A new ULI report, Retail in Underserved Communities, explores factors that hamper retail development in some lower-income communities, offers solutions to overcome the dearth of shopping options for neighborhood residents, and includes case studies exploring how retail development sparked revitalization efforts.

The report is co-authored by ULI senior resident fellow Maureen McAvey and ULI Chicago member, Bridget Lane, director of Business Districts Inc. in Evanston, and is based on observations from industry experts at a ULI forum held in February 2014 that included representatives from ULI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.  (see February 2014 issue of Urban Light for more information on the Forum)

ULI Chicago continued the research outlined in the report in a two-day workshop co-chaired by Maureen and Bridget that took place in late October.  Read more about the Workshop

Watch for more information as ULI Chicago’s own retail initiative takes shape.