LGBTQ+ Leaders Shaping Communities
We recognize the exceptional LGBTQ+ professionals who are redefining the future of real estate and urban development. From innovative developers to strategic planners, LGBTQ+ leaders at ULI bring creative vision and unique perspectives that strengthen every aspect of our industry. Their authentic leadership, inclusive approaches, and commitment to equity are instrumental in building welcoming, sustainable communities. We invite you to explore the remarkable achievements of our LGBTQ+ members, collaborators, and trailblazers as we highlight the impactful work that continues to shape our evolving urban landscape.
LGBTQ+ Leaders Building Inclusive Communities
Discover the inspiring stories of ULI’s LGBTQ+ leaders who are transforming real estate development, investment, and urban planning. Through their work in equitable housing, community-centered design, and inclusive development practices, these changemakers demonstrate how authentic leadership drives meaningful outcomes for our industry and the diverse communities we serve.
James Lima has extensive experience in the planning and implementation of urban revitalization projects throughout North America. His real estate and economic advisory firm, James Lima Planning + Development, helps public and private sector clients create more vibrant, equitable, and resilient places. JLP+D provides planning, policy, real estate, and economic advisory services for downtown and waterfront revitalization, institutional real estate value creation, great placemaking, and shaping impactful public policy.
James is working on a broad range of urban regeneration initiatives — from planning and implementation of downtown district growth strategies to cultural arts facilities development, resiliency investments, adaptive reuse of historic properties, and increasing access to economic opportunity and affordable housing. Recent work includes co-authoring with the Urban Land Institute The Case for Open Space: Why the Real Estate Industry Should Invest in Parks and Open Spaces; and “Placemaking as an Economic Engine for All”, The Routledge Handbook of Placemaking (2021); real estate and economic analyses for flood vulnerable urban waterfront districts in Miami, Lower Manhattan and Silicon Valley; and feasibility analyses and implementation of numerous mixed-use, mixed-income developments for private clients.
Previously, James served as a NYC affordable housing and economic development official and later was appointed as founding President of the public corporation overseeing the redevelopment and operations of historic Governors Island in New York Harbor.
James has taught “Public-Private Partnerships in Real Estate Development” in the Masters of Science in Real Estate Program at Columbia University, and has lectured on urban redevelopment nationally and internationally.
James is a founding member of the board of the American LGBTQ+ Museum, and served on the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Plan Association’s Fourth Regional Plan.
“Being a member of ULI expands my capacity to actively contribute to shaping vibrant, equitable, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive. I value the collaborative spirit and innovative ideas that empower us to create lasting positive impact..”
James Lima, President, James Lima Planning + Development
Q: What are some current market trends you are seeing, and how do they impact your work? Can you share insights on how these trends align with ULI’s mission and priorities?
A: As we all know, housing in America continues to become less and less attainable for many. We need to be building exponentially more new housing of all types and all price points in urban, suburban and rural areas. ULI brings best practices from around the country and beyond to inspire new and innovative ways to leverage the resources we have to drive quality housing production to meet the enormous need.
Q: How do you see the level of representation for LGBTQ+ individuals evolving in your field? What does Pride Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
A: Traditionally, real estate development and finance has been a predominantly straight man’s world. It’s exciting to see so many amazing women leading in the field and increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ people as well. I’m a longtime member of the Gay Real Estate Group here in NYC which has seen membership grow enormously over the past decade. As a founding Board member of the nascent American LGBTQ+ Museum, the country’s only national museum of queer history and culture, Pride Month is an exciting time to reflect on the work we’re doing, the need more than ever for an institution that will tell and preserve our stories, and be a place of connection, discovery, celebration and advocacy into the future.
Q: Can you share some examples of projects you’ve worked on that align with ULI’s mission priorities?
A: The ambitious cap and stitch projects in Downtown Atlanta (“The Stitch”), Downtown Austin (I-35) and Boston’s Chinatown.
Q: How has your experience as a ULI member influenced your career?
A: I think my active involvement with ULI advisory Service Panels and TAPs, in the ULI Sustainable Development Council, chairing ULI’s Parks Equity panel, and co-authoring the ULI report The Case for Open Space”, have all helped me find my voice as an urbanist, but even more so to deepen my longstanding commitment to working to help lift up underserved communities and to do whatever I can do to help dismantle oppressive systems that ultimately hurt everyone.
Rob is the US Director of Asset Management for AXA Investment Managers since 2017; AXA is a Paris-based, global institutional real estate investment firm and he is responsible for managing and overseeing all real estate asset management activities of the firm’s $6.0 billion US real estate portfolio. Prior to his current position, Rob spent 10 years at Invesco Real Estate where he was a Director in the Asset Management group and managed a real estate investment portfolio valued at $1.0+ billion. Rob also held various real estate positions at AT&T Investment Management Corp, Lucent Asset Management, ING Clarion Partners and UBS Asset Management. He began his real estate career at Trammell Crow Company. Rob has more than 30 years of experience in commercial and multi-family real estate asset management. Rob earned a Master’s in Business Administration from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University.
“As the leading real estate organization across all sectors of the real estate industry, ULI has something to offer everyone in the industry. For me, to be a member of the Mentor Program is really fulfilling and my membership on a MF council helps me to remain apprised of trends in the MF sector”
Robert Neiffer, US Director of Asset Management, AXA Investment Managers
Q: What are some current market trends you are seeing, and how do they impact your work? Can you share insights on how these trends align with ULI’s mission and priorities?
A: It is widely known that we do not have enough housing in the US (like many European countries as well); I like that ULI through its programs offers forums for ULI members to discuss ways to increase the production of additional housing in the US.
Q: How do you see the level of representation for LGBTQ+ individuals evolving in your field? What does Pride Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
A: As the Co-Chair of the AXA Investment Managers LGBTQ ERG, I am working harder than ever to advance LGBTQ visibility and initiatives, as LGBTQ rights seem to be under attack and at risk of taking backwards steps after several decades of slow but steady forward progress. I do think that ULI can play a meaningful role in this effort. Pride Month is the one time of the year, where we gently remind our colleagues that we intend to bring our “wholes selves” to work with us every day, but especially during PRIDE month.
Q: Can you share some examples of projects you’ve worked on that align with ULI’s mission priorities?
A: As indicated above, I actively co-lead AXA’s LGBTQ ERG and I have served as a Mentor in the ULI Mentor program for at least 5 or 6 years.
Q: How has your experience as a ULI member influenced your career?
A: It has helped me to remain better informed on industry trends and has helped me improve my own visibility with industry leaders.
Upcoming Events: Engage, Learn, and Connect
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events celebrating LGBTQ+ and beyond. These events provide opportunities to network, learn, and engage in conversations about the future of real estate. Stay tuned as more events are added from our District Councils nationwide!
ULI San Francisco: Celebration, Conversation, and Pride! with Build Out Alliance
Thursday, June 5 | 7:30 – 10:00 pm
The Academy SF |
ULI New York 2025 Summer Pride Event with SHoP Architects and Build Out Alliance!
Thursday, June 5 | 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Office of ShoP Architects | 233 Broadway, 11th floorNew York, NY 10279