hard lessons he's learned from four decades of developing commercial real estate. Not only will John dissect his biggest disaster—the loss of a 300,000-foot shopping center to foreclosure—he'll explain why one should never buy real estate for the wrong reasons; why working on "Goldilocks" deals is critical; why one should be wary of partners, bankers, and investment advisors (basically, anyone with money); why only the track wins horse races; and why successful development is invariably based on taking risk . . . but only after accurately gauging it. John will leave plenty of time for an extended Q&A. Each attendee will receive a free eBook version of Making It in Real Estate.

Leaders transforming major urban corridors through equitable transit-oriented development (TOD) share the perspectives of three cities. These communities—each with a unique story tied to race, place, and transportation—are implementing groundbreaking projects and revitalizing the physical landscape and social and economic fabric within historically marginalized populations. Los Angeles's Destination Crenshaw introduces light rail transit (LRT) into "the spine of Los Angeles's Black community," a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard being revitalized into "an unapologetically Black" thriving cultural and commercial hub. Baton Rouge's Florida Corridor, a 12-mile Department of Transportation right of way that has symbolized racial division as the "Mason-Dixon Line of the city/parish," has approved a revitalization plan centering on equity and access, alongside new bus rapid transit (BRT) and the MOVEBR infrastructure investments. Denver's East and East Central Colfax and Federal Boulevard Corridors—with monikers "the longest, wickedest street in America" and "one of the most dangerous streets in the city," respectively—are transforming into BRT Equitable TOD corridors with prioritization on safety and community benefit.

Selected AYLG Emerging Leaders are invited to attend a meet and greet session with Americas YLG Co-chairs. This will be an opportunity for them to connect as a group in preparation for their Product Council day experiences.

The flight to quality in the office sector is real, and it's attracting demand where there has been less of it in recent years. Owners and developers have an opportunity to capture demand through major renovations and redevelopment—not just ground-up development—and the result can be a much better environmental footprint. Architects and developers will share strategies used to successfully renovate and redevelop major office buildings in central business districts, navigating construction pitfalls unique to existing buildings, and the corresponding sustainability considerations and benefits. A global sustainability expert from CBRE will share the importance and impact of renovations and redevelopment versus demolition and new construction on global sustainability goals. Rockefeller Group will specifically discuss the $600 million redevelopment of the landmarked Time & Life Building in New York and the $325 million WMATA headquarters redevelopment in Washington, D.C.

Law firms play a crucial role in the production and preservation of affordable housing by structuring deals, securing financing, and navigating complex policy regulations. Yet, their insights are often overlooked. This panel will feature real estate attorneys driving change for their affordable housing development partners. During this panel discussion, speakers will explore legal reforms facilitating innovative financing, new development, and rehabilitation projects. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes can streamline processes, eliminate barriers, and foster innovative partnerships. Whether you're a developer, advocate, or policymaker, this session will provide essential knowledge to navigate the evolving legal framework and enhance your affordable housing initiatives.

While Denver is the focus of the national story of large growth and change in Colorado and the west, major projects are happening all along Colorado's front range—the urban corridor along the eastern face of the Rocky Mountains. This session will spotlight important projects all along this urban stretch, including Colorado Springs, Aurora, Golden, and Denver. The session will show how significant new developments are fitting into their communities and reflecting the unique locations in different cities up and down the range.

The PAE Living Building in Portland, Oregon, is the first developer-driven Living Building in the world. Phase 1 of the Bridge District in Washington, D.C., will be the world's largest multifamily building to achieve ILFI's Zero Carbon certification. Both projects prove the viability of developing mixed-use commercial structures that improve their urban and ecological context while delivering financial returns. With each project, the teams tackled seemingly unsolvable problems with practical solutions, building the case for balancing sustainable solutions with for-profit models, laying out a roadmap for others to follow. Key to both approaches is the premise that specifying sustainable and resilient strategies, including lowered embodied and operational carbon, reduced energy use, and improved air quality, daylight, and a biophilic interior, provide not only a better place to live and work, but also may translate into higher leasing rates, increased occupant satisfaction, better retention, and higher residual value. From design to construction to financing, presenters will share strategies that build the case that sustainability aspirations and developer returns do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Airports are more than just transportation hubs—they are catalysts for regional economic growth, shaping land use, investment patterns, and infrastructure development. This session will explore how cities are leveraging the aerotropolis model to drive economic competitiveness, attract industries, and enhance connectivity. A panel of leaders from three dynamic aerotropolis regions—Atlanta, Cleveland, and Denver—will share insights on their strategies for integrating airport-driven development with surrounding land uses. Topics will include zoning and land planning, transportation, infrastructure investment, public/private partnerships, and workforce development. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to harness airport-adjacent real estate development for long-term success.

As cities grow and prosper, existing, diverse communities often face displacement pressures. While much attention has been paid to residential displacement and the creation of affordable housing, there are fewer examples of anti-displacement and retention strategies for small businesses and the creation of affordable commercial space. Panelists from public, private, and civic organizations from across the country will speak about efforts to create affordable commercial space on retail corridors, in private development projects, and via community-owned real estate—complemented by other important types of support for small businesses, with an emphasis on supporting businesses of color and women-owned businesses. These strategies are important not only for advancing equitable economic development, but for ensuring unique and authentic retail environments that create both social and economic value. The panel will include an overview of national trends and case studies from different cities. This includes the Atlanta Beltline's efforts to support commercial affordability in Atlanta, the Center for Community Wealth Building's efforts to leverage community-owned real estate in Denver, and a private developer's efforts to create affordable commercial space within a new real estate development. The discussion will highlight the roles that the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors can play in creating affordable commercial space.

Please join us at the exclusive Sponsor Reception as a thank you for helping make Spring Meeting such a success! By invitation only.

Kick off your Spring Meeting by joining fellow first-time attendees for a special happy hour taking place immediately before the Welcome Reception. ULI member and staff leaders will be in attendance to welcome you, and share their insights and experiences.

