Inviting Connections.
Increasing Collaboration.
Inspiring Camaraderie.
While membership in Lambda Alpha International (LAI) is honorary and selective, its 2,000+ accomplished professionals find a welcoming society where they can feel at home anywhere in the world. LAI chapters are located across the U.S., and in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Here, meaningful connections and valuable alliances are forged at both the local chapter level and with notable peers worldwide.
Sharing Perspectives.
Spreading Knowledge.
Showcasing Thought Leadership.
The only constant in land use and development is change. Navigating its evolution is easier and more enjoyable when there’s a friendly forum for the exchange of ideas. The professional diversity of our members creates a brain trust that lends wisdom, offers a unique blend of perspectives, and contributes a wealth of real-world experience. As a result, members are armed with the intelligence and insight needed to manifest success.
Promoting Ethics.
Producing Research.
Praising Excellence.
LAI members are committed to the highest standards of ethics. The work they undertake in each of their respective fields exemplifies professionalism. Their collective knowledge, along with the education and research LAI supports through the Land Economics Foundation, has created industry best practices that continue to shape the future of land use and development across the globe. We recognize their excellence through LAI’s prestigious international awards.
Architects and engineers. Real estate developers and planners. Government officials and professors. Bankers and attorneys. Lambda Alpha’s diverse membership provides a unique reservoir of talent, knowledge, and expertise to draw upon for educational programs and discussions. Members include not only those who are involved in the ownership, management, regulation, and conservation of land, but also those who are involved in its development, redevelopment, and preservation.
Lambda Alpha International has 5 major purposes:
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- To recognize and honor men and women in all parts of the world whose achievements
have contributed, directly or indirectly, to land economics. - To encourage and support the study of land economics and champion the highest ideals
of scholarship and integrity for all fields. - To expand the world’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of land economics.
- To contribute to the enrichment of our urban and rural environment and enhance the
quality of human life. - To advance a close working bond and mutual understanding among all individuals
engaged in activities related to land economics.
Growing Our Value.
Sharing Our Vision.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
LAI’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan was developed with input from numerous volunteer “subject matter experts” working collaboratively in committees over a multi-month timeframe. Thanks to their efforts, the current plan outlines several high priority actions and addresses a wide range of topics from membership to marketing to new chapter development.
A Storied Past.
A Stellar Future.
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LAI is Founded
A group of men majoring in the Land Economics and Real Estate curriculum at Northwestern University, students of Richard T. Ely, sought to supplement their classroom experience with discussions of issues and solutions related to land use. LAI was organized November 5, 1930, in Richard T. Ely’s 5th floor office of the Institute of Land Economics and Public Utilities in Wieboldt Hall in the McKinlock Campus of Northwestern University, which was at 338 E. Chicago Avenue.
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LAI is Founded
A group of men majoring in the Land Economics and Real Estate curriculum at Northwestern University, students of Richard T. Ely, sought to supplement their classroom experience with discussions of issues and solutions related to land use. LAI was organized November 5, 1930, in Richard T. Ely’s 5th floor office of the Institute of Land Economics and Public Utilities in Wieboldt Hall in the McKinlock Campus of Northwestern University, which was at 338 E. Chicago Avenue.
Northwestern University Recognition
The honorary professional fraternity is formally recognized by Northwestern University. Its members adopt a constitution, ritual, and key. Professor Ely is initiated and becomes the fraternity’s first honorary member. At the time of his initiation, he was Director of the Institute for Research in Land Economics and Public Utilities at Northwestern University.
James “Jack” J. Harrington, Jr. Becomes First President
James “Jack” J. Harrington, Jr. was the first elected President of the fraternity. He spent his career as a real estate broker with the family firm.
International Expansion Under Burton Rubloff
Burton Rubloff is International President. During his tenure, Lambda Alpha reorganizes to have chapters in various cities consisting of qualified men who were engaged in some business aspect of land use, making the organization international in scope.
Homer Hoyt Broadens Fraternity Base
President Homer Hoyt broadens the base of the fraternity and secures leading professionals in the fields of urban geography, urban sociology, and planning.
Leonard C. Smith Elected President
Leonard C. Smith is elected LAI president, and authors the manual of the Federal Housing Administration, where he worked for many years.
Arthur G. Lindell's Leadership
Arthur G. Lindell serves as president of LAI and was an Alderman for the City of Chicago. He fought for transportation improvements for the southwest side.
Carl Lessey Gardner's Presidency Begins
Carl Lessey Gardner is elected president. He attended the Harvard School of City Planning and was an early member of the emerging profession.
Lambda Alpha Expands to New York
Previously a single-chapter fraternity, Lambda Alpha branches out and adds New York chapter.
