What was the most high-impact takeaway from the panels and discussions?

“My biggest takeaway from CFL Day 4 was that Planning & Urban Design’s 360 Plan adopted in 2017 – the strategic document that set a clear, cohesive vision for Downtown Dallas and its surrounding neighborhoods – is a flexible plan in which ongoing conversations are still taking place.  Documents of this magnitude are often more static or rigid, especially when it comes to infrastructure and development, but it was refreshing to hear the emerging needs of a growing population are continuously being considered, and that the voice of ULI members holds weight in the discussion.”

Christopher Morris Vice President, Capital Markets EDGE Realty Partners

“As a landscape architect I really enjoyed the panel discussion on Parks and Placemaking. IT was wonderful to see how 3 separate organizations are all making a stance for public realm spaces that cater to the pedestrians and the user experience. This coupled with the breakout sessions discussing Jane Jacobs’ book and how that looks in the modern era helped refocus and invigorate me for the start of 2022 and all that design and construction can help bring to our cities.”

Jodi House Principal TBG Partners

Was there anything that surprised you?

“Not really a surprise, but I must admit the level of construction detail put into Carpenter Park – from intricate lighting systems, walkways, and water displays to use of original artwork throughout the site – went beyond what I imagined after being informed we would tour a park under a bridge.”

– Christopher Morris

“The conversation on Mixed Income was interesting and surprising for me in that we got to hear the wants and desires of the City of Dallas and then what that means on the developer side with Michael Blackwell. What surprised me most during this conversation was how many different aspects of a project are negotiated on and decided upon before it ever lands on the designers desk… and how a community can change the trajectory of a project.“

– Jodi House

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What does CFL mean to you as a professional?

“Individuals who are “poised to assume leadership positions…in the near-term” was a major criterion for candidacy in CFL, and one which did not get overlooked. To have been observed by my peers as exhibiting this character made a long-lasting impression on me as a commercial real estate professional.“

– Christopher Morris

“This has truly been an eye opening class and curriculum since the first day – we’ve seen a wide range of topics including the finance and cap rate day (which blew my mind) to transportation and what that means for the future of the metroplex. Those items coupled with the volunteer projects that can really bring change to organizations that need a hand, make it a great experience.“

– Jodi House

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