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Helen Sause
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Dear Colleagues,
Okay ‘is the Stimulus working?’ ‘How do we measure it against the $$$ released in November?’ Oh dear, aren’t the “experts” having fun!?! We wondered what such wise people would do after the longest presidential campaign in the memory.
Now it is apparent! Everyone was just waiting to tell us how to “fix” things and seem to have an opinion that counters Obama’s work! Everyone has doubts about whatever it is that the Administration recommends! Wow – we are wallowing in wisdom! I keep wondering where all these smart people and great ideas have been for the last 8 years. Let’s give it a rest. Those wondering if the “stimulus plan is working yet” might wait at least let the legislation is signed. And realize that this is only a piece of the puzzle – to get all aspects of the economy rolling again will take much much more work, patience and some positive efforts, not negative naysayers who never met an opinion they can’t trash. Hard to talk about patience to people without jobs, with mortgages, family to care for etc. etc. Patience is a pretty scarce commodity! But people are hanging in there, doing their best, even it seems in the hard hit communities visited by the President. The pontificating seems to be coming from legislators, lobbyists, and the media whom are being paid for having all these wise opinions. Well since they all seem to contradict each other let’s ignore them and focus on the glimmers of hope, opportunities and the possible.
There is so much good news going on within LAI these days and the Vancouver meeting is going to be amazing! So much to learn from that City and to see in innovative approaches they are taking to the Olympics. We are fortunate to be able to be there at this point in the preparations. Thank you Vancouver Chapter for all you are doing!
The interest in professional associations in other Countries also provides a great opportunity for informational exchanges. You will note some additional information about the LAI office's services to the profession too. Please read "Administrative Matters" and be sure the information is shared with your Chapter Administrator - take advantage of making our volunteer organizations function more effectively.
By the way how does your chapter use KeyNotes? Do the members read it on line? Do you print out copies for new member's information? Keep it to yourself? Or?
Helen Sause
International LAI Editor
helensause@alamedanet.net
Report from the LAI EAST Region:
LAI Is Coming To Atlanta!
LAMBDA ALPHA INTERNATIONAL - ATLANTA CHAPTER INTEREST GROUP MEETING
Maggiano’s – Buckhead Restaurant, Atlanta, GA – December 2, 2008
Front Row L-R: Joy Wilkins, CEcD, Georgia Tech; Mary Z. Douglas, CECD, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Joan H. Herron, Herron Consulting Services (Organizer)| - Rear Row L-R: Paul L. Martin, MSRE, MBA,Fortius Financial & Real Estate Consulting, LLC (Organizer): Chris Moder, AICP, University System of Georgia; Kip Marshall, CPM, BVT Management Services, Inc.; Patsy Jo Hilliard, former East Point (GA) Mayor; Robert L. Price, Herron Consulting Services; Ackneil M. Muldrow, II, Lambda Alpha International; David K. Elam, FannieMae
Lambda Alpha International (LAI) has launched efforts to expand the Land Economics Association into other major cities in the US.
Following the successful effort of establishing a Chapter in Dublin/Belfast, Ireland, the Board of Governors has given the green light to the East Region to explore the creation of a Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia.
After much discussion amongst Leslie Pollack, International President, Terry Stevenson, Executive Director and Ackneil M “Neil” Muldrow, Vice President – East Region, parameters were established to form a chapter in Atlanta.
Through the efforts of Neil Muldrow and Louis Slade, Assistant Vice President, East Region and others, former Ely Chapter member Joan Herron, President, Herron Consulting and Paul L. Martin, Managing Director, Fortius Financial & Real Estate Consulting, LLC have been identified as persons to lead the interest group in Atlanta.
Contact was made with Joan and Paul and preliminary plans were made by the interest group to identify candidates for membership. Once this was done, invitations were extended to selected persons to attend a luncheon at Maggiano’s Restaurant in Buckhead, GA for a presentation and discussion on the benefits of a Chapter in Metro Atlanta.
On Wednesday, December 2, 2008, Joan, Paul and Neil hosted a small group of highly motivated individuals to a luncheon (see picture), a PowerPoint presentation was made on LAI’s history, the value of membership, highlights of activities of other LAI Chapters, and we promoted the benefits of attending a Land Economics Weekend. There was also an active Q & A session. Absent were a number of persons who expressed an interest in attending, but scheduling conflicts precluded them from doing so. We plan to have a series of mini-breakfast meetings to accommodate those who could not attend the Luncheon and other referrals from Member Chapters.