Philip Klutznick's Influence
Ely Chapter member Philip Klutznick, a founder of Chicago-based Urban Investment and Development Company, later sold to Aetna, served as Secretary of Commerce under several Presidents and was U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Dr. Henry Andrews Babcock Joins LAI
Dr. Henry Andrews Babcock, the “dean of American appraisers” becomes a founding member of the Los Angeles chapter (1955) and served as its first president. LAI also assembles its first Biennial Congress in Chicago and celebrates its 25th anniversary of the Fraternity.
George Washington Chapter Established
George Washington Chapter (Washington, D.C.) is chartered.
Dixie State Becomes Atlanta Chapter
Dixie State Chapter is installed, later becoming the Atlanta chapter (2009).
Flagler Chapter in Miami
Flagler Chapter in Miami is chartered to serve the entire state of Florida.
Golden Gate Chapter in San Francisco
Golden Gate Chapter in San Francisco is chartered. NBC also airs an episode of Profiles in Courage on Richard T. Ely, portraying his battle for academic freedom and an 1894 trial.
Establishment of Land Economics Foundation
A trust fund is established as The Land Economics Foundation of Lambda Alpha.
Simcoe Chapter in Toronto
Simcoe Chapter is chartered in Toronto, making Lambda Alpha an international organization. LAI also creates the International Urban Affairs Award to recognize work of national or international significance for urban living.
Literary Archives Established at Cornell
LAI establishes the Lambda Alpha Literary Archives at Cornell University.
Biennial Congress in Chicago
LAI hosts Biennial congress in Chicago themed “Housing Our Population in the 1970s.”
First Women Join LAI
George Washington Chapter initiates three women — the first women to join LAI.
Biennial Congress in Toronto
Simcoe Chapter in Toronto hosts the first Biennial Congress held outside of the U.S.
Richard T. Ely's Home Designated Landmark
Richard T. Ely’s home in Madison, Wisconsin is designated a landmark by the Madison Landmarks Commission.
Biennial Congress in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chapter hosts Biennial Congress.
Keynotes Newsletter Begins
Keynotes begins publication of newsletter with Keir Brooks as editor. LAI members also play a prominent role in the revitalization of the FHA. Mid-America Chapter in Memphis is formed.
San Diego Chapter Added
LAI adds San Diego Chapter.
50th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago
LAI celebrates its 50th Anniversary at the Biennial Congress at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Minnesota Chapter Added
LAI adds Minnesota Chapter.
Name Change to Lambda Alpha International
LAI adds Aloha Chapter in Hawaii and Phoenix Chapter in Arizona. The name of the organization changes from The International Fraternity of Lambda Alpha to Lambda Alpha International, adding a subtitle of “An Honorary Land Economics Society.”
Implementation of Regional Vice Presidents
LAI implements Regional Vice Presidents, East, Central, and West, with International added later. Elizabeth L. Hollander also is elected first woman president of Ely Chapter.
Vancouver Chapter Added
LAI adds Vancouver Chapter. The society meets in Memphis and the Mid-America Chapter hosts an awards presentation recognizing Members of the Year.
Formation of Student Association
LAI adds Orange County Chapter and Sacramento Chapter becomes the 5th California Chapter formed. LAI forms Student Association.
London Chapter Added
LAI adds Baltimore Chapter and London Chapter, the only chapter outside of North America.
Project 96 Initiative Begins
LAI reestablishes Minnesota Chapter and adds an Ottawa, Canada chapter. Project 96 kicks off a 3-year effort to build the permanent endowment of the Land Economics Foundation.
Mid-America Chapter Renamed
Mid-America Chapter is renamed the Memphis Chapter.
Boston Chapter Added
LAI adds Boston Chapter.
Keynotes Goes Online
LAI launches its first online issue of Keynotes.
First Land Economics Weekend in Baltimore
LAI holds first official Land Economics Weekend (LEW) in Baltimore.
Tokyo Chapter Added
LAI adds Tokyo Chapter.
75th Anniversary Celebration and Zia Chapter Added
LAI celebrates its 75th anniversary and adds Zia Chapter in New Mexico.
Vancouver Chapter Hosts LEW, Atlanta Chapter Added
Vancouver Chapter hosts the Land Economics Weekend, previewing development for the Winter 2010 Olympics. New Atlanta Chapter is chartered.
Madrid Chapter Added
LAI adds Madrid Chapter.
UAE and India Chapters Added
LAI adds United Arab Emirates Chapter and AUM-LAI Chapter covering the state of Maharashtra, India.
Austin-Central Texas and Mumbai Chapters Added
LAI adds Austin-Central Texas Chapter and AUM Chapter, Mumbai hosts Global Conference 2017.
New Chapters in Sonora and Barcelona
LAI adds new Hermosillo, Sonora and Barcelona, Spain Chapters. LEW celebrates new Puerto Rico Chapter.
LAI's First Webinar on COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LAI presents its first webinar: Navigating the Fallout of the Pandemic and Re-opening the Economy.
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