District Council Update
Tony Pauker | Chair

As we look to 2008, it's important to examine some of the issues and trends our industry will encounter going forward. Our annual Trends Conference on November 13 "The Dollars, Sense and Leadership of Sustainability" will feature some of the country's leading experts on the emerging trend of sustainability. Our exciting lineup of speakers will provide a variety of perspectives, including keynote speaker Hunter Lovins, senior vice president of publications and awards, Dean Schwanke and USD economist Alan Gin. Today, many of the major new developments in San Diego County -- from Westfield's proposal for its shopping malls, to Hines' new UTC office tower, to the community of Del Sur --have embraced sustainable building. Will this trend continue? What else can we expect from this dynamic region? Please join us next month to find out what these experts have to say. For information and registration, please visit www.sandiego.uli.org/news/43.

In addition to our Trends Conference, ULI San Diego/Tijuana's fall calendar is full of events that focus on the issues most relevant to our members and guests. I often wonder if we are doing enough to facilitate a dialogue on land use, and then I step back and realize how much our organization has accomplished! Earlier this year, we committed to reaching out to northern Baja, and with the help of our Cross Border committee, we held our first-ever event in Tijuana on October 9. Chartered buses took 56 U.S. registrants to the Camino Real Hotel where they were joined by 50 of our Mexican members and guests to explore land development in the world's most dynamic border region. Read a summary of what was said. We also had an incredible turnout at the August Del Sur social event with over 150 members and guests in attendance. It was a great networking opportunity centered on the Del Sur Ranch House's LEED-Platinum certification, placing it as San Diego County's most environmentally progressive building. View pictures from the Del Sur Ranch event.

We'll continue exploring regional trends and addressing issues on both sides of the border when we hold the first Mayoral Roundtable on November 29. Mayors from all 18 incorporated municipalities in San Diego County have been invited along with the five mayors of north Baja California, the Chair of the County Board of Supervisors and the Navy Mayor. The evening's discussion will be led by ULI fellow and former mayor of Indianapolis, Bill Hudnut. This is an invitation-only event designed as an educational forum for Mayors only.

When you add in our Young Leaders forums, the monthly ULI @ Lunch and evening social events (October at Village Walk in Chula Vista and December at Diamond View Tower) ULI San Diego/Tijuana is providing members ample opportunity to make a difference in the region. If you are not already a member, find out how you can get involved by contacting us.