UCLA Luskin

Conversation with MRED Executive Director Greg Morrow
2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Meet MRED Director, Greg Morrow! In an engaging, conversational, Greg will discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the real estate industry and answer questions from prospective applicants. Participants will gain insight into the skills and perspectives required to succeed in today’s evolving landscape and how the MRED program will advance your career.
Register here!

Master of Real Estate Development Webinar
2026-01-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Get acquainted with the advantages of a Master of Real Estate Development degree, learn about our triple-bottom line and our “by the industry, for the industry” approach to the development field.
You will learn about:
• The field of Real Estate Development and what sets UCLA apart
• MRED curriculum
• Our Industry Partners
• Capstone projects
• The Application Process
• Funding Opportunities
Register here!

MRED: Student Recruitment and Networking Event
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Hudson Pacific Properties, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90025, United States
Meet MRED Leadership and Staff, industry leaders, current MRED Students, and fellow prospective UCLA MRED applicants! Attendees will gain insight into the MRED curriculum, career pathways, and the role industry partnerships play in shaping the learning experience. Light food and refreshments will be provided as guests network, ask questions, and explore whether the MRED program aligns with their goals. This is an ideal opportunity to build connections, learn from practitioners shaping the built environment, and envision your future in real estate development.
Agenda:
6:00 PM – Event Begins
6:30 PM – MRED Informational Presentation
7:15 PM – Networking over Food & Drinks
Register here!

Sober-Curious Paint & Sip
2026-01-13 12:15 - 13:15 | Room 4357 Public Affairs Building, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Relax, unwind, and connect with your Luskin Family at our Sober Curious Paint and Sip event! Join us for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community-building on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. This event is perfect for those who want to enjoy the creative process in a relaxed, alcohol-free environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to have fun, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know others from all Luskin departments, decompress, and build connections in a friendly, sober setting. No artistic experience is required—bring your enthusiasm and an open mind!
Why Attend?

Meet and mingle with fellow Luskin community members across all departments.
Decompress and enjoy a creative, alcohol-free environment.
Perfect for anyone interested in the sober-curious lifestyle or looking for a fun, relaxing afternoon.

We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and relaxing time! Paint, sip, and build connections with your Luskin Family in a supportive, sober-curious space!

Screening of award-winning short documentary Dukakis: A Recipe for Democracy
2026-01-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Royce Hall, Room 314, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
Screening of award-winning short documentary Dukakis: A Recipe for Democracy directed by Erin Trahan and Jeff Schmidt followed by Q&A with Erin Trahan, Co-director
Presented by the UCLA SNF Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Sponsored by the Aris Anagnos Family in Hellenic Studies Chair
January 13, 2026
4:00 P.M.
314 Royce Hall, UCLA Campus
Reception to follow
RSVP Here
Upon accepting the Democratic nomination for president in 1988, Michael Dukakis tells his fellow citizens that when they see an image of the White House, he wants them to feel pride. He pledges to serve in a White House that “sets high standards not just for the American people, but high standards for itself.” “Dukakis” catches up with the unflappable three-term Massachusetts governor three decades later. On a snowy afternoon, in the same Brookline, Massachusetts duplex he bought with his wife Kitty more than 50 years ago, he pulls a frozen turkey carcass from the freezer and starts chopping onions.
While soup broth simmers, “Dukakis” takes viewers on a journey along his long arc of leadership, reflecting on his formative years as the son of Greek immigrants up to the present. At age 85, he mentors budding public servants as a college professor. He also chairs a commission to connect Boston’s North and South rail stations – a project he has backed since the 1970s. Meanwhile a crop of new leaders – including Northeastern University undergraduate Juan Gallego, also a son of immigrants – carries Dukakis’ legacy forward all the way to the governor’s office.
“Democracy is a work in progress,” says Dukakis as he fills a bowl with steaming soup. “A precious gift that needs constant nurturing.” Amidst unprecedented uncertainty in American politics, “Dukakis” offers a reason to pause, take stock in the past, and look forward with renewed faith in what’s possible when people believe in democracy, and each other.
VIEW FILM WEBSITE
PLAY TRAILER
Parking details will be provided. For questions, please contact hellenic@humnet.ucla.edu

CDM Smith Employer Information Session
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | 4357 Public Affairs Building
Join representatives and staff from CDM Smith, a global privately owned engineering and construction firm providing smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities to learn about internship, part-time, and full-time employment opportunities! CDM Smith is employee owned and committed to building a stronger enterprise for each future generation.
Presenters:
Beck Frei, Transportation Planner
Laura Campagna, Environmental Planner
Kyle Benedict, Senior Campus Recruiter

