The formation of a Fraser Valley chapter of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) will help draw developers’ eyes to this part of the region.
According to the District of Mission’s economic development officer, Stacey Crawford, the municipality has joined with Maple Ridge, Abbotsford and Chilliwack to create the chapter, to which the institute is considering issuing a charter.
“We were very well received by the UDI board in January,” said Crawford.
“They recognize that development is pushing east and that a significant portion of development for the next couple of decades will occur outside Metro Vancouver.”
Being a part of this group will increase Mission’s profile. “We create a direct connection to the development community in Vancouver and this will allow us to make them aware of the opportunities in the Fraser Valley,” he added.
The institute is highly regarded, Crawford noted, and membership allows Mission to take part in promotional and educational events as well as monthly luncheons, all attended by “development heavy hitters.”
A “next steps” meeting happens March 30, where Crawford will hear from UDI on the steps needed to formalize the chapter.
The UDI is a national non-profit association of the development industry and its related professions that is non-partisan in its activities, said the institute’s website. Its efforts are focused in government relations, professional development and education, and research.