The LNTC is planning to sponsor an Urban Land Institute National Advisory Panel in early 2010 to calculate the economic potential of Lake Region and prescribe critical infrastructure necessary for continued economic growth.

A ULI panel will feature five or more experts drawn from the membership who volunteer their time and is customized to the needs of the assignment.  Discussion centers on developing fresh economic data for the Lake region, assessing development potential of the North Commuter Rail line and an improved I-77 corridor and recommending a menu of options for financing the critical improvements.

“ULI is the land use and development community’s top thinkers in the US and around the world,” commented Brian Jenest, Chair of LNTC.   “The group has over 40,000 members with a local and active chapter in Charlotte.”

The advisory panel process will include a local technical assistance panel to gather data and prepare information for the national panelists, who will comprise the national panel of experts.  The participating panelists will convene on a Tuesday night and will be intensely engaged until delivering a final report the following Friday morning.

Jenest said plans for underwriting the $85,000 cost will include both public and private resources.  “We plan to raise $45,000 from the private community and will ask each town to make a commitment for $10,000,”  he said.  “The benefits will far outweigh the cost.”