On May 7^th and 8^th, ULI Atlanta hosted its inaugural Real Estate Equity and Opportunity (REEO) Conference at The Carter Center, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and policymakers to explore pathways toward a more inclusive and equitable real estate sector. The two-day event underscored ULI’s global mission priority of educating the next generation of diverse leaders and focused on tapping into diverse perspectives to build a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous industry that mirrors the communities it serves.

Day One: Grounding in Community

The conference commenced with a tour of Atlanta Housing (AH) Authority’s University Homes, the first federally funded public housing project in the United States for African American families. The tour featured a small portion of AH’s 19-acre, 606-unit site and provided attendees with insights into the challenges and opportunities of its redevelopment. Following the tour, a panel discussion delved into the state of affordable housing, strategies for entering the affordable housing industry, and the future of housing amidst policy uncertainties from the federal government. Panelists included Darrell Thomas of Bull Realty, Alan Ferguson of Atlanta Housing, Michelle Kennedy of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, and Marissa Phipps of Benoit Group. Looming large throughout the discussion was the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative financing solutions in addressing housing challenges, especially in turbulent times.

The day concluded with a networking reception atop Roosevelt Hall, offering attendees an opportunity to connect and discuss the day’s insights ahead of full day programming the following morning.

Day Two: Advancing DEI in Real Estate

Day two focused on the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the real estate industry and what can be done to advance such initiatives given backlash out of Washington. The conference included keynote addresses and panel discussions on the kryptonite business case for diversity initiatives, needed changes in public policy and hiring practices, data-driven approaches to fostering a more diverse workforce, and creating more upward mobility and inclusive workplace cultures for all hires once they are in the industry. Keynote speakers included Rodney Bullard, T. Dallas Smith, and Natosha Reid Rice, who shared their unique perspectives on the importance of bridging the gap for the next generation and finding common ground with those who may seem to be very different from us, in order to drive innovation and community impact.

Engagement throughout the day was strong, and the senses of excitement and purpose in every conversation were palpable. In the shadow of President Carter’s legacy of public service, attendees walked away with a rallying cry to embody leadership strategies that bring about an industry reflective of the communities it’s designed to serve.

Special thanks to our planning committee and DEI Committee leaders Quinn Green, Keith Mack, and Matt Paschall for pulling this insightful and inspirational event together, and to our event sponsors for making it possible. To learn more about ULI Atlanta’s DEI efforts, click here, and feel free to reach out about ways you can get involved in mentoring Georgia’s young industry professionals.