Join us at the Welcome Reception to kick off the ULI Spring Meeting at the Bluebird Ballroom in the Colorado Convention Center. Don't miss the chance to reconnect with your peers!

NEC reception hosted by ULI Baltimore, Washington, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.

Private dining experience to connect and network with ULI MarCom Forum members at Osteria Marco in Larimer Square (attendance is optional, cost is included in your Forum registration).

Invitation only event for members of Global Board, Foundation Board and Americas Executive Committee.

ULI Net Zero Imperative (NZI) participants and panelists from past and current cohorts are invited to join an off-site happy hour meetup to network and connect with fellow decarbonization leaders during the conference. Location to be shared in a separate invitation.

The Colorado Pathways to Inclusion (PTI) Cohort will gather offsite with select PTI alumni and CRE experts for an intimate dinner to network and gain insight into the ULI member and the Pathways to Inclusion experience. This reception is by invitation only.

Looking for good food and even better conversation? Join NEXT Americas mid-career members for a night on the town. There will be the opportunity to choose from 4 different restaurants and discussion topics.

To ensure intimate conversation, seats are limited and separate registration is required.

Check out the restaurants here.

Click here to register.

Invitation only event for Key Leaders.

Join us for a special breakfast exclusive to new members! Don't miss your opportunity to make new and lasting connections with fellow members, learn more about your membership, and engage in Q&A with ULI's Membership team.

Before the redevelopment and revitalization of the Denver Union Station District, the Central Platte Valley was home to vast railroad switching yards. As the tracks were consolidated, it opened up the catalytic opportunity to redevelop near the historical birthplace of Denver. This tour will start at Millenium Bridge, which opened in 2002, with East West Partners and explore the real estate development at Riverfront Park. The tour will continue to Union Station where Continuum will share its experience developing in the area, specifically the Limelight Hotel and Tavernetta. Tour participants will also hear about the modern-day operations of passenger rail and the underground bus station. The tour will end in the Terminal Bar, just as it opens, for an optional drink.

Join NEXT for a walking tour. Highlighting Denver’s Historic Union Station redevelopment and the surrounding mixed-use district. Participants will walk from the Colorado Convention Center to the free 16th Street Mall bus service that goes the length of 16th Street, which is currently being revitalized. After getting off the bus, participants will meet at Union Station to learn how connectivity and innovation were drivers to transform the valley into a thriving district.  At the end of the tour, participants can take the free 16th Street Mall bus back to the Colorado Convention Center.

Separate registration is required, which can be selected during registration or added to your existing registration. 
 

Fitzsimons Innovation Community is a sprawling 184-acre site at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado—a leading-edge laboratory workspace where innovative health and life sciences companies of all sizes take their research to the next level to cure diseases, save lives, and improve care. Standing on the grounds that once held the Fitzsimons Army Hospital, where soldiers returning from World War I were treated, the Campus Center includes new and redeveloped lab office, residential, retail, and The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club—all connected by dynamic public open spaces. These projects are part of a larger multiphase strategic vision plan led by Tryba in coordination with the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, the City of Aurora, and the University of Colorado that will unite the city’s diverse edges into an integrated urban neighborhood, complete with a diversity of living options, compelling retail and lifestyle amenities, trail networks, and a regional mobility hub.

Colorado Springs lies an hour south of Denver amid some of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Visit the recently completed United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum (designed by Diller Scorfidio + Renfro)—one of the most accessible museums in the world. Then visit Weidner Field (a 10,000-seat urban stadium home to the United Soccer League Champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks) to learn about urban stadium development in mid-market cities. Lastly, tour current urban renewal and downtown development authority areas (residential and commercial) and the creative district to understand the local efforts and tools used to create public/private partnership redevelopment opportunities.

The Americas YLG Steering Committee Meeting is an opportunity for our members across the Americas who represent the Young Leaders on a regional level to connect in-person and discuss strategic planning for the meetings ahead.

Friends of the ULI Creative Placemaking program and members of the ULI Art in Place global cohort will gather for an informal breakfast and meet with local leaders on connecting artists, creatives, and real estate decision-makers. Participants will tour the Maven Hotel and Dairy Block development to learn about the curation of art for those spaces from NINE dot ARTS, a Denver-based art consulting firm. Afterwards, attendees will engage in a discussion to inform a forthcoming ULI report on best practices in developer/artist collaboration. All are welcome, but space is limited. Please email [email protected] to receive an invitation to this event.

A neighborhood that has not yet fulfilled its promise, the Golden Triangle is poised to become the vibrant, mixed-use downtown neighborhood it has always aspired to be. Already home to some of Denver’s most important cultural assets and institutions, recent significant real estate transactions, a zoning code rewrite, and the Downtown Denver Partnership–led 5280 Trail are set to transform the landscape with an inundation of food, beverage, and retail opportunities; new public spaces; and improved connections to surrounding neighborhoods.

Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) Historic District is home to some of the most innovative approaches to historic downtown development. This tour visits McGregor Square, which offers office and retail space, dining, and events near Coors Field. Dairy Block is a historic block, once home to Windsor Dairy and now a vibrant micro-district that boasts 11 shops, 19 restaurants, eight bars, a luxury coworking space, and a 172-room hotel. Market Station offers residences in the heart of LoDo, as well as office and retail space.

See one of the most creative adaptive reuse projects in Denver! Pancratia Hall is a four-story, red brick, collegiate gothic style building constructed between 1929 and 1930, originally designed by master architect Harry W.J. Edbrooke for Loretto Heights College. Transformed into a 74-unit affordable multifamily project in one of the most creative adaptive reuse projects in Denver, Pancratia Hall provides affordable housing in southwest Denver. It offers a unique example of how historic buildings can not only be preserved but transformed to address the urgent issues facing real estate development today, where history, design, and function are all preserved to create a one-of-a-kind environment.

