Tony Pauker

As chair for the last 1 1/2 years of the Urban Land Institute’s San Diego/Tijuana District Council, Tony Pauker not only has built the organization through traditional networking, but also has sought out closer relations with local governments.

In 2008, those efforts take a big step forward with activities such as a binational forum where local mayors talk planning, a gathering supported by a $25,000 grant. Pauker also is organizing a series of technical assistance programs (TAPs). Patterned after successful efforts of other ULI chapters, the TAPs will bring together real estate professionals to assist municipalities and nonprofits in solving complex land use issues.

“The goal of ULI globally is really to provide land use education,” says Pauker, whose day job is as regional president of Olson Homes. “We don’t lobby and we don’t take a stand on political issues. We are not an environmental group but sustainability is a very important platform of ULI. There is a lot of knowledge at the national level and a lot of very accomplished local members.”