Volunteer
What is the role of UrbanPlan volunteers?
If you are interested in sharing your expertise and engaging with future engaged citizens and the next generation of diverse leaders in our industry, ULI’s UrbanPlan program is a rewarding way to spend some of your volunteer time giving back in your community!
Volunteering with UrbanPlan
Trained volunteers serve in classrooms and workshops as Facilitators as the teams build their proposals or as members of a mock City Council to receive final presentations. They are tasked with challenging participants to think more critically about the UrbanPlan issues and the specific responsibilities of their “roles.”
As an UrbanPlan volunteer, you will:
- make an impact in the community and on the next generation of engaged citizens
- share your professional expertise and demonstrate why a career in commercial real estate is compelling and meaningful
- network with peers across the real estate and land-use industries
The training and volunteer time commitment includes:
- Complete an in-person or on-demand training. In person-trainings typically last 4-6 hours; completion of on-demand training modules typically takes 2 hours in total, but modules may be completed at your convenience and need not be completed all at once.
- A minimum of 1 hour of volunteering time annually – many volunteers commit to more as needed to meet local demand.
We encourage you to be a leader and make an impact by volunteering with this engaging program which is delivered in person and virtually across more than 50 cities in North America, Asia, and Europe.
UrbanPlan Skill Strengthening Sessions
Trained UrbanPlan volunteers are encouraged to attend UrbanPlan Skill Strengthening Sessions. These live Zoom sessions are member-led and designed to empower volunteers with tools and techniques specific to key UrbanPlan concepts like the virtual financial model, virtual site plan builder, and Socratic questioning. Sessions are hosted quarterly, and trained volunteers will receive email reminders two weeks before upcoming trainings with Zoom links and dates for other upcoming sessions; please contact [email protected] if you haven’t received an email.
Get Involved
In the United States and Canada, complete a Volunteer Interest Form.
In Europe, you can learn about how to get involved here
In Asia, click here to learn more about volunteering
New for FY26:
UrbanPlan volunteers who volunteer in FY26 are eligible for a 10% discount on two popular CRE certificates offered by ULI Learning:
- Real Estate 101 Certificate addresses the basics of commercial real estate, with a focus on real estate finance and investment, pro forma analysis, and the development process.
- Foundations of Real Estate (FoRE) Certificate provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts, issues, systems, tools, and stakeholders in commercial real estate.
The discount code will be shared upon submission of a completed volunteer survey. Email [email protected] for assistance.
Success Story
UrbanPlan has the power to help students shape their communities into thriving, inclusive places that support equitable outcomes for all people within their communities.
– Inumidun Obikoya, Urban Design Engineer, The IMD Group
Success Story
UrbanPlan gives property professionals the chance to connect directly with students from a range of backgrounds helping ensure that the sector is reflective of every part of our society.
-Van Stults, managing director at Orion Capital Partners and global trustee of ULI, London, England
Success Story
I was able to benefit from the early career influence that UrbanPlan provided me. When I volunteer for the program now, I am constantly reminded of the impact this organization has on so many people.
– Jenny Gant Pham, Lincoln Property Company
Success Story
I started volunteering because it aligns with my values of reaching back to educate current generations in the fields surrounding land development. UrbanPlan exposes them to the beautiful complexities of development….
– Francis Rozier, City of Atlanta, Atlanta
Success Story
As a volunteer I hope to help students recognize their agency in shaping their communities and in creating a more equitable society.
– Charu Singh, Managing Director, Emergent Capital Partners
Success Story
The students were so focussed and switched on! Hearing the young people think about their own priorities and the ones they had to meet was so interesting.
– Volunteer, United Kingdom
Success Story
UrbanPlan’s greatest strength is revealing the intricate dance between market forces and community needs. This comprehensive understanding fosters more informed, productive engagement when real projects emerge in their communities.
– Sean M Flury, Development Project Manager, Uniland Development Company