Meet at Denver Union Station’s The Cooper Lounge at 8:30am. Optional lunch and additional tour following. The cost of lunch is not included."

Sun Valley, a central neighborhood in the metro Denver region, is home to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Today, 94 percent of the neighborhood’s housing market is subsidized, with only 5 percent of the homes occupied by their owners. Additionally, over 80 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. Sun Valley residents represent over 33 different cultural backgrounds, speak more than 28 languages, and 25 percent identify as first-generation immigrants, 4 percent as second-generation immigrants, and 20 percent as refugees. In Sun Valley, Denver Housing Authority is poised to create a new model of community transformation with equity, environmental justice, and public health as its driving forces.

In addition to housing developments, the Sun Valley Riverfront Park is a planned 11-acre regional park running the length of the South Platte River. Developed in response to the priority health issues in the neighborhood, the park creates a safe space that celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood, promotes physical activity and healthy eating, provides spaces for mental restoration, and ensures all Sun Valley residents have access to quality open space.

At the heart of downtown Denver, Larimer Square is where historic charm meets the vibrant energy of downtown. Named for pioneering General William Larimer, it was the city’s first block, first commercial district, first designated historic district, and home to its first residence and city hall. Now, preservation and restoration efforts maintain its heritage architecture and streetscape while honoring Denver’s pioneering spirit to set the stage for Larimer Square’s future.

This tour also visits Auraria Campus to learn about its impact on the area. Auraria is home to three institutions: Community College Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. Auraria’s master plan sets a vision for the campus’s physical environment—shaping goals, objectives, and design principles for its future growth and establishing a collaborative project-planning approach to improve campus space and meet its most urgent needs. This plan integrates Auraria into the city, further connecting the campus to downtown Denver through alignment with the 5280 Trail, the redevelopment of the Auraria Parkway, and more.

Located within Denver’s western central business district submarket, one of Denver’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, 1900 Lawrence is a class-A, 30-story office tower designed by Goettsch Partners. With views of the Front Range, Coors Field, and Skyline Park, 1900 Lawrence offers best-in-class amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, multi-use conference space, and a tenant lounge with outdoor terrace access. Easily accessible by car, bike, and foot traffic, 1900 Lawrence provides an example of the best in office space Denver has to offer.

Join your fellow District Council chairs, CMAs, and treasurers for a meaningful morning devoted to your role as a district council leader. Hear from Global CEO Angela Cain on ULI’s 13 Key Imperatives, as well as Mary Beth Corrigan, Americas CEO, and our new Americas executive vice president, Aletha Dunston with updates on the Americas region and DC network. District Council Counselor Christine Richman will lead a discussion from several DC markets on zoning initiatives, followed by a strategic leadership and accountability workshop led by ULI Colorado chair Kaia Nesbitt. 

Breakfast and lots of coffee will be served.

Start your morning with WLI Americas for coffee and a delicious healthy breakfast. Join us to meet other women in a relaxed and welcoming environment with the goal to broaden and enrich professional networks and strengthen industry connections. We will also be announcing the recipients of the WLI Americas Innovation Grants! Come and celebrate all of WLI's successes!

Join us in the Denver Connection Hub to unwind and network during Spring Meeting! We’ve designed a welcoming space for engagement and community building throughout the event. Take a moment to enjoy refreshments, meet colleagues with shared interests, or simply recharge between sessions—our dedicated space was created with your conference experience in mind.

Closed meeting for ULI Foundation Board members.

Join us for Pathways in Progress: Lessons from CRE Trailblazers. This dynamic conversation features multicultural leaders who have carved out meaningful careers in commercial real estate and ULI throughout their professional trajectory. This candid conversation explores the pivotal wins, success takeaways and identity driven insights that shaped their journeys. Geared toward ULI’s Pathways to Inclusion participants, this panel offers real-world advice, inspiration, and actionable strategies for building lasting impact in the real estate industry and the Urban Land Institute.

This interactive session gives members an opportunity to participate in a real-time mini Advisory Services panel and have instant impact for a local Denver panel sponsor. The session will begin with a brief presentation by the panel sponsor. Members will then be presented with one question pertaining to the land use challenge. With facilitation by ULI Advisory Services program staff, members will briefly deliberate and offer a set of recommendations, recorded in real time, in response to the question. The session will conclude with a brief summary of the recommendations and panel sponsor feedback.

UrbanPlan champion Jessica Durham shares strategies and opportunities for leveraging UrbanPlan workshops for Continuing Education credits with affiliate organizations such as AIA, AICP, NAR, and local legal bar associations.

The tariffs driven by the current U.S. administration have caused uncertainty in the markets globally. Trade wars directly impact our industry, but with the same uncertainty as the policies themselves. Willy Walker, chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory firms in the United States and internationally, will lead a candid conversation with Owen Thomas, CEO of Boston Properties, and share up to the minute insights on capital markets, prices, supply growth, and much more.

The tariffs driven by the current U.S. administration have caused uncertainty in the markets globally. Trade wars directly impact our industry, but with the same uncertainty as the policies themselves. Willy Walker, chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory firms in the United States and internationally, will lead a candid conversation with Owen Thomas, CEO of Boston Properties, and share up to the minute insights on capital markets, prices, supply growth, and much more.

The YLG Impact & Connect session is a special event for young leaders (under 35) attending the conference. 

This session will be significant as the young leaders present a panel of the originators of the national Young Leaders group, affectionately called the OG's. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the origins of the group and the current platform as the YLG prepares to mark its upcoming 25th anniversary.

Following the panel, young leaders and other attendees will have the opportunity to engage in robust discussions on the future of young leaders and their impact on the CRE industry during facilitated roundtables. 

