ULI Los Angeles Names Katherine Perez
With a Strong Background in Urban Development and Transportation Issues, Perez Now Leads Urban Land Institute's Influential Los Angeles District Council
Los Angeles, CA – ULI Los Angeles, a district council of the Urban Land Institute has announced Katherine Aguilar Perez as its new Executive Director. Perez is the former Vice President of Development for Forest City Development, and was co-founder and Executive Director of the Transportation and Land Use Collaborative of Southern California. Working with ULI Los Angeles Board Chair Wayne Ratkovich, Perez commands day-to-day workings and long-range programming of ULI Los Angeles, one of the largest and most active district councils of the international Urban Land Institute.
Perez replaces former Executive Director Philip Hart, who becomes ULI's first Managing Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Her background in development, transportation and urban revitalization enhances ULI Los Angeles' leadership position as the Southern California region faces economic and social challenges directly related to real estate.
"ULI Los Angeles has always advocated best practices, with forward-thinking programming in the areas where real estate intersects with economic growth," said Perez. "Look for us to engage the region's leadership on its most pressing issues: affordable housing, rising energy costs, decaying infrastructure, global climate change, Los Angeles' role as a creative capital, and contractions in the financing industries. ULI Los Angeles can be a strong voice for planning and development that addresses transportation, density and sustainability. And this will create better cities, positioning them – both their downtowns and outlying suburbs – for the coming rebound."
With her diverse background in private real estate development, governmental policy and urban planning, Perez has emerged as one of the most articulate and credible advocates promoting the responsible use of land. In 2007, Multi-Housing News selected her as one of eight "People to Watch in Multi-Housing" for her commitment to workforce housing, green building, and the principles of New Urbanism. Southern California-based Business Life magazine also recognized her as an "Outstanding Leader."
As Vice President of Development for Forest City Development, Perez focused on transit-oriented development and mixed-use projects in emerging markets. Prior to joining Forest City, Perez was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Transportation and Land Use Collaborative of Southern California, a nationally recognized non-profit that promotes greater civic involvement in planning and development. Previously, she worked for Pasadena Mayor William Bogaard as Deputy to the Mayor on transportation, planning and Latino constituents' issues.
Ms. Perez is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, School of Planning and Development, teaching the graduate course, "Participatory Methods in Planning and Development," on the technical skills of public participation.
Perez notes that ULI Los Angeles's pioneering programming – particularly in the areas of urban revitalization, education and partnerships with cities – is more important now than ever.
"I am thrilled to join this nationally recognized and respected organization and anxious to get going on the important work that needs to be done. ULI Los Angeles will seek out ways to create a sustainable, healthy and prosperous Los Angeles in partnership with others to find solutions to our challenges."
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 40,000 members representing all aspects of the land use and development disciplines.
ULI Los Angeles has an active membership surpassing 2,000. It is drawn from the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and is composed of groups and individuals united in their pursuit of improving land-use policies.
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