All of the East Regions’ Presidents were asked to have their members make referrals of possible candidates. We then sent an email to all the Chapter Administrators asking that an appeal be made with approval of the Chapter’s Leadership to refer candidates to LAI headquarters. We are pleased to report the Ely, Orange County, Phoenix and Baltimore Chapters have been very responsive.
We have charted an aggressive timeline for this Atlanta Chapter Expansion Project. Our plan is to accomplish all objectives to enable the East Region to present a Charter Proposal to the Board of Governors at the Vancouver Weekend Experience. These are exciting times for Lambda Alpha International and the East Region.
Ackneil M. Muldrow, II
Vice President – East Region
Louis J. Slade, P.E. (President Elect)
Assistant Vice President – East Region
Chapter Corner
George Washington Chapter:
The city of Washington is still basking in the glow of a presidential inauguration that went relatively smoothly with an enormous amount of good feeling among participants. The chapter preceded the inaugural events with a presentation at its December luncheon meeting by Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol, on the newly opened US Capitol Visitor Center (about which more can be seen at visitthecapitol.gov ).
This mega-underground project had as its objectives: a) improving comfort for 3 million annual visitors who previously stood in long lines, often in heat or rain, b) educating the public about what they were about to see at the Capitol , c) offering functional convenience such as better trash management, and d) providing more security for visitors and staff. It also helped fulfill the restoration of Frederick Law Olmsted’s 1874 landscape plan by converting the former parking area on the east side of the Capitol into a pedestrian zone. The indoor waiting-educational area has two large skylights with wonderful view s of the Capitol dome, Emancipation Hall with two visitor orientation theaters, a Congressional auditorium for 500 people, and an Exhibition Hall with displays covering the Capitol’s history. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for operating this center, as well as the over 16.5 million square feet of Congressional legislative and office space, Supreme Court, Library of Congress and related facilities within the 450 acres that comprise the US Capitol complex.
The January luncheon meeting featured Royce Hanson, Chairman of the Montgomery County Planning Board. Mr. Hanson re-assumed this post in 2006 after an interval of 25 years. Under his first tenure Montgomery County developed “Adequate Public Facilities” tests for new development, a landmark practice emulated throughout the country. In effect, a new development could not proceed without adequate roads, schools, etc., to accommodate it. An interesting part of Dr. Hanson’s presentation is that he now questions some of these tests, in particular, the road component. Montgomery County planners are currently attempting to reorient the population in the urbanized part of the county from auto-centricity to other modes of transportation. The planners have learned that if they want to concentrate density near radial transit routes and continue to promote low density and agricultural and open space in the remaining wedges, the road system will simply not be adequate initially in the denser areas, and the traveling public will perhaps have to suffer short term “pain” while a transition to other types of transportation takes place. This is a great change from decades of practice and will require skillful management of expectations. However, the county has clearly embarked down this path.
Rosalyn Doggett, George Washington Chapter Scribe
London Chapter:
Paul Aldridge, King Sturge, spoke to the Chapter on the topic of “Delivering Regeneration - The Role of Local Asset-backed Vehicles”.
How does a landowner without access to finance secure development of his land without either selling it or losing all control via a lease? This conundrum has been with us throughout my career and Local Asset-backed Vehicles are the latest solution offered. Paul Aldridge and his firm are at the forefront of the initiative, and he came to our Lunch on 29th January 2009 to explain what they are up to; starting with a single project in 2002, they now have 30 or so in various stages of progress.
The idea is straightforward. The land is placed in a ‘vehicle’, usually a limited liability company in which the shareholders comprise the landowner, one or more development partners, who would be expected to bring substantial ‘seed’ capital, and perhaps a bank or other financier. The company follows proper corporate practice, with regular board meetings attended by directors nominated by the parties who bring expertise as well as exercising corporate responsibility. The vehicle is given a limited life, usually around 15 years. At the end of that period, the company is wound up, profits are taken and the land reverts to the landowner. During the development period the land is ‘drawn down’ by the developer in accordance with demand at a formula-driven price, developed and let.
As Paul emphasised, one of the keys to success will lie in getting the Memorandum and Articles in a shape that properly represents the wishes and interests of each party. There is usually a lock-in period of around 10 years, but thereafter interests can be sold, albeit that they may not be that liquid.
These arrangements are, in Paul’s view, particularly suited to public bodies with extensive or critical land holdings where they wish to bring about development in the interests of regeneration but they have neither the skills nor the financial backing to carry out development themselves; he illustrated this with the projects already under his belt. The general structure is flexible enough to allow for development elements of a ‘social’ or below-market nature, but, of course these must be counter-balanced by sufficient market development to meet the finance costs and the profit expected by each partner. The structure provides an entity that is generally eligible for grants, should these be available, and also wider public sector support; we talked of ‘Jessica’ and ‘Jeremy’, cash streams from the EU that are currently being rolled out for just such vehicles.
