Ivory Matthews, Neal Communities Vice President of Community and Government Affairs, was part of a recent panel discussion at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Tampa Bay Trends Event centered on the future of Sarasota and, more specifically, the role younger professionals play in shaping it.
ULI Tampa Bay invited a panel of younger professionals whose work directly influences how this region grows and evolves, noting “Each of them brings a different perspective, but all are helping to shape the decisions that will determine whether Sarasota continues to attract and retain the next generation.”
Matthews was focused on the importance of Sarasota to continue to evolve and the need plan not just for today, but for the next 50 years.
“That means embracing smart, master-planned growth that reduces congestion, protects our arts, culture, science institutions, and beaches, and ensures Sarasota remains a vibrant place to live and work for future generations,” she says. “Real smart growth requires leaders willing to make difficult, and sometimes unpopular, decisions that support the long-term future of our community.”
The panel also discussed another critical challenge facing the region: not only is there a housing gap for young professionals and first-time homebuyers, but there is also a growing mentorship gap.
“Across industries, many senior leaders and executives are approaching retirement without a strong pipeline of future leadership behind them,” Matthews says. “Developing communication, professionalism, and leadership skills does not happen automatically; it requires intentional mentorship and investment in the next generation.”
In closing, Matthews issued a challenge to everyone in the room to actively mentor younger professionals, prepare them for leadership roles, and help create opportunities for the next generation to succeed.
“Just because many of us didn’t have mentors ourselves doesn’t mean we shouldn’t provide that guidance to others,” she adds.
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, ULI has more than 45,000+ members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. ULI is a trusted idea place where leaders come to grow professionally and personally through sharing, mentoring, and problem-solving. ULI is a global organization comprised of individuals and entities who care about responsible land use, wise choices in growth and development and the positive economic future of the communities in which they live and work. Its members represent many sectors of the real estate industry sector — developers, builders, architects, engineers, accountants, attorneys, planners, brokers, public officials, marketing practitioners and public sector administrators – just to name a few. All professionals with the expertise and passion to make a difference in shaping the landscape and quality of life.