UCLA Ombuds Service & Conflict Management
2026-01-14 12:30 - 13:30 | 4371 Public Affairs Building, 3250 Public Affairs Bldg, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Please join Ariella Morrison for an informational session on Ombuds Services and Conflict Management. The session will include an overview of the types of services the Ombuds Office provides, examples of when and how to use Ombuds as a resource, and tips for better communication. We will also discuss conflicts that students may experience and strategies for how to manage them. This will be an interactive session with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Coffee for 12 Strangers
2026-01-15 12:30 - 13:30 | Public Affairs 4371
Looking to connect with other Luskin students outside of your department? Coffee for 12 Strangers brings together a cross-disciplinary group of Luskin students to meet and build community. Complimentary craft coffee beverages will be provided.
Each quarter, the program brings together:

3 MPP students
3 SW students
3 UP students
3 Seniors from Luskin’s BA in Public Affairs

The Future of Educational Equity: Alumni Panel Conversation
2026-01-22 12:15 - 14:00
Join us for a dynamic and thought-provoking alumni panel exploring The Future of Educational Equity. Together, we’ll dive into the challenges, innovations, and opportunities shaping K–12 and higher education today—highlighting the voices of UCLA Luskin alumni working at the forefront of policy, practice, and community impact.
This lunchtime gathering is a chance to:
Hear directly from alumni making meaningful contributions in the field
Engage in conversation about the next frontier of educational equity
Connect with students, faculty, and fellow alumni committed to transformative change
A light lunch will be provided to support conversation and connection.
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and timely discussion.

Luskin Day at City Hall
2026-01-23 09:30 - 16:00 | Los Angeles City hall, Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Luskin Day at City Hall will take place Friday, January 23, 2026. This event is exclusively for Luskin graduate students in Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning programs. The goal of this event is to facilitate networking between Luskin graduate students and officials working in local government and to pipeline Luskin graduate students to jobs and internships in the City and County of Los Angeles.
To participant in this experience, lease apply via CareerHub November 19-December 7.

Public Affairs in Action: Senior Fellows in Public Service
2026-01-29 12:30 - 13:30 | 4357 Public Affairs Building
Join us for an panel discussion with two leaders in urban policy and governance to gain firsthand insight into policymaking, community engagement, and strategic leadership in local government! There are many pathways to work in public service and our presenters will share their unique journey, along with insights from their time on the LA City Council.
Featuring Ruth Galanter & Michael Woo
Former Los Angeles City Councilmembers

Ruth Galanter (6th District, 1987–2003) – Urban planner and environmentalist who championed slow-growth policies, led transformative projects in Venice, and prioritized neighborhood safety. Now a consultant and educator focused on planning and ecological restoration.
Michael Woo (13th District, 1985–1993) – The Council’s youngest and first Asian American member, he spearheaded Hollywood’s revitalization, shaped major transit planning including the Red Line, and promoted racial equity initiatives. Continues to lead on sustainability and park access issues.

MSW 2nd Year Placement Fair Prep Workshop
2026-01-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Are you ready to tackle your upcoming placement interviews? Join us for a session designed exclusively for 1st-year MSW students to help you feel confident and prepared.
In this session, you will:

Learn how to craft a strong resume tailored for placement agencies,
Develop your elevator pitch to introduce yourself effectively, and
Learn light interview tips to make a great impression

This is your chance to build your confidence before meeting potential placement agencies!

Harvard Government Performance Lab (GPL) Fellowship Info Session
2026-02-03 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Join Gabriela Solis (MPP/MSW 2019) and Marianna Yamamoto to learn about the work of Harvard GPL, as well as fellowship and employment opportunities. The applications for summer 2026 fellows are currently being accepted: https://govlab.hks.harvard.edu/working-at-gpl.
Fellows work directly with state and local governments and are the backbone of the Lab’s model for providing high-quality pro bono technical assistance to governments. Fellows typically come to the GPL within a few years of completing a graduate degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, law, or related fields. Throughout the course of their fellowship, Fellows guide significant performance improvement projects forward, usually based on-site in the government, and receive training in skills including data analysis and project management. Previous fellows have led projects to reform city procurement, expand re-entry services to individuals released on parole, and improve the delivery of services provided to families interacting with the child welfare system.
Responsible for designing and executing on-the-ground work in partnership with government leaders, our team members build policy area expertise, enhance their analytical skills, develop experience leading public sector teams, and manage initiatives that directly impact the lives of individuals in their communities. GPL alumni go on to leadership positions in the public and private sector, putting their GPL experience to use in government agencies, philanthropy, and service providers.