Panelists:

• Lee Wong
• Jason Tramonte
• Adrienne Schwartz
• Jeff Kaplan

This session will compare the two commonly used tools for financial modeling: Excel and ARGUS. While Excel offers flexibility, customization, and broad applicability across various financial analyses, ARGUS is specifically designed for real estate financial modeling, providing standardized workflows for valuation, lease analysis, and cash flow projections. The session will explore the strengths, limitations, and best use cases for each to determine which tool is more suitable for different financial modeling needs.

Learn more about the impacts and progress made by the more than 20 global communities who have participated in ULI Net Zero Imperative program to accelerate the decarbonization of their built environment.

"For the right deal, there is money to be had…what does the right deal look like?" How do you position your deal to be the right one? Hear insights and learn strategies for navigating real estate capital markets today from capital providers. In this session, hear from the largest to the smallest equity investors today. Who are the active investors? What are they looking for? How do they find the right deals? How does the range deal sizes find them? What has worked for them recently? What terms? Refinance? Development? What are they looking for in the future?

The WLI Americas Entrepreneurs Cohort will meet with their Mentors lunch to review their business plans as well as learn valuable leadership skills development from a leading industry expert.

More than 30 percent of the world's energy is consumed by buildings, and windows are the single largest source of energy loss in the built environment. To counter this, LuxWall has developed technologies to manufacture vacuum-insulating glass that performs like a wall. LuxWall Enthermal transparent insulation is five times more insulating than double-paned glass, reduces the energy loss of buildings by up to 45 percent, and improves occupant comfort. Enthermal is ideal for retrofitting buildings as its thin profile allows it to be easily installed in existing window frames, reducing reglazing costs by up to 50 percent for end users. In addition, the payback for most projects is three times faster than other available glass products.

We invite Full Members to join us for this opportunity to network and learn over lunch. The guest speaker will be Amy Blankson.

Amy Blankson is the CEO Of Fearless Positivity, Co-Founder of the Digital Wellness Institute, and bestselling author of The Future of Happiness. A graduate of Harvard and the Yale School of Management, she’s the only person to receive a Point of Light award from two US Presidents--an award she received for her work in professional development. She is also a member of the UN Global Happiness Council, a Fellow of the World Innovation Organization, a featured professor in Oprah’s happiness e-course, and a regular contributor to Forbes. Her current work focuses on how to cultivate happiness and well-being and sustaining positive change.

ULI District and National Councils are key drivers of ULI’s impactful programming and host dozens of events focused on sustainability, resilience, health, and social equity each year. The ULI Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate supports Council programming in a variety of ways – with compelling content and reports, speaker suggestions, financial support, cohort programs and more. Join the Lewis Center and other Council leaders to learn about opportunities to advance ULI’s mission and priorities with impactful programming at the local level. A simple lunch will be served. This program is open to all current and potential District and National Council leaders; advanced registration is requested. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

This is an invite-only kickoff event for members of the California-Nevada Technical Assistance Leadership Exchange. Lunch provided.

An abandoned art-deco era Coca-Cola bottling plant in Indianapolis has been redeveloped into a thriving 12-acre mixed-use development, re-energizing the edge of the city. The project respects the site's history by restoring existing buildings to maintain their original features, while also embracing innovation by seamlessly integrating new buildings. A food market, boutique hotel, retail, and office space create opportunities for residents and have been a destination for tourists. An internal grid provides a welcoming pedestrian streetscape, connects the project elements, links to the surrounding neighborhood, and anticipates future development phases. Bottleworks District exemplifies opportunities at mid-market levels through thoughtful design and market success.

Explore how mass timber is transforming student housing and campus facilities through smart and sustainable development. This session features insights from a developer with experience delivering mass timber projects across multiple U.S. campuses. Highlights include a public/private partnership at Colorado School of Mines, where four mass timber student housing buildings achieved greater density under height restrictions, as well as projects like a dining hall at the University of Washington and a multiuse student success center at the University of Southern Maine. The discussion will cover design and construction lessons, cost deltas over baseline systems, and how exposed timber supports sustainability goals while creating warm, biophilic spaces that enhance the student experience.

Join Gretchen Sweeney and Glenn Greenberg from the ULI Learning team for a drop-in session to explore opportunities to become an instructor, co-create courses, or facilitate Q&A sessions with students taking on-demand courses. Are you a commercial real estate professional eager to share your expertise? ULI Learning offers top-tier educational experiences led by industry experts and esteemed faculty. We're seeking passionate Subject Matter Experts to teach or facilitate courses in areas like Construction Fundamentals, Foundations of Real Estate, Pro Forma Fundamentals, Principles of Real Estate Finance and Investment, Real Estate 101 and more. 

For learners, ULI Learning enhances your professional knowledge and skills, empowering you to make a greater impact in building better communities. Chat with us to find the right course or certificate for your professional development goals. Questions? Visit learning.uli.org or email [email protected].

The NEXT Connect will be comprised of four (4) 20-minute roundtable sessions where each roundtable speaker will share their insights and experiences on an assigned table topic as well as discuss their leadership role(s) within ULI.  NEXT Connect is meant to facilitate in-depth discussions on today’s most relevant topics, develop organic connections, and provide visibility for the most involved ULI NEXT members for succession planning within the organization (i.e. Product Council and Key Leader recruitment). 

Meet the Roundtable Speakers

The ULI Real Estate Economic Forecast is a semiannual survey of leading industry experts. The latest edition will have been completed just before the Spring Meeting. How do the experts see 27 key economic and real estate indicators moving by the end of 2025, 2026, and 2027? How have forecasts changed from six months earlier? And why? How are tariff realities and uncertainties expected to impact CRE? What signals are the experts watching for in real estate as they look ahead? Where do the experts agree and disagree? Hear a lively debate among leading economists and analysts who participated in the Real Estate Economic Forecast survey as they explain or defend their opinions. Ask questions or challenge their views about what's ahead for the real estate industry through the end of 2025 and all the way through 2027

Refuel and connect with an afternoon pick-me-up, located at a food station in Mile High Ballroom on the lower level. Enjoy delicious treats and live music, explore the space, and network with fellow attendees.

