ULI Los Angeles: President and CEO Renata Simril is keynote speaker

Special to LA Downtown News | Apr 22, 2024

ULI Los Angeles, a district council of the Urban Land Institute, will hold its 24th annual Urban Marketplace development and investment event from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at The Beehive, 1000 E. 60th Street, Los Angeles.

This year’s Urban Marketplace focuses on narrowing the racial wealth gap, especially in relation to the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics and other major sporting events. The keynote speakers will be LA84 Foundation President and CEO Renata Simril, joined by USC Lusk Center for Real Estate Director and Chair Richard K. Green, Ph.D.

Urban Marketplace 2024 also includes a high-level Plenary Session including host cities. Its theme: “Why We Must Not Fail: How can the Games have a lasting and positive impact on shrinking the racial wealth gap?”

Among the speakers are:

• Stephen Cheung, president and chief executive officer, Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.

• Daniel Rodman, director of international events, city of Los Angeles.

• Marcel Porras, deputy chief innovation officer, Los Angeles Metro.

• Deputy Mayor Lucius Martin, city of Long Beach.

• Mayor James T. Butts Jr., city of Inglewood.

• Lori R. Gay, CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County (to be confirmed).

Urban Marketplace is one of ULI Los Angeles’ most important, signature events. It provides people from all incomes and communities access to urban development and revitalization programs in Los Angeles County, and to the experts who understand how to make them happen.

“We know the international Olympic and Paralympic games and surrounding development activity have a huge economic impact on the city,” said Urban Marketplace 2024 co-Chair April Sandifer, director of community engagement at Sola Impact.

“We also know this impact may often not be equitable for all and may even cause displacement and other harm towards communities of color. This year we will reflect on 1984 when Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics to examine what worked well and what needs to improve.”

“Our crucial program themes include examining how investment driven by such major events can have a lasting positive impact, and help shrink the racial wealth gap,” said Urban Marketplace 2024 Co-Chair Branden McBirney, managing director of Berkadia.

“At Urban Marketplace, you gain tools and contacts from national and local community lenders, government agencies and developers, identify new financing sources from major lenders, and hear about fulfilling goals toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).”

Roundtables

Urban Marketplace also includes popular, interactive roundtables. Dozens of experts provide one-on-one advice and insight, proving again the value of the Urban Marketplace motto, “Make a deal, make a difference.”

Roundtables include:

• Media Development and Adaptive Reuse: Joseph Briant, Susan Merrett, HLW.

• 2028 Games Festival Trail: Eli Lipmen, Hillary Norton, Move LA.

• Accelerated Wealth & Transit Development: Michael Anderson, Amy Sims, Lori R. Gay.

• Development Without Displacement: Update on Jordan Downs Masterplan Revitalization: Keith McCloskey, KTGY.