District Council Provides Leadership in Creating Thriving, Sustainable Communities for Nearly 1,000 Local Members

Irvine, CA – Susan K. Hori, land use partner at Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP and head of the Firm’s Orange County office, has been selected to Chair ULI’s Orange County-Inland Empire District Council. A long-time ULI member and community leader, Hori is one of Orange County’s foremost land use and environmental attorneys.  Her practice focuses on obtaining land use entitlements for landowners and developers, and on counseling her real estate clients on complex strategic issues involving CEQA, the California Coastal Act, Planning and Zoning Law, wetlands regulation, and historic preservation.  She has served on the District Council’s Advisory Board for the last seven years.

“I look forward to chairing this incredibly valuable organization at such a pivotal time,” Hori said.  “Real estate development in Orange County and the Inland Empire, as in so many communities throughout California, is facing tremendous challenges.  The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in lifestyle and work habits that will fundamentally alter land use decisions for decades to come, and gives us the opportunity to re-envision our communities.  Housing attainability, planning and building for a “net zero” energy future, and increasing public/private partnerships are three areas of focus.”

Joining Hori in leading the District Council will be Judy Brower Fancher, President of Brower, Miller & Cole, who will serve as Chair of Mission Advancement and Andrew Nelson, Principal with Red Oak Investments, as Treasurer.

“ULI is only as strong globally as we are locally and regionally,” said ULI Americas president Gwyneth Jones Coté.  “The District Council Chair is an incredibly important position, not just to their city and region but to ULI as a whole.  They provide leadership in their communities, helping to shape them more equitably for all residents.  I am excited that Susan Hori has agreed to take on this vital role, and I look forward to working with them to help realize their vision for Orange County.”

Added District Council Executive Director Kendra Chandler: “The ability to leverage expertise and incorporate best practices from throughout the country is critical to navigating such a rapidly changing land use environment.  When you combine that with the tremendous talent and expertise offered by local members – especially leaders like Susan Hori – ULI’s membership value has never been greater.”

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information, please visit uli.org  or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About ULI’s District Council Network

ULI’s District Council network spans 63 cities throughout North America and delivers ULI’s mission at the local level. District Councils engage members locally through such offerings as Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) to assist communities with urban development challenges; providing topical programming, educational forums, and networking events; and sharing industry expertise to benefit communities. Through community outreach and knowledge sharing, District Councils seek to foster collaboration locally and create thriving, sustainable communities.