Special programming for Global Governing Trustees.

District Council Leadership Roundtables offer an opportunity to connect with other district council members and staff on various topics and programs to take back ideas for your DCs success! Table topics will include: Urban Plan & learning, awards, university programs, ULI foundation, sponsorships, advisory services/TAPs, membership & marketing, technology topics, housing programs, sustainability and resilience, economics and capital markets as well as an opportunity to meet-and-greet with new EVP Aletha Dunston.

Snacks will be served.

A growing body of research indicates that physical space profoundly impacts our brain health. However, the regenerative capacity of our buildings and public places remains largely untapped. The way we think, feel, learn, and behave are influenced by our context. What if every real estate and capital infrastructure investment was intentional about its regenerative potential for equitable public health, economic development potential, dignity for all, and nature? A mindset shift, from "less bad" to positive outcomes, is required, and brain-healthy cities will help us better leverage the stressed and constrained cognitive power of our citizenry. These efforts have been shared in international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit and World Economic Forum, as well as local policy and advocacy events such as the Innovate4Cities conference co-hosted by UN-Habit and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.

This conversation will spotlight examples of intentional design from three national experts, including trauma-informed design, urban and community gardens, and art and placemaking. The panel will describe each approach through a series of local case studies spanning affordable housing for Denver's most vulnerable populations; urban and community gardens that reduce barriers to fresh, healthy, and organic food; and public art initiatives that bring people together while giving back to the creative economy. The panel will reflect on the epidemic of loneliness and reference these projects as meaningful examples of "third spaces" for increased community building, health, and well-being in the built environment. The session will begin with a formal Pecha Kucha–style presentation (an engaging storytelling format in which a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds per slide), followed by a moderated panel discussion and Q&A.

In today's challenging real estate market, developers are confronted with rising costs across various aspects of project development, from land acquisition to materials and labor. This panel discussion will delve into strategies employed by developers to navigate these hurdles and deliver profitable multifamily projects, particularly focusing on attainable and affordable housing initiatives. Key topics include adapting to market dynamics (as prices escalate, market-rate developers are embracing affordable housing models, but may face challenges competing with seasoned affordable housing developers); cost-effective design and amenities (successful developers are employing proven design elements and amenities while minimizing unnecessary expenses to ensure profitability); suburban expansion (developers are exploring opportunities on the outskirts and suburbs, branded as attainable housing, to cater to residents priced out of urban cores); strategic site selection (site selection and execution methods play crucial roles in ensuring the feasibility and profitability of projects); and the role of consultants (land development consultants contribute by offering value engineering solutions).

The Platte River has been, for many decades, the industrial back-of-house for the Denver with the exception of a few publicly accessible points. Now, the river has become the focal point of some of Denver's most ambitious development projects—all dedicated to improving and honoring the river. The session will spotlight projects from large, private sector–led development to complex, public/private partnerships and major public initiatives that will totally change the face of the Platte River and, as a result, the city itself.

In Fall 2020, Madison Development Corporation, along with the United Way and local Madison area Employers -financial institutions, health care systems & foundations, launched a Fund to fill gaps in affordable workforce housing projects in WI. The Dane Workforce Housing Fund (DWHF) raised over $11 million and helped create 747 new units, with a subsequent Fund II raising $13 million which has 230 units under construction. The Atlanta Affordable Housing Fund (AAHF), launched in early 2020, raised $15 million from local real estate leaders, which helped create over 800 affordable homes. The AAHF is now housed at the Community Foundation, which helped them attract an additional $150 million from diverse investors - financial institutions, foundations and individuals, to help create more affordable housing projects in Atlanta's core counties. This session will cover the Fund structures, the impact on their regions, and why investors stepped up.

In today's high-cost, high-volatility environment, the builder/developer relationship is evolving quickly. Join top community developers and homebuilders for a fast-paced, interactive session unpacking how deals are really getting done right now—from land acquisition and entitlement strategies to capital structuring, land banking, and vertical timing. How are developers adapting to meet builder demands? What are builders asking for that's new—or non-negotiable? Explore real-world case studies and fresh approaches that are reshaping how these two sides collaborate to deliver housing at scale. Bring your questions and get ready to rethink the playbook.

Devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region spurred a remarkable collaboration between the Urban Land Institute (ULI Los Angeles), the UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate, and the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate. This session will delve into the crucial lessons learned from this crisis and the development of Project Recovery, a comprehensive roadmap for rebuilding and fostering long-term resilience. Join moderator Clare De Briere, Member of the ULI Global Board of Directors and Founding Partner of Catalyst Property Company, for an insightful Q&A with key leaders who spearheaded this vital effort: Lew Horne, Incoming Chair of ULI Los Angeles and President of CBRE Greater Los Angeles, and Kev Zoryan, Founder of Arselle Investments and past chair of ULI Los Angeles. The session will explore key recommendations from the report, including debris removal, permitting reform, supply chain logistics, insurance market stabilization, and strategies for long-term community rebuilding. Gain valuable insights into the power of industry collaboration, the necessity of public/private partnerships, and ULI's role in driving solutions to climate-driven crises.

In the face of a staggering shortfall of 7 million affordable housing units for low- and middle-income families, and with nearly 50 percent of renters now cost burdened, this session brings together architects, urban planners, developers, and designers to explore innovative design solutions aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. The session will discuss strategic approaches for creating flexible, efficient living spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with cost-effectiveness, drawing on successful case studies. Join us as we navigate the intersection of design, technology, and community needs to forge sustainable pathways toward affordable housing solutions.

