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lanning for the next week, year, or decade hinges on a single question: What’s next? In a world of uncertainty and opportunity, answering it is increasingly complex.
San Francisco exemplifies this challenge. The city, once a pandemic‑hit gateway, is rebounding, thanks in part to ULI and its members. From the 2023 Advisory Services Panel to the Market Street Reimagined competition, ULI has helped revitalize downtown. The 2025 ULI Fall Meeting will be hosted here, a city that is the global hub of tech innovation and urban resilience.
At Panorama Park on Yerba Buna Island, a 69‑foot sculpture by Hiroshi Sugimoto—Point of Infinity—stands as a testament to the city’s public art program and emerging park collection, underscoring the blend of culture and development that ULI champions.
ULI’s mission is to keep members ahead of change. The organization offers insights, connections, and collaboration that can turn rapid shifts into opportunities. Its programs cover downtown revitalization, housing affordability, disaster recovery, resilience, sustainability, education, professional development, and inclusive excellence. Members tap into ULI’s global network to learn from each other’s solutions and innovations.
A key tool is the annual ULI/PwC Emerging Trends in Real Estate® series. The 47th U.S./Canada edition will launch at the Fall Meeting, accompanied by a main‑stage panel and deep‑dive sessions. Upcoming Asia Pacific, Europe, and Global Outlook editions will follow. ULI members bring these reports to life through local events, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing.
Recognizing the value of member‑driven content, ULI’s Program Committee is curating the most engaging Spring and Fall Meeting sessions. The Content Committee is revamping strategy to deliver timely, relevant, and impactful information. These efforts strengthen ULI, enhance the member experience, and deepen impact on the built environment.
Looking ahead, ULI is launching a grassroots strategic planning initiative: FutureScape 2035. Members are invited to discuss drivers of change, envision real estate’s future, and forecast ULI’s trajectory in four areas:
1. **Belonging** – What will membership look like in ten years? Who will join, and why? How will experiences be personalized?
2. **Convening** – Will in‑person networking remain vital? How will technology reshape collaboration?
3. **Knowledge** – What learning and professional development will members seek? How will they consume content, and what role will AI play?
4. **Impact** – Will ULI maintain a single mission? How will it balance local and global priorities and measure results?
Your insights will shape a long‑term strategic plan that keeps ULI influential and indispensable. Visit futurescape.uli.org to learn more and contribute.
Angela Cain, ULI’s global CEO since 2024, previously led CoreNet Global, transforming its strategy, culture, and growth. Before that, she served as CEO of a National Association of REALTORS state branch and as VP of global events for NACORE International. Her experience drives ULI’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving.