In 1970, a group of visionary ULI leaders—the original 17 Foundation governors, led by ULI past president Robert Nahas—sought the most effective way to elevate the Institute’s position in the transformative improvement of communities worldwide.

Jonathan H. Brinsden, chief executive officer of Houston-based real estate investment and development firm Midway, has been appointed ULI Americas Chairman. Brinsden, who succeeds Jack Chandler, founder of Majesteka Investment Holdings, will serve on a voluntary basis for a two-year term and will join the ULI Global Board of Directors.

ULI and Hines have announced a new competition for graduate real estate students across Europe, expanding on its successful 18-year competition partnership in the Americas. The new ULI Hines Student Competition – Europe will see teams of four students from pan-European universities working on a case study that tests their understanding of real estate finance, investment, and development, as well as social and environmental issues, to present a solution for a timely land use challenge.

The Chile-based global architect has made extraordinary contributions to the design of affordable housing, public spaces, infrastructure, and transportation.

Former ULI Foundation Chairman and longtime ULI leader James J. Curtis III, managing partner at Bristol Group Inc., a San Francisco–based real estate investment and development firm, passed away June 30 after a sustained illness. Known for being intensely passionate about his interests—including ULI—Curtis is remembered by his ULI friends and fellow members as an individual of integrity, high intellect, and compassion, and who was firmly committed to the Institute’s mission.

Five internationally renowned real estate industry leaders have been added to ULI’s Global Board of Directors, and 23 additional industry luminaries have been added to the roster of the Institute’s Global Governing Trustees. Both the Global Board members and Global Governing Trustees are serving terms beginning July 1.

Owen D. Thomas, chief executive officer of Boston Properties, has been elected as the new ULI global chairman. In his two-year tenure, Thomas will guide the Institute’s delivery of member value and mission-oriented work.

Ten years ago, ULI Colorado launched its Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI). The grass-roots program has become a model within the Institute for fostering education and career opportunities for people of color and women that is now poised for national growth. ULI is leveraging a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to expand the REDI program throughout its network of district councils in the United States to St. Louis, Kansas City, Memphis, and Indiana.

Outgoing ULI Global Chairman Thomas Toomey was honored at the 2019 Spring Meeting by the Institute’s leadership at the Global Governing Trustees dinner, which was held at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. In remarks to the group, Global Chief Executive Officer Ed Walter praised Toomey for his leadership and the financial support he provided for the creation and implementation of ULI’s Global Strategic Plan, which seeks to improve the member experience through investments and initiatives to strengthen member engagement and impact.

Outgoing ULI Global Chairman Thomas Toomey reflected on the Institute’s uniqueness as well as its future as an organization with a strong philanthropic culture during remarks made at the 2019 Spring Meeting’s closing session. “What makes [ULI] unique is that our work, performed by ULI members and real estate leaders, changes people’s lives by changing cities for the better. No other real estate institution comes close to doing so much for so many,” Toomey said.