New Certificate Program Developed by St. Louis County, Urban Land Institute, and Saint Louis University

February 23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Louis, MO--A new educational program will soon be available to community leaders and others interested in economic development issues. The creation of this special certificate-earned course came about through the efforts of St. Louis County, Saint Louis University and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley along with Jerry Crylen, senior vice president of Gundaker Commercial and chair of the St. Louis Chapter of the Urban Land Institute and Dr. Bob Mai with the Public Policy Studies program at Saint Louis University announced the new certificate program at a ULI-sponsored event where former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy spoke on "Civic Leadership and Economic Development in a Recession."

"This program is targeted to help mayors, city council members, city staff and chambers to better understand the complex world of development," said Dooley. "I am pleased that two reputable organizations like ULI and Saint Louis University will be partnering with us to serve the region."

The educational program will be developed by the University and an advisory group from ULI and St. Louis County. Once completed, a course outline, cost structure and program narrative will be presented to St. Louis County communities, chambers and their staffs. Those completing the course will receive a certificate in economic development from the University and ULI.

The program will be formed around issues that reflect the importance of today's market trends. The curriculum will include planning and zoning, green development, deal structuring, marketing, and real estate development.

"Intergovernmental cooperation is central to sustaining regional growth and vitality. Understanding all aspects of economic development is central to effective cooperation," said Crylen. "Better informed community leaders, means a greater willingness to work together with other communities, which means smarter development projects, serving more communities. This comprehensive certificate program is the answer. All civic leaders should have one of these certificates on their office wall."

Mai sees this as a timely and important effort for everyone. "Given the economic conditions of today, there is a great deal of pressure on cities, counties and development entities to manage costs and still find ways to grow economically. The education program we're building for local government will undoubtedly benefit by being the product of an active collaboration between the University, ULI and St. Louis County. We're aiming to make it as up-to-date, and real-world oriented as we can," said Mai.