The race to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment is on, and real estate investors and developers are in the driver's seat. Through smart portfolio planning, integrated design, and targeted procurement decisions, real estate decision-makers are poised to create lasting economic value and reduce environmental impact through their projects. Join the RMI Carbon Free Building team and expert panelists to learn the wide range of levers available to real estate professionals seeking high-value, low-carbon development projects. Using real-world examples, the session will explore how strategies such as increased building utilization, adaptive reuse, material-efficient designs, and innovative material specification can turn a climate challenge into a business advantage.

In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made a significant commitment to accelerate the adoption of innovative practices and policies to increase affordable housing. As part of this commitment, Gensler, HR&A Advisors and Brookings were awarded funding to analyze office-to-residential conversion activities across six U.S. cities, test the financial feasibility of these conversions, study policy and incentives, and build an online community guide to allow local policymakers to estimate the impact of potential conversion policies on their community. Join representatives from the analytic team and HUD to discuss the ongoing analysis, share preliminary findings, explore how Gensler and its partners are advising the government on the topic, and – with panelists from cities advancing their own conversion strategies -- debate what must be done to unlock additional housing in the United States. The session will outline the team's approach to the analysis; present the recommended changes to city, state, and federal policy; and provide an update on how one city is advancing its own program through existing policy tools.

A recent Harvard study shows that millennials are now returning to the suburbs, and gen Z plans to stay there. This is due to several emerging trends, but a major factor is the rising cost of rent and homeownership in major cities, which makes it difficult for gen Z to afford living in prime downtown locations. As urban costs rise and younger generations seek affordable alternatives to city living, the suburbs are evolving to meet this demand by adopting compact, mixed-use developments that mirror urban downtowns. This session will explore the recent trend of suburban reinvention, where developers, corporate tenants, and investors are seizing opportunities to build new, walkable town centers complete with retail, office, and residential spaces. Drawing on case studies from across the country, the panel will highlight how this shift presents both financial and social opportunities while reshaping the suburban landscape.

This panel is intended to tell the story of the successful redevelopment of downtown Denver's Union Station. Union Station is a great example of the public and private sectors organizing around transit-oriented urban infill and compelling historic preservations. The panelists will be a collection of developers, city officials, transit officials, and design professionals who were instrumental in getting Union Station done.

Decarbonization, energy efficiency, occupier's wellbeing, and regulatory pressures are not just part of an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, but key drivers reshaping the real estate landscape. This panel, which will comprise a sustainability advisor, a real estate value and risk expert, a sophisticated corporate occupier, and a real estate landlord, aims to provide insights on how to leverage landlord-tenant engagement to meet joint goals and successfully decarbonize the built environment.

Join Fred Balda, President of Hillwood Communities, and Laura Cole, SVP of Lakewood Ranch, for a candid discussion exploring the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation within the traditionally manual and tech-latent world of master-planned community development. This panel will delve into how innovative technologies—from interactive maps and resident lifestyle applications to robust enterprise resource planning systems—are revolutionizing workflows and streamlining collaboration among community developers, homebuilders, and residents alike. Moderated by John Cecilian Jr., CEO and Co-founder of Cecilian Partners Inc., this session promises insightful perspectives and actionable takeaways. Learn firsthand from industry leaders how embracing data-driven solutions is shaping smarter, more connected, and more sustainable communities for the future.

Join us for the Spring Meeting Networking Reception presented by our Leaders for Inclusive Excellence. This special event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow commercial real estate professions who share a commitment to advancing inclusion within our industry, while enjoying complimentary refreshments in a welcoming Denver setting. 

Each ULI Fall and Spring Meeting, the Americas Young Leaders Group organizes a “buy your own (BYO)” Dinner Meet-up event. This event is open to all young leaders under 35 attending the Meeting. No fee or registration is required. 

Kick off your Spring Meeting experience with an exclusive and just plain ole fun reception hosted by the Young Leaders Group. Attendees can network and connect with peers and leaders over cocktails and show off their talent in a game of ping pong at Ace Eat Serve in Downtown Denver. You don’t want to miss this. There just may be prizes. 

Register here.

Join us for our annual LGBTQ Nightcap and Meetup during this year’s Spring Meeting. This casual gathering brings together LGBTQ professionals and allies from across the real estate industry for meaningful connection and conversation. It's the perfect opportunity to network with peers in a relaxed setting, share experiences, and unwind after a full day of conference activities.

For more information regarding the Product Council Day, click here.

Led by Brookfield Properties (formerly Forest City Stapleton) beginning in 2001, the redevelopment of the former Stapleton Airport site is close to completion. One of the largest urban neighborhood infill projects in the country and one of the highest-ROI neighborhoods in the city of Denver, the site is home to nearly 35,000 residents. See first-hand how the goals outlined in the original sustainability vision plan were manifested—or not—in the final development, and discuss key lessons learned. See how open space and drainage were major economic drivers and community form-givers across the 4,700-acre site. See how parks, greenways, and open space contribute to the unique resilience and sustainability performance of this community. Led by key players on the development and public realm design teams, this tour explores how public/private investment in parks, open space, and green infrastructure lead to higher real estate and community values.

With a spectacular setting at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder boasts even more than meets the eye with outdoor activities, arts and culture, and an active food scene. Recent years have seen thoughtful development in the city and region. Join a walking tour to take in projects Downtown combined with a driving tour of some exciting recent and coming developments. In the walking tour, explore some of Boulder’s newest developments and most highly anticipated project sites, revealing new hospitality and retail in the historic district of the Hill, before heading to the Boulder Civic Area to learn about future development opportunities and the transformative 27-acre park project blending community, culture, and nature along Boulder Creek. The tour continues through iconic Pearl Street and concludes with lunch and a panel discussion at the RIOS office. In the afternoon, a driving tour will showcase Diagonal Plaza, a 324,000-square-foot mixed-use development, and Boulder Junction, a pedestrian-focused, transit-connected district. The day wraps up with a beer reception at Sanitas Brewing.

