ULI San Francisco hosted our largest UrbanPlan for Communities (UP4C) training with Leadership Mountain View and Leadership Sunnyvale this October. ULI SF has worked with Leadership Sunnvale for 5 UP4C workshops, and was excited to have Leadership Mountain View join this year’s training.

47 participants spent the day in the interactive workshop, challenging their preconceptions about urban planning and real estate practices. Both groups are made up of emerging leaders, and ULI’s UrbanPlan was the culmination of their class project in leadership skill development.

Leadership Sunnyvale described the workshop not only as an opportunity for their class to better understand the built environment, but also as a successful community building exercise.

Participants worked in teams to redevelop a fictional neighborhood, considering complex factors and working to find compromises between the community, local government, and developers. The day culminated with presentations to a mock city council.

“I learned that community-oriented goals, like preserving historic buildings, offering affordable housing, and incorporating green spaces, are attainable with the collective will of stakeholders,” said one attendee.

If you’re interested in bringing an UrbanPlan for Communities training to your organization, find out more here. Reach out to Teresa Breaux, ULI SF Manager., if you’re interested in volunteering with UrbanPlan.

Photo is courtesy of Bruce Paton, Leadership Sunnyvale.