Reexamining the “Nation of Immigrants”: The Politics of ICE Enforcement
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:30 | UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Join us for a keynote and panel exploring new data on immigration enforcement, stronger state protections, and fair, sustainable policy.

RSVP HERE

With the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) arrests and detentions surging, California’s legislative leadership offers critical lessons on safeguarding rights and rebuilding trust. Join us on February 5, 2026 for a keynote presentation followed by a panel of policymakers, researchers, and advocates who will discuss what the latest data reveal about enforcement patterns, how to strengthen state protections, and what’s next for fair and sustainable approaches to immigration.
Reception 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lecture and Panel 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration is free and required for all guests. We intentionally oversell tickets to ensure a full venue. Entry and seating are first come, first served and not guaranteed, even with a ticket. We recommend arriving early and join the pre-reception to maximize your chance of entry.

Attorney General Rob Bonta will be the keynote speaker.
Panelists include:

Cielo Castro, Chief Impact Officer, California Community Foundation (moderator)
Ahilan Arulanantham, Professor from Practice, UCLA Law; Faculty Co-Director, Center for Immigration Law & Policy
Paul Ong, Director, UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge
Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Luskin Senior Fellow

Learn more about the research from the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge and the Latino Policy & Politics Institute.

This event is part of the Luskin Lecture Series and co-hosted by the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center.
View all of our upcoming events at luskin.ucla.edu/events

TONGVA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
PHOTO RELEASE
By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize UCLA Luskin and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event and UCLA Luskin generally. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.
Attendance by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift.

UCLA Luskin Alumni Regional Reception Sacramento
2026-02-09 18:00 | Cafeteria 15L, 1116 15th Street, Sacramento, 95814, United States
Please join us for the UCLA Luskin Alumni Regional Reception Sacramento on Monday, February 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Cafeteria 15L.
This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with the UCLA Luskin community and strengthen the relationships that make our School so vibrant. Alumni from our programs in Social Welfare, Public Policy, Urban Planning, and the Undergraduate Program in Public Affairs play an essential role in shaping our region and state. Coming together across disciplines not only enriches our shared experience but deepens the collective impact we create together.
We’re also delighted to welcome our Interim Dean Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris and faculty, who will be in Sacramento ahead of the annual Sacramento Briefing. In addition, a select group of current Luskin students traveling for the briefing will join us—they’re eager to learn from your journeys, connect with alumni, and build meaningful relationships with the leaders who inspire them.
To make the evening even more special, your ticket includes appetizers, a street tacos buffet, a drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and a scrumptious dessert.
Early-bird tickets will be available December 17–January 16 for $20. After that, tickets will be $40, so we encourage you to reserve yours early.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of conversation, community, and Bruin camaraderie.
We look forward to welcoming you!

2026 UCLA Luskin California Policy Briefing
2026-02-10 09:00 - 12:15 | UC Student and Policy Center, 1115 11th Street, Sacramento, 95814, United States
The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs will present its third annual Briefing at the UC Student and Policy Center in February 2026.

The annual UCLA Luskin California Policy Briefing in Sacramento convenes leading UCLA public policy, social welfare, and urban planning faculty and research centers to share evidence-based insights on the most urgent challenges facing our state. By translating rigorous research into practical policy solutions, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs strengthens the bridge between university expertise and public decision-making, advancing informed, equitable outcomes for all Californians.
The gathering will feature two panel discussions coordinated by esteemed UCLA Luskin faculty members and their affiliated research centers in collaboration with elected officials, government agencies and other policy experts. Networking opportunities are also planned.
Panel 1 – How Can the State Assist and Oversee Implementation of SB 79 and Local Zoning Plans?
Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
SB 79, California’s new statewide upzoning law, takes effect in phases beginning July 2026. To identify areas subject to the law, the Department of Housing and Community Development must develop zoning-capacity standards that will also inform upcoming 7th-cycle housing element updates. This session explores what policymakers need to create clear, effective standards — and how these standards can strengthen local planning and improve implementation of state housing law.
Panel 2 – What Will It Take to Ensure Fair Voting for All Californians?
Voting Rights Project
How can California advance more equitable and accessible elections? This session examines policy and legislative strategies to reduce bias in vote-by-mail signature rejections and to expand voting access for rural communities and residents with limited English proficiency. Panelists will explore practical reforms that strengthen fairness, inclusivity, and trust in the electoral process.
A list of speakers and specific details about timing and location will be announced as the date draws closer.