For more than 60 years, the Downtown Denver Partnership has convened, collaborated, and led a bold vision to build an economically powerful center city. The Partnership believes providing venues for residents, workers, and visitors to gather, relax, and play in the public realm is a key component of fostering a balance between urban life and the outdoors and adding vitality to urban spaces. Over the years, the Partnership has led efforts to make Skyline Park accessible and inviting through activations including the Downtown Denver Ice Rink, the Skyline Beer Garden, Putt-Putt Golf, a dog park, and much more. Now, the Partnership is working alongside Denver Parks & Recreation on the Skyline Park Improvements Project to ensure that the public space serves the need of those who live, work, and play in the center city. Come learn about the future of the park that is at the heart of downtown Denver!

The TAXI II redevelopment project transformed the site of a former taxi dispatch center within a light-industrial neighborhood along the South Platte River into a thriving, high-density, mixed-use community. Previously a landfill, the site was extremely flat, and traditional piped stormwater drainage around the new building would be costly. The new site strategy was a holistic approach that integrated the multiuse outdoor spaces with the site’s stormwater infrastructure to create flexible spaces that can be used for everyday leisure and events, and that encourages activity throughout the workday and evening. Stormwater gardens infiltrate runoff from buildings and paved areas to create native landscapes that reflect the South Platte River ecosystem. Curbless streets and painted stripes blur the lines between parking and pedestrian circulation to create safe, walkable streets and plaza areas. Recycled site materials, such as binblocks, were used to provide seating and control vehicle access while reflecting the neighborhood’s industrial context.

Since 1977, initially as the Solar Energy Research Institute and then elevated to national lab status by George W. Bush in 1991 as the National Renewable Energy Lab, NREL is the premier federal lab that advances the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power technologies, and provides the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems. The lab’s Building Energy Science team focuses on early-stage research for building energy technologies, including advanced components and efficiency strategies for new buildings and retrofits. Come tour the Energy Systems Integration Facility and learn about NREL’s research on smarter and more-efficient buildings.

Join ULI Greenprint real estate members on a hike to connect and network with fellow ESG leaders.

Spread across an entire city block, Clara Brown Commons includes an impressive offering of 61 apartments, 17 townhomes, and inviting communal areas for shared experiences. Nestled at the intersection of 37th Avenue and York Street in northeast Denver, the location offers unrivaled proximity to essential amenities, convenient transit options, reputable schools, and a plethora of engaging activities. Each residence is dedicated to providing enduring affordability for individuals with incomes below the area median income, and an on-site team actively fosters a dynamic community experience, uniting residents, volunteers, and caring neighbors to nurture a lively communal atmosphere day in and day out. Clara Brown Commons offers a comprehensive approach to affordable housing.

Located in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood and inspired by the legendary musician Charles Burrell, The Burrell offers luxury living at an affordable price. The Burrell offers 49 permanently affordable condos for one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in the heart of a vibrant Denver neighborhood with a rich cultural history unlike any other in the city. Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the Five Points neighborhood is a cultural hub with a rich and diverse history, with roots deeply intertwined with the African American community and the golden age of jazz. As a center for artistic expression, creativity, and resilience, the neighborhood’s history is reflected in The Burrel.

Please join us for a unique, hands-on experience for young leaders. Hear from leading experts, who understand the real estate world, and learn valuable tips on how best to develop and apply leadership tenets to advance in your careers. This talk will explore the idea that through intentional conversations, we can truly connect as human beings. Come prepared to engage in meaningful conversations on deep and meaningful concepts like trust, authenticity, communication, connection, leadership, engagement, and compassion that starts with an understanding of ourselves. With a higher level of self-understanding, we can listen to others. By conversing, we can dive deeply into the conversation. The idea of self-examination and awareness, of jointly exploring where and how our perceptions formed, then exploring together can allow for deeper relationships through meaningful conversations. 

 

- Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how you operate within teams. 

- Learn fundamentals regarding the brain science of trust and why people extend or withhold it. 

- Understand how/why levels of trust amongst project team members can erode over time and how stakeholders can prevent this. 

- Discuss and be able to apply strategies for maintaining and improving trust.

This first-of-its-kind facility, the John Parvensky Stout Street Recuperative Care Center and Renaissance Legacy Lofts, provides homeless individuals with supportive services, medical care, and transitional and permanent supportive housing in a holistic space for healing, growth, and community connection. Come learn about the innovative design strategies, unique services, and creative funding sources for this award-winning development.

Lindsey Scannapieco (ULI Philadelphia Transformational Leader Award winner 2023), presents a session on leaning into the attributes of a closed historic school to create a vibrant, community-centered, mixed-use development in Philadelphia. The presentation will share the case study of the Bok Building (ULI America Special Mention 2023), which today is home to over 200 small businesses and attracts 250,000 visitors per year. The presentation will showcase an approach that embraces the existing building condition and finds resiliency in small, diverse tenant types.

In November 2023, ULI held its first utility and real estate developer convening with Xcel Energy based in Denver. The discussion was illuminating, finding that it is vital for real estate to source green power from utilities and collaboration is key for opportunities such as grid resilience, battery storage, and partnerships with policymakers, to name a few. Now, over a year later, ULI explores progress and opportunities in this follow-up short session , highlighting the perspectives of both Xcel and Denver-based developers.

Ten years ago, ULI released the Building Healthy Places Toolkit—which provides developers, owners, property managers, designers, investors, and others involved in real estate decision-making with strategies to create healthier buildings and communities. Join this session to explore how the field has evolved over the past decade and to learn how to enhance and preserve value by meeting growing demand for health-promoting places.

This session will share leading research by this year's ULI/Kohn Fellow on the commercial business case for developers and owners to pursue adaptive use for buildings, preserving their historic and cultural value in downtowns while achieving strong sustainability outcomes.

