W. Edward Walter

W. Edward “Ed” Walter, a widely renowned real estate industry leader and most recently the Steers Chair in Real Estate at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, is ULI’s global chief executive officer.

Monday marked the beginning of the 28-day-long celebration of Black History Month in the Americas. Established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week, the week of recognition was expanded and renamed Black History Month in the 1970s. Black History Month is officially celebrated during February in the United States and Canada and during October in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In the spirit of this month, we would like to highlight what we are doing to continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in both ULI as an organization and for the broader real estate industry as a whole.
ULI Global CEO Ed Walter discusses how the Fall Meeting will proceed in a new virtual format, which promises to provide our members with a world-class experience that we hope will be talked about for many years to come.
The last few months have been some of the most challenging in many of our careers, with the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupting all aspects of our lives, writes ULI Global CEO W. Edward Walter. The effects on the real estate industry have been significant.
Over the past week, the disruption caused to everyday life by COVID-19 has increased significantly, and it is apparent that limiting contact with other people for an extended period will be required to arrest the spread of the virus. Following the latest guidance from U.S. and Canadian health agencies, our Global Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel the Spring Meeting.
Over the past 10 years, Washington, D.C., has reversed years of population decline and has evolved into a highly sought-after place in which to live and work. It is a place defined by neighborhoods teeming with activity, with high appeal to both younger and older generations. It is gratifying to recognize that ULI and its members have played a key role in this change.
As we head to Nashville for our 2019 Spring Meeting, I am encouraged and enthused about the progress being made at ULI to improve the member experience. Our initial efforts will be on display at the meeting, with more member-informed, interactive programming designed to foster a broader exchange of ideas and knowledge as well as more member-to-member connections. The event, which follows a highly successful Midwinter Trustees Meeting, Europe Conference, and Asia Pacific Convivium held this winter, will serve as additional confirmation of ULI’s status as the gold standard for real estate organizations.
The redevelopment spurred by Amazon’s decision to open headquarters sites in Northern Virginia and Long Island City, New York, will reflect an ongoing evolution of urban areas that we at ULI believe will continue for decades to come.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in the Carolinas, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China, and to those who are responding with rescue and relief aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Mangkhut.
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