The goal during the initial year of the Diversity Initiative was to bring together a group of people that care deeply about the future of ULI-LA and share a desire to see the District Council strengthened by attracting more People of Color and members of the LGBTQ community. By starting the internal discussion and outlining a path forward we have been able to evaluate the existing resources, evaluate the challenges and define an explicit vision.

As we define the value proposition of increasing diversity, then we can promote these efforts internally and externally. With the support of the Advisory Board, we look to include all of the other ULI-LA committees in this effort and work to develop partnerships outside of ULI to assist with cross-promotion and shared marketing of events

This past year, we kicked off a program of mixers, which were both sold out. A Diversity and Inclusion Mixer and the ULI-LA Proud LGBTQ mixer co-sponsored with the Los Angeles chapter of LGREG (Lesbian and Gay’s in Real Estate Group). Additionally, we held a Diversity & LGBTQ Reception with City of Los Angeles Director of Planning Vince Bertoni, where he spoke about the Department of Planning’s efforts to increase and support diversity.

Finally, we prepared a ULI-LA Top-Ten outline on “How to Promote District Council Diversity” to enable us to share our efforts internally and assist other District Councils to embark on similar efforts to promote diversity.

If you are a member of ULI and would like to get involved, please contact Trevor Fay, the Chair of ULI LA’s DEI Committee.