In answer to questions, particularly from members who were a little chary of public sector ‘partners’, Paul said that his experience was that their input was generally good. However, as well as getting the structure of the company right, it was also necessary to reach prior agreement on a proper business plan that the board could exercise its corporate responsibility in delivering. The timing of agreement on these matters was often politically sensitive, but in electorally ‘fallow’ times many authorities are quite capable of being business-like.
At the outset, the public body must, of course, select its partner or partners in a transparent and open manner that meets public sector ‘best value’ standards. If this is done properly, there is no difficulty in the chosen developer having exclusive access to the land covered by the vehicle throughout the period of the agreement.
Paul displayed not only mastery of his subject, but also considerable enthusiasm for the general concept. Whilst it is, primarily, a development tool, he is of the view that the content of that development was capable of considerable extension.With the benefit of hindsight, I think that we did not question him quite strongly enough about the end of the agreement; that tends to be the time when chickens come home to roost. However, we all found the ideas Paul provided both interesting and potentially stimulating.
Michael Mallinson, London Chapter Scribe
Phoenix Chapter:
Many LAI members enjoyed a preview ride on Phoenix's light rail system during the Land Economics Weekend last May. It was scheduled to open this past December and on schedule it is now up and running. Last May none of us could imagine what a challenging time this would be to do anything! So the saga of the Phoenix light rail will be of national interest. Will it change the adjacent neighborhoods? How? What impact will it have to counter the negatives of the economic meltdown? The normal interest in how it performs now has this overlay of how does it impact Phoenix's economy. The Chapter plans to keep us up to date on these potential impacts in the coming months.
The Valley Metro Light Rail plans to announce their ridership numbers for January, and actual ridership is expected to exceed the projected boardings of 48,004/day (Final Environmental Impact Statement, Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit Project, November 2002, p. 3-8). Official ridership numbers for January are expected around March 1. Phoenix's daring in building this system will be an interesting and ongoing story.
March 5, 2009 Event: 20 Ways to Enhance Cash Flow
7:30 to 9:30 AM
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
See the LAI Phoenix website for more information.
Steven Gragg, Phoenix Chapter Immediate Past President
Vancouver Chapter:
British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Kevin Falcon, addressed LAI’s Vancouver Chapter on February 4. He noted that the Province’s economic situation had weakened dramatically in the last four months, and that his government’s transportation investment program was adding a critically needed stimulus while enhancing the Province’s long term prospects for prosperity as North America’s gateway of choice on the Pacific Rim.
Minister Falcon’s had just come from breaking ground on the new Port Mann Bridge, a major element of his government’s Pacific Gateway Program that will add bridges and widen highways to facilitate trade between Asia and North America. Building this bridge will create 8,000 construction jobs and double motor vehicle capacity across the Fraser River between Surrey and Coquitlam at a cost of $3.3 billion. Developed through a public private partnership (P3), the bridge’s costs will be recovered through a $3 per vehicle toll. Minister Falcon noted how P3s brought new levels of entrepreneurship and innovation to the Pacific Gateway Program.
Minister Kevin Falcon and Jim Cox
Building new highway lanes and bridges across one of North America’s ‘greenest’ urban regions has been quite controversial and Minister Falcon explained that these investments would be balanced by a $14 billion transit development program that would fund new buses and rail lines. A prime example of such green transportation infrastructure will be Canada’s first rail link to an airport which will run between downtown Vancouver, the international airport, and City of Richmond, opening in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The new Port Mann Bridge will be engineered to accommodate (future) rail lines and have reserved lanes for bicycles and rapid bus service in service on opening day. Not since the 1960s has a British Columbia Transportation Minister initiated so much new infrastructure to move people and goods across Vancouver and surrounding communities. The results will produce major changes in the region’s urban development.
Anthony Perl, Vancouver Chapter Scribe
Land Economics Foundation (LEF)
LEF Grant Program
LEF is a not-for-profit charitable foundation organized to administer an investment fund which provides grants for research projects related to land economics. Over the past three years LEF has committed capital (5% of assets) to a number of significant and worthwhile endeavors across the country on a matching basis with other non-profit entities.
The applications can be submitted by LAI members, or Chapters, asking for Grants to further Land Economics goals. LAI also accepts grant applications from other sources.such as non profits, schools.
