My tenure as Chair of ULI Toronto picks up on an amazing period of growth in organizational capacity and influence for our District Council. It is an exciting moment for us.

Entering its twelfth year in the region, ULI Toronto has established itself as major institution within a broad and healthy constellation of city and region building organizations. Our DNA as a multi-disciplinary, public and private sector, and international network makes us a unique leadership platform.

As Rob notes in his outgoing Chair message, we will leverage this gained momentum to deliver greater impact to our urban region in the year ahead.

Two major milestones of the past year signaled a direction for our future. The Fall 2015 Symposium identified three important intersecting lenses through which we will drive our mission to advance the responsible use of land: mobility, placemaking and technology. The other was the launch of our ‘Electric Cities’ initiative that seeks to “inspire better city building, community by community.”

In FY17 will build on the foundation of these ideas through advancement of a program of activities designed to advance ULI’s global mission by better engaging civil society in the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation. In doing so, we will deliver even stronger member and sponsorship value – and community impact.

Expect more member only events, industry roundtables, and unique behind-the-scene tours.
Expect more thought leadership opportunities.
Expect more leadership development opportunities for early and mid-career professionals.
Expect more community outreach to local neighbourhoods and community leaders.
Expect more educational opportunities for students – this year expanding to high school
Expect more future-focused programming that will engage and challenge our region to modernize community, city and region building.

In FY17 our goal is to further elevate ULI Toronto’s relevance to its members, our sponsors and the communities that we serve. We are set up for greater success, and I look forward to delivering on this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Derek Goring,
Chair