Technical Assistance Programs: Because Today’s Issues Can’t Wait

ULI St. Louis’ Technical Assistance Program connects communities with top real estate and land use experts to tackle complex development and planning challenges. Through multidisciplinary panels, we provide unbiased, actionable recommendations tailored to the needs of nonprofit, public, and private organizations.

With flexible panel formats designed for varying levels of engagement, our program delivers independent solutions that help shape stronger, more resilient communities across the St. Louis region.

Check out the TAPpy Hour presentation to learn more about ULI St. Louis TAPs.

What’s a TAP?

A Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) is a 2-day session in which local development professionals offer recommendations for a specific site/issue. Our 2-day format allows for an in-depth briefing day composed of a tour of the site and meetings with sponsor representatives, an afternoon of interviews with 20-30 community representatives, followed by a sponsor dinner with 7-10 panelists. The second day is devoted to formulating recommendations and culminates with the panel’s oral presentation of its findings to the sponsor, which can opt to hold the presentation publicly. A written report is prepared and published.

Who are the Panelists?

A TAP consists of unpaid volunteers from the ULI members in the St. Louis District Council chosen specifically for each assignment. Panelists usually include at least one for-profit or nonprofit developer, designer and/or planner, market and/or financial analyst, and a regulatory expert. Panelists with a potential conflict of interest will be deferred for other opportunities.

If you’re a ULI St. Louis member interested in becoming a TAP panelist, please reach out to Cristen Hardin, ULI TAP Chair, at [email protected].

What are the Deliverables?

The TAP findings and recommendations are delivered in a presentation to the Sponsor and/or public at the end of each 1-2 day-long panel. Several months after the TAP workshop and presentation, a final report is compiled that summarizes the panel process and recommendations.

What is the Application Process?

Potential Sponsors can apply to the TAP program at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. After receiving an application, members of the TAP committee will arrange an initial meeting to understand and refine the assignment and objectives as well as identify key issues.

How much lead time is necessary?

A three- to four-month lead-time is necessary to provide sufficient time to assemble the best available panel members, compile briefing materials, and plan for the logistics of the TAP program. ULI St. Louis charges a fee for each of its panels to cover associated costs and staff time.