The Board of Directors of LEF reviews the applications, and then submits qualified applications to the LEF Board of Trustee's for approval.
Many factors go into this process, amount requested, availability of funds, long term commitments, etc. Click here for a printable version of the Grant Program update.
Samples of funded applications are below.
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$5,000 |
Safe Horizon – A mediation program designed to train volunteers in three New York locations to assist the underprivileged in dealing with aggressive landlords. Highly successful program being expanded nationally. |
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$5,000 |
San Diego Canyonlands Video – Created a video on a collaborative basis with several conservation organizations to expose on cable television the critical need to preserve open space canyons as a natural link to other urbanized communities in the county. |
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$5,000 |
Arizona State University Student Chapter – Provided the initial funding to create a graduate student chapter in real estate to function cooperatively with LAI’s Phoenix Chapter; a model for other Chapters. |
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$30,000 |
Burnham Centennial Celebration – An advanced commitment for LAI to participate with other major real estate organizations in 2009 to recognizing the unique skills of Daniel Burnham, credited with the masterplanning of Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Manila, etc. |
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$4,500 |
Ross Minority Program – In cooperation with USC’s Marshall School of Business, LAI is participating with the partial sponsorship of minorities in attendance in a comprehensive, two-week program involving community redevelopment projects, primarily in neglected areas. |
$5,000 |
Light Rail Value Impacts – With the completion and now operational Light Rail system in Phoenix, the Foundation underwrote the cost of updating a ULI study addressing the impact on land uses and values surrounding the stations along the new rail line. The Master’s Thesis is to be submitted and published by Arizona State University. |
LEF has carefully investigated a number of other proposed projects that it did not fund, primarily because of capital constraints at the point in time the request was made, others due to conflicts with our grant criteria. Without detail, the following were submitted and considered.
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$10,000 |
Tenement Museum Program |
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$10,000 |
World Urban Forum |
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$5,000 |
University of Memphis Scholarships |
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$5,000 |
California State University Scholarships |
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$100,000 |
Lewis Bolan Scholarships (John Hopkins University) |
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$5,000 |
Chicago Architecture Foundation |
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$10,000 |
DePaul University |
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$10,000 |
California State University (Fullerton) Scholarships |
The principal thrust of our efforts has been to promote LAI recognition on a broad scale basis, with particular emphasis on local chapter involvement at numerous levels. We look forward to considering your Chapter’s application, the process can be found on LAI’s website. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the officers for guidance if needed, that is what we are here for. Click here for list of LEF Officers
Note: Grant applications for chapters' local activities are due 30 days before a Board of Governors meeting (LEW). The foundation looks forward to receiving applications from the Chapters. Click here for a printable version of the Grant Program update.
Ron Buss, LEF Vice President
Announcements
Administration Matters!
Attention LAI Members! Forgot how to login? No Problem
Please visit the LAI Website at www.LAI.org. On the left hand side click on the Members Only Tab. Here you will need to use your email and the password is lai.
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Hello Chapter Presidents and Administrators:
If you are returning as Chapter President or Administrator or if you are a new Chapter President or Administrator, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you and bring you up-to-date on some of the LAI International tools:
- The LAI Board of Governors approved a Strategic Plan for LAI, please view it on the LAI website, in the “members only” section. It outlines LAI’s Mission, The Members, The Role of International Secretariat, New Chapter Development, Providing Effective Chapter Support, Marketing LAI and Implementation, and a conclusion. Please take time to read through this document.
- Membership
The goal of every chapter is to be 100 members. LAI has funds in the budget to help Chapters with this objective. If you need assistance please contact your Regional Vice President or me. As you all know, we are in the middle of dues renewal, please help us collect 2009 dues.
There is a new policy to be implemented for non-paying dues members that will be distributed shortly. The Board of Directors adopted a membership policy, which includes a disenrollment policy. Some of you may recall in 2005 letters were mailed to members who had not paid dues in a couple of years, the letter invited them to come back to the organization. I will again be sending out these letters asking non-paying members if they would like to return, the letter will include a time limit for rejoining and a $25.00 reinstatement fee. By working together on non-paying members, it will improve the quality of all of our records. The information will be coming to you soon with more details.
- LAI website and Chapter Updates /Calendars
By regrouping the members resources on the “Members Only” on the LAI web page we hope it will be easier to find the assistance you need. Another change provides for an the email blast for Chapter Administrators (only), please contact me if you wish to use the email blast and I will walk you through the new procedure.
Let us know your reactions.
