Conference to Focus on Underdeveloped Communities

Los Angeles County’s real estate development market is still showing strength despite the slowing economy. According to the Construction Industry Research Board, the estimated price tag of new industrial projects approved by the county in January jumped nearly 80% over January 2000. Against that backdrop, urban land-use experts will gather Wednesday to discuss real estate and development opportunities in some of the county’s poorest neighborhoods. The Urban Marketplace 2001--Make a Deal, Make a Difference conference will focus on projects that have the potential to turn a profit, such as building supermarkets and creating light industry while benefiting underdeveloped communities. Sponsored by the Los Angeles chapter of the Urban Land Institute, the event also will attempt to trouble-shoot such obstacles to inner-city development as securing financing and assembling parcels. The conference is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Regal Biltmore Hotel, downtown Los Angeles. For more information, call (800) 321-5011.