Refrigerants can be found in nearly every commercial and industrial building and the vast majority of residential buildings globally. Despite being the fastest-growing greenhouse gas globally, the impact of refrigerants is often underestimated or completely overlooked by building owners. Developers must begin to address refrigerants or run the significant risk of increasing or even accelerating (through the introduction of heat pumps) their impact, while decreasing other scope 1 and 2 emissions, which will likely lead to financial implications such as duplicating capital expenditure spend to achieve critical climate targets. This short session will highlight the importance of addressing refrigerants and a data-driven means of doing so.

Climate change has established a new normal that threatens communities and challenges the future of our built environments. Climate impacts including droughts and floods significantly affect communities where population growth continues, building tension between heightened risk and real estate demand. This session will feature best practices and case studies for incorporating water-wise and flood-resilient measures into real estate projects, which help mitigate those risks and enhance asset value simultaneously.

Lindsey Scannapieco (ULI Philadelphia Transformational Leader Award winner 2023) outlines an approach for how to tackle large (100,000 sq. ft.) projects through an iterative development approach. Concepts covered will include outside to inside, building the tenant you want, easy wins, trust building, the value of a big binder, patience, and many twists and turns along the way. Using the Bok Building as a case study, the presentation will walk through a thesis for a step-by-step approach to tackle buildings of scale. Although best applied to adaptive use projects, the steps outlined can apply to any project of scale.

Join Gretchen Sweeney and Glenn Greenberg from the ULI Learning team for a drop-in session to explore opportunities to become an instructor, co-create courses, or facilitate Q&A sessions with students taking on-demand courses. Are you a commercial real estate professional eager to share your expertise? ULI Learning offers top-tier educational experiences led by industry experts and esteemed faculty. We're seeking passionate Subject Matter Experts to teach or facilitate courses in areas like Construction Fundamentals, Foundations of Real Estate, Pro Forma Fundamentals, Principles of Real Estate Finance and Investment, Real Estate 101 and more. 

For learners, ULI Learning enhances your professional knowledge and skills, empowering you to make a greater impact in building better communities. Chat with us to find the right course or certificate for your professional development goals. Questions? Visit learning.uli.org or email [email protected]. 

Prepare to be moved, as NY Times Best Selling Author and Oprah Super Soul 100 Thought Leader Amy Purdy takes the stage, sharing her breathtaking story of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. Amy recounts the unimaginable loss of both her legs at the age 19 and her remarkable rise to becoming a professional snowboarder, 3x Paralympic Medalist and runner up on the ABC hit show Dancing With the Stars. In this empowering talk, Amy weaves in the themes of creativity, clarity and commitment into an emotional rollercoaster of powerful storytelling that will take you from tears to cheers and redefine what it means to be inspired. This captivating session promises to be an unforgettable experience, igniting a fire within you to embrace your own challenges, break barriers, and unlock your fullest potential.

Refuel and connect with an afternoon pick-me-up, located at a food station in Mile High Ballroom on the lower level. Enjoy delicious treats and live music, explore the space, and network with fellow attendees.

Since World War II, suburban office parks in North America have been hubs of innovation and were seen as highly sought-after employment centers. However, employment trends that began in the 1990s hit an inflection point during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant changes in employee/employer density in areas designed solely for employment uses. Once-respected office developments are now seen as liabilities, limiting communities' abilities to provide jobs and maintain public services. The decline in office occupancy is now becoming evident as leases expire, and few employers are stepping in to fill the gaps. Centennial, Colorado, located in the Denver metro area (population 106,883), removed regulatory hurdles by approving zoning amendments supported by real estate stakeholders. The amendments allow mixed-use and residential developments by right in former office park zones, providing new opportunities for now underused areas. This panel will discuss the challenges faced by both government and business, the community concerns that arose, and best practices incorporated into the zoning rewrite, aiming to create a more vibrant mix of employment and housing.

The panelists will discuss the plans for the next phase of development in downtown Denver. The focus will be on public plans and interventions to spur private activity.

Recent estimates indicate that there are roughly 100 million parking spaces lining the curbs in American cities. These spaces are traditionally allocated based on the immediate needs of adjacent buildings: general parking in front of residential, meters in front of shops, loading zones near supermarkets and warehouses. Today, with increased demand for online delivery, rideshare pickup and drop-off, outdoor dining, and electric vehicle charging stations, curbsides have become increasingly valuable commodities for a broad variety of stakeholders. Recognizing this shift, North American cities such as Boulder, Boston, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis have looked at flexible systems that can quickly respond to the ever-changing needs of the street, even in a single day or hour. These data-centered, tech-enabled, "smart" curbside management approaches have shown the potential to reduce congestion, enhance public safety, and encourage greener modes of travel, all while potentially increasing city revenue. This panel discussion seeks to convene public and private sector thought leaders to envision the future of curbside management.

Join WLI Americas for a fireside chat with ULI Global Chair and Gensler's Co-CEO, Diane Hoskins, and Emma West, WLI Americas Chair and Partner at Bousfields, Inc. Diane, a global powerhouse in the industry, will discusses early influences in architecture, strategies behind transformational growth, leading with purpose, her deep admiration for women leaning in, and her commitment to positively impacting the world through design.

In celebration of the 2025 ULI Spring Meeting, we invite you to Gensler’s signature Red Party, hosted in partnership with the ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative. We welcome clients, partners, and friends from around the globe to join us for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and conversation taking place at Gensler’s Denver office. We will see you there!

Friends of the ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate are invited to an evening of networking with drinks and light bites. This event is invitation only; if you’d like to receive an invitation please email [email protected].

Invite only dinner for Global Governing Trustees.

• Climate risk management in commercial real estate 
• Designing for Resilience & Health 
• Infrastructure planning and federal policy 
• Intersections between resilience and decarbonization strategies for the built environment 
• Managing water scarcity 
• Next-generation flood infrastructure 
• Scenario planning for portfolios and communities 
• Social resilience and resilience hubs 
• Wildfire, disaster recovery, and housing 
• Urban heat management and community resilience