Megan Brown, the Director of Signature Programs at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Northwest Arkansas, is dedicated to promoting ULI’s mission of positively impacting the built environment.
True to her passion for education on development processes, Brown started the conversation by breaking down the term of the ‘built environment’ as essentially, “Anything that was built and not naturally occurring. This could be housing or transportation such as bikes, but it also includes the decision-making process for the stop sign on the corner.”
The UrbanPlan program is one of the buckets Brown works in that focuses on community education. This program can be implemented in high schools or civic settings. UrbanPlan teaches participants about the development process and zoning changes, engaging students and community members, especially those without a planning background, in understanding urban development complexities.
The Place Summit is ULI NWA’s largest event, bringing together over 250 developers, architects, builders, and other stakeholders to discuss the future growth of Northwest Arkansas. The Summit addresses critical questions about the region’s identity, successes, and areas for improvement.
Brown also organizes the Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI), a 16-week course designed to increase the participation of women and people of color in the real estate and development fields.
The Small Cities initiative grant is particularly meaningful to Brown. This program supports smaller cities in Northwest Arkansas, such as Cave Springs, in addressing city specific challenges that they may not have the staffing or funds to achieve at that moment. In Northwest Arkansas, cities like Cave Springs are facing population flows from larger cities and affordability challenges like never before. By promoting best practices and providing technical assistance, the Small Cities Program helps these communities design built environments that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Brown is optimistic about the future of the housing industry. She notes that, unlike other sectors, the housing industry has not experienced a "revolution” and has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Innovations like Groundwork’s 3D-printed homes offer promising solutions to current housing issues, and Brown is hopeful for continued creativity and innovation in the field.
When asked about ULI’s priorities for advancing housing production in NWA, Brown reinforced that education on terminology and the problem's urgency is the most significant first step towards changes that encourage more housing. Public awareness has increased due to rising costs but educating the community on how they can contribute to solutions is crucial.
Brown stresses the need for interdisciplinary conversations so that looking forward, by bringing people together, asking difficult questions, and focusing on education, Northwest Arkansas can continue to thrive and meet the needs of its growing population.
The Urban Land Institute has significantly contributed to Northwest Arkansas through its focus on education, collaboration, and innovation in urban development. Programs like the Small Cities initiative provide crucial support to smaller cities, addressing unique local challenges and promoting sustainable growth. ULI’s efforts in fostering interdisciplinary conversations and community education are paving the way for a vibrant and resilient future for Northwest Arkansas.
-by Sophie McAdara
Learn more about the NWA Urban Land Institute