Note: Please send Michele or myself ALL updates of Chapter officers, and a calendar of events for your Chapter.
- LEW’s
The Spring LEW will be in Vancouver BC, CANADA May 7-9, 2009. A PDF with an overview of the Spring LEW will be sent out shortly.
The Fall LEW will be in Chicago, IL, October 22-24, 2009 in conjunction with the Burnham Celebration.
- AICP Credit
Board Member Fereydoon Ghaffari has been working with the American Planning Association to bring AICP credits to the Land Economics Weekends. Mr. Ghaffari will also be advising what a Chapter has to do to receive AICP credits for Chapter functions as quickly as the details are clear.
- New Chapters Denver and Atlanta
Per the email you received from Regional Vice President Neil Muldrow, we are looking to develop these two cities in 2009. If there is anyone you know that should be an LAI member and is not currently, please forward their names to me and I will pass them onto the appropriate Chapter. (this is a great way to build membership!)
- Irish (Ireland) Chapter
LAI is pleased to announce that a charter was granted to the Irish (Ireland) Chapter in October of 2008. We welcome them to LAI!
- LEF
Reminder: New Chapter Presidents: you are a voting member of the Foundation. Please mark your calendars for the LEWs. The Trustee’s meeting will occur at each LEW meeting. The date and time of these meetings will be sent and you are encouraged to attend so that information from all sectors of LAI are considered in the Foundations’ actions.
LAI’s goal is to make your transition as a Chapter officer or Administrator easy and trouble-free. The LAI staff continue to try to put as much information as possible on the LAI website, including any new Chapter Manual updates. But don’t ever hesitate to call or email questions, puzzlements or suggestions! The Regional Vice Presidents are also available and willing to help their respective Chapters.
KeyNotes offers each Chapter a great opportunity to submit articles on issues happening in your area and Chapter practices. We hope that we have the name of your Chapter Scribe to take responsibility to share your news! Please submit articles to LAI’s Scribe Ms. Helen Sause helensause@alamedanet.net and LAI Administrative Director Michle Meng mmeng@integrated-solutions.com
Thank you all very much for your service to the land economics profession and dedication to LAI. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Terry Stevenson, LAI Executive DIrector
Save the Date ! ! !
Vancouver, Canada, Spring Land Economics Weekend
May 7- 9, 2009
Terminal City Tower Hotel
837 West Hastings Street
Vancouver , B. C. Canada
www.tctowerhotel.com
Register online
Download Vancouver Registration Form (pdf)
Download Vancouver Registration Form (doc)
Hotel Reservations
Rates: $210.00 CAN Net, + taxes Single/Double
Phone: +604 681 4121
Toll Free: 1-888-253-8777
Fax: +604 488 8617
Email:hotel@tcclub.com
Chicago, Fall Land Economics Weekend
October 22-25, 2009
More inofrmation coming soon!
Future Land Economics Weekends (Subject to Change)
2009
Spring: Vancouver, Canada, Vancouver Chapter
Fall: Chicago, Ely Chapter
2010
Spring: Minneapolis, Minnesota Chapter
Fall: New Mexico, Zia Chapter
2011
Spring: Scotland
Fall: ?
New Members
Orange County
Mel Malkoff, Malkoff and Associates
San Diego
Carolyn Alkire, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Steve Altman, PhD, NewSchool of Architecture & Design
Philip J. Bona, Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)
Alexandra S. Elias, AICP, Department of Navy, Navy Facilities Engineering Command
Kim Elliott, McMillin Companies
Marcela Escobar-Eck, The Atlantis Group
Stephen Haase, AICP, Sudberry Properties, Inc.
Barbara A. Kaiser, Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)
Ure Kretowicz, Cornerstone Communities
Louis Misko, Misko Consulting
Chistopher J. Morrow, Project Design Consultants
Patricia Moser, Moser Ventures
Nancy T. Scull, JD, Luce, Forward, Hamilton, Scripps LLP
Suzanne R. Varco, Opper & Varco LLP
Leslie Wade, Wade Communications
The John Marshall Law School Student Chapter LAISA
August Appleton
Tiffany Brooks
Dorey Cole
Thomas Emalfarb
Carlos Encinas
Richard Hanson
Stan Hendricks
Dave Hugar
Derek Humes
Leigh Jurus
Tiffany Kay
Joseph Kearney
Raul Madera
Christopher Melnyczenko
Douglas Miller
Josh Molter
Lee Madison Palmer
Daniel Powell
Christina M. Ranallo
Nathaniel Sinn
Matthew Welch
Eric M. White
Jessica Whitmore
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