Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI)

Real Estate Diversity Initiative(REDI) is a comprehensive, 10-session curriculum designed to advance the real estate careers of traditionally underrepresented groups. Participants step into the role of a real estate developer, gaining direct knowledge and experience working in teams to produce a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan for a real project.

Up to thirty participants will be accepted into the program and step into the role of a real estate developer, gaining direct knowledge and experience working in teams to produce a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan for a real project. Participants are taught by a volunteer faculty of experienced, multidisciplinary, top-tier practicing real estate professionals serving as instructors, mentors and facilitators who share market-based knowledge and the wisdom from their experience.

The program concludes with REDI teams presenting their proposals to a panel of real estate professionals who engage the participants and provide constructive feedback.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER?

• Comprehensive curriculum of the stages of real estate development
• Mentorship and coaching from professionals active in the field
• Opportunity to develop a full proposal for real-world case study
• Free one-year membership to ULI Columbus, with access to more than 300 members working in many different areas of the real estate industry

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

• Tuesdays | 5:30 – 8:00pm
• September 12 – November 10, 2024
• Additional time outside of class is expected to successfully complete individual readings and group work activities.

WHO IS THE PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

• This program is designed to provide a baseline education for individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in commercial real estate fields.
• Early to mid-career professionals interested in expanding their understanding of real estate development, those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and/or those interested in becoming a Developer or Owner of projects.
• Because this course is not taught at entry level, the ideal participant should have some experience in real estate or a related industry.
• Exceptions to these guidelines may be considered for applicants who demonstrate an applicable community role, a high level of motivation, and a higher level of real estate knowledge and experience through their personal essays.

PROGRAM FEE

• $350 | Includes all reference materials and ULI Membership

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications for 2024 are due on June 28th.
• Selection of participants joining our next REDI cohort will be based on the level of relevant experience (resume) and commitment and desire to participate in the program (personal essay) All complete applications are reviewed by our local REDI Steering Committee. This selection process is competitive, and not everyone qualified is accepted.
• Application: The application takes about 20-30 minutes to complete and consists of basic contact and demographic information, an overview of experience level and various aspects of commercial real estate development, and a commitment to program requirements.
• Professional Resume: Upload a 1-page document that provides a detailed overview of your education, work history, and related experiences in real estate and land use. A link to a virtual profile (for example LinkedIn) will be accepted instead of a resume.
• Optional Video: Applicants have the option to submit a 60-90-second video of themselves to include in their submission. This is not required to apply to the program.

TENTATIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The program schedule is tentative and can be subject to change.

• Week 1 – Introduction | Syllabus | Objectives
• Week 2 – Market Analysis + Feasibility | Due Diligence | Site + Neighborhood Tour
• Week 3 – Legal Due Diligence | Zoning + Entitlements | Government Approvals
• Week 4 – Site Due Diligence | Master Planning | Utilities | Traffic | Environmental
• Week 5 – Financial Proforma #1
• Week 6 – Public Financing + Incentives
• Week 7 – Private Financing + Capital Market | Proforma #2
• Week 8 – Construction Process
• Week 9 – Leasing | Sales | Property Management
• Week 10 – Presentations and Graduation

Questions or interest in getting involved? Please reach out to ULI Columbus Executive Director, Ashley Solether ([email protected]).