In this episode of Building Connections, land use expert and host Bridget Grant sits down with developers Welch Liles (Asana Partners) and Brendan Pierce (Crescent Communities) to take listeners inside the full life cycle of a real estate development.

From shaping a vision and engaging the community to navigating site selection, capital constraints, rezoning battles, impacts of AI and design pivots, they share what it really takes to bring a project to life in today’s market.

Along the way, they discuss how placemaking adds lasting value and why adaptability matters more than ever.

In this episode of Building Connections, guest host Mike Ortlip sits down with Matt Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch.

They discuss the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy, monetary policy, and interest rates and explore how national decisions ripple through to the Carolinas' real estate market, workforce and rural development.

From cash circulation during disasters to the economic future of small towns, Matt offers grounded insights for real estate professionals, policymakers, and community leaders navigating a time of market uncertainty and opportunity.

In this episode, host Tobe Holmes goes in-depth with futurist and real estate innovator Nikki Greenberg to explore how technology is reshaping the spaces where we live, work and play.

From drone deliveries to AI-driven real estate management, Nikki

They also discuss generational shifts, regulatory hurdles and

In this episode recorded in late April 2025, we take a deep dive into the evolving retail landscape, from national capital trends to the local shifts happening across Charlotte. Host Brian Purcell, Partner at Cuadra Capital, is joined by Katie Grissom of Nuveen, who brings a national macroeconomic lens, and Charles Thrift of Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services, who offers deep insights into Charlotte’s local retail scene.

Together, they explore:

Whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply passionate about urban growth, this episode offers fresh perspective on how retail is bouncing back and what it means for the Queen City.

Tune in as we explore the evolution of Charlotte with former ULI Charlotte Chair Peter A. Pappas and Chair-Elect Rachel Krenz. We discuss how ULI has helped shape Charlotte’s growth, influencing key developments like the light rail and setting the bar for smart urban planning.

Looking ahead, we’ll discuss the creation of transformative projects while maintaining affordability, fostering resiliency, and reinventing Uptown. Our guests share insights on leadership, development trends, and how ULI continues to drive change.

Learn how you can get involved in shaping Charlotte’s next chapter!

In this debut episode of Building Connections: The ULI Charlotte Podcast, we examine

the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene on communities west of Charlotte and across

Western North Carolina. This once-in-a-thousand-year storm left a devastating mark on

infrastructure, housing, and local economies, prompting swift response efforts from

government agencies, relief organizations, and industry leaders.