ULI’s District Councils and National Councils tackle myriad issues and topics and provide opportunities for members to deliver ULI’s mission on the local level. Each year, Impact at the Local Level highlights selected successes and examples of community change brought about by Councils’ ongoing efforts to help their communities thrive.

The 28 stories of impact in this year’s report highlight the variety of ways in which ULI members make a difference on issues from healthy corridors and housing to diversity in the real estate industry.  In Arizona, ULI participation in a citywide planning effort helped change the zoning code to promote more transit-oriented development. In downtown Boise, Idaho, more than 1,200 housing units are in the pipeline thanks to support from ULI Idaho’s Healthy Communities Initiative Council.

ULI’s role as a neutral, nonpartisan convener continued to build bridges among diverse stakeholders in many communities. After participating in ULI Chicago’s Retail Initiative workshop and follow up meetings, Mayor Don deGraff of South Holland, Illinois said:

“The retail discussion with ULI panelists reinforced that many of our economic development challenges transcend our municipal borders, and we have a much better chance of success by working together with neighboring communities. ULI helped jumpstart the conversation regarding a new branding plan for our subregion, and we hope to keep that momentum going forward.”

More than 12,700 volunteer hours went into these selected projects alone, bringing to bear $2.5 million in volunteer time. This represents just a small slice of the contributions members and District and National Councils make in their communities through their programs of work.

Read more about how District and National Council efforts made an impact in FY15 in Impact at the Local Level.