Urban Land Institute Presents “Inside the Renter’s World” Event – Event will focus on making the most of the new economy

IRVINE, Calif. – Urban Land Institute Orange County/ Inland Empire (ULI OC/IE) is hosting an event to educate best practices for industry specialists from around the area.

The event, titled “Inside the Renter’s World: Making the Most of a New Economy” will be held 7:30 a.m. March 15 at the UC Irvine Student center, and will feature a keynote speaker as well as a panel of experts who will discuss the realities of renting in today’s economy. During the program, the panel and the audience will review actual video interviews of renters across multiple generations and income levels. While viewing the interviews, the panel will share their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of renting in Southern California today upon which the board will offer insights pertaining to trends in consumer preference, development, acquisition, financing, and management of rental housing.

Keynote:
· Maureen McAvey, Executive Vice President Initiatives Group, Urban Land Institute
Prior to joining ULI, Maureen McAvey, a Harvard graduate, held executive positions in both the private sector and government. Maureen will share her insights and predictions about the future of housing in Southern California and America. McAvey also co-authored “What’s Next? Real Estate in the New Economy” published by ULI.

Moderator:
· Patrick S. Simons, Founding Principal, Strategic Property Economics
Patrick Simons has been involved with more than 23,000 units nationwide valued at several billion dollars. His broad experience in all facets of residential investment and development including acquisition, market analysis, due diligence, design, public approvals, construction, financing, equity syndication, leasing, asset management, and disposition gives him the tools necessary to effectively create value for any developer, investor, or public agency.

Panelists:
· William A. Witte, President, Related California
William A. Witte joined Related in 1989 to oversee all multifamily and mixed-use development activity in California. From 1988 to 1989, he was Deputy Mayor for Housing and Neighborhoods and acting Director of the Housing Authority, City of San Francisco. From 1983 to 1988, Witte was Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Economic Development in San Francisco.
· Thomas P. Cox, Managing Partner and CEO, TCA
Thomas P. Cox, has over 25 years of design and leadership experience. Cox has successfully positioned TCA as a recognized industry leader in architecture, planning and urban design. The firm specializes in high-density urban infill and mixed-use projects throughout the western United States.
· Deborah Maietta, Senior Vice President, SARES-REGIS Group
Deborah Maietta’s has nearly 29 years in the real estate industry. Maietta joined SARES•REGIS Group in 2007 and currently oversees the management and operations for the entire portfolio (California, Arizona and Colorado.) Maietta served as past secretary of the board of directors of CREW-OC, a professional organization for women in the commercial real estate industry.

“It’s a very tough economy out there for renters, and most aren’t properly educated when it comes to land acquisition – whether it be renting or buying,” said Phyllis Alzamora, executive director of ULI OC/IE. “Prospective renters are trying to rent homes without knowing what to look for, what they need, what methods they should be using and, perhaps most importantly, without the proper budgeting. This event will give industry specialists a much better perspective as to what should be shared with renters as they move on with their future plans for buying and renting properties.”

About the Urban Land Institute Orange County/ Inland Empire
The Urban Land Institute Orange County/ Inland Empire (ULI OC/IE) is a district council of the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit education and research institute organization that provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities. The ULI OC/IE was established in 1988 and services Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Currently, there are over 900 members, making it one of the 10 largest ULI district councils worldwide. For more information, visit www.orangecounty.uli.org.