ABOUT LAI
1854-1943
Lambda Alpha International, the Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics, was founded in 1930 under the leadership of the renowned land economist and champion of academic freedom, Richard T. Ely. As an honorary society, it provides a forum for the study and advancement of land economics where the "winnowing and sifting" of ideas takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Individuals who have made notable contributions to the study and ethical practice of land use are invited to join Lambda Alpha International. Now numbering more than 2,000 members worldwide, Lambda Alpha International is an apolitical not-for-profit professional organization.
Organizational Goals
The Society's original goal of "fostering a closer association with academia and professionals involved with land economics and related fields", while still valid today, has expanded. The Society is now a catalyst for the advancement of land economics by facilitating the interaction of members who have distinguished themselves in their professions, their communities and through academic achievements. Lambda Alpha International provides an opportunity for distinguished practitioners and scholars to come together in fellowship to discuss, debate and perhaps solve dilemmas involving use of our land resources.International Chapters
Lambda Alpha International operates through a global network of chapters; a Board of Governors consisting of an executive committee and the presidents of each chapter provide overall guidance for the organization. When a community has sufficient membership in a convenient geographic area, the International Board of Governors will charter a new chapter. Today, Lambda Alpha International has twenty-two chapters located worldwide in Great Britain, Japan, Canada and the United States. In each of these chapters, Lambda Alpha International provides a forum for its members, with their diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives, to share information critical to understanding important land use issues. As an international organization, Lambda Alpha International brings a cross-cultural dimension to the discussion of land economics.Each chapter develops a variety of programs that encourage discussion of land use issues amongst its members. Lambda Alpha International chapters also assist their communities in better understanding land markets and the forces affecting the growth, decline and revitalization of cities, towns and neighborhoods. Chapters develop symposia, community assistance panels, and workshops addressing topics of local interest. Occasionally, Lambda Alpha International develops these events in collaboration with other professional organizations.
Other methods of collegial exchange amongst members include:
- KeyNotes, the Society's monthly online newsletter;
- Professional networking at the semiannual "Weekend Experiences" that includes camaraderie and insightful "back-stage" tours of projects in major cities hosted by members of the local Lambda Alpha International chapters;
- Lambda Alpha International fosters the exchange of information and ideas on its website at www.LAI.org. The website also provides a directory of international membership.
Our Members
Lambda Alpha International's members represent a diverse group of professional disciplines in fields related to the ownership and use of land and buildings. We invite new members interested in contributing their expertise and experience to our ongoing discourse and activities. Membership is by invitation only. Each chapter has its own procedures governing the nominating and vetting process of new members. Nominees not located near an existing chapter are vetted through the International Board of Governors. The criteria for membership specify that nominees have:
- achieved professional distinction, with a minimum of ten years of work experience;
- made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of land economics; and
- distinguished themselves in the community through public service.
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