Now is the time to invest in health care properties, according to speakers at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles late last month. Growing demand, coupled with regulatory and technological change, will not only dramatically increase the number of market users over the next 20 years, but also alter the way that health care facilities look and function in the future.

According to retail experts speaking at ULI’s Fall Meeting in Los Angeles, the recession and prolonged economic stagnation are changing the retail landscape, resulting in creative new uses for empty space. Read more to learn how alternative uses such as medical buildings, libraries, and entertainment and education centers are being mixed in with shopping to get consumers to leave home to shop.

At a session that discussed changes in consumer behavior at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo, it was noted that the prolonged economic downturn has caused many consumers to shift—either voluntarily or out of necessity—to a simpler lifestyle that places a premium on quality time with family and friends. Read more to learn about the implications of this trend for the real estate industry.

To stay competitive in the global economy, the United States needs to focus on attracting and retaining a talented workforce by investing much more heavily in human capital, said Milken Foundation chairman Michael Milken during a keynote address at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting. Read what else he said about the importance of shifting national priorities—especially in light of other nations’ priorities.

During his address at the closing session of the ULI 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles, the Honorable Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, said that the strength of the U.S. real estate market depends on a strong economy, which in turn depends on the nation’s security. Read more to learn what he said about the factors that may lead to a permanent shift in international geopolitics.

At ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles last month, the J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development—an opportunity for the Institute to recognize a distinguished professional whose work is transforming the built environment—was awarded to His Highness the Aga Khan for the breadth of his organization’s development and restoration efforts throughout the developing world.

At the “Urban Mixed-Use Development” session at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles last week, all three panelists agreed that being successful at mixed use means getting the right mix of uses at the right location—which, in most cases, means high-density urban areas. Read more to learn why the panelists said that—despite planners’ best intentions—mixed-use projects don’t work everywhere.

“The Food Revolution and Its Impact on Real Estate”—a session at ULI’s recent 2011 Fall Meeting—showcased three different examples of how food is becoming an increasingly important part of not just our diets, but also our developments. Read more to learn how this panel provided food for thought on the role of food as a real estate amenity, a community builder, and a project differentiator.

At a ULI 2011 Fall Meeting session titled “HUD Catalysts for Repositioning Neighborhood Markets,” a yet-unauthorized new HUD program called Rental Assistance Demonstration was described that would allow Section 9 public housing and several other HUD housing programs to convert to Section 8. Read more to learn how this program is just one part of HUD’s larger strategy to preserve rental housing.

“We don’t need any more office space.” This is the takeaway quote from a session titled “Rethinking the Office Market” at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles. Though this pronouncement may seem extreme, the five panelists in attendance gave their insights into what has changed in the office market over the course of the Great Recession—and what can be expected in coming years.