Land and Labor Acknowledgement
As a land grant institution, UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and are grateful to have the opportunity to work for the taraaxotam (Indigenous peoples) in this place. We pay our respects to Honuukvetam (Ancestors), elders, and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
We hold sacred the labor of enslaved Africans and immigrants, often exploited, indentured and underpaid, that built and continue to serve our institutions of higher education. We honor the labor and resistance of these ancestors, acknowledge that we benefit from this land and labor, and strive to work towards liberation for all.
UCLA Luskin Photo Release Language
By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize UCLA Luskin and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event and UCLA Luskin generally. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.
Attendance by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift.

UCLA MRED OPEN HOUSE
2026-03-04 10:30 - 17:00 | 2343 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Join us at the UCLA MRED Open House!
Prospective students and community members are cordially invited to attend UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program’s Open House on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:30am-5:00pm (PST) followed by a Visiting Fellow Talk from Janet Marie Smith at the Luskin Conference Center, 5:00PM-8:00PM(PST).
For prospective and admitted students interested in learning more about the MRED program, the Open House is a great opportunity to network with UCLA MRED staff, faculty, and students, all while attending information-based sessions showcasing the strong connection the program has with the real estate development sector. We are especially pleased to invite prospective students to attend an industry reception and talk by our Winter 2026 Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Real Estate, Janet Marie Smith.
Open House Itinerary
10:30 Check-In Reception
11:00 Welcome
11:30 Networking Lunch
1:00-3:50 RE DEV 202B Class Observation
3:50-4:00 Break
4:00-4:45 Industry Mentor Session

Distinguished Visiting Fellow Talk
5:00-6:00 Pre-Networking Reception
6:00-7:00 Visiting Fellow Talk
7:00-7:30 Post-Networking Reception

PLEASE RSVP: UCLA MRED OPEN HOUSE

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Janet Marie Smith
Janet Marie Smith is a renowned architect, urban planner, and Major League Baseball executive whose visionary work has shaped some of the most iconic baseball venues in the sport, from Oriole Park at Camden Yards—which set the modern standard for ballpark design—to Fenway Park’s preservation and the extensive renovations at Dodger Stadium including the fan-favorite Centerfield Plaza “front door” and improvements to Camelback Ranch and Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic; she joined the Dodgers in 2012, became Executive VP of Planning & Development in 2020, co-founded the Canopy Team to blend sports facilities with community-focused urban development, and was recognized on Sports Business Journal’s “Influence 125” list of the most impactful figures in sports business.
Full bio
ABOUT UCLA MRED
Housing in the Luskin School of Public Affairs, the UCLA MRED (https://luskin.ucla.edu/mred) was launched in 2025, with an inaugural cohort of 25 students. UCLA MRED is an unprecedented collaboration between UCLA and the real estate industry, to deliver a practical, hands-on, case-driven, real-world curriculum. UCLA MRED emphasizes impact on day one and the leading edge of real estate, new tools and technology to drive value, a whole person approach including soft skills and intangibles to be effective leaders, Los Angeles as a living learning lab as the city rebuilds around sustainability and resiliency, and leverages resources from across the UCLA campus.

UCLA MRED Distinguished Visiting Fellow Talk, Janet Marie Smith
2026-03-04 17:00 - 20:00 | UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
UCLA MRED Winter 2026 Distinguished Visiting Fellow Talk & Industry Reception, featuring Janet Marie Smith, Executive Vice President Planning & Development, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chair and Co-Founder, Canopy Team
Join UCLA MRED (Master of Real Estate Development) for a real estate industry reception and talk by Janet Marie Smith, Winter 2026 Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Real Estate. Smith’s work bridges urban planning, architecture, and place-making, directly relevant to property value, development strategy, and community impact. She has pioneered ballparks that anchor vibrant downtown development, showing how major venues can stimulate surrounding real estate activity and economic growth.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 5:00-8:00 PM (PST)
Luskin Conference Center, Laureate Room, UCLA campus
parking available in structure 8 guest parking (next door)
5:00-6:00pm Pre-Reception Networking (South Courtyard Patio)
6:00-7:00pm Janet Marie Smith Fireside Chat + Q&A (Laureate Room)
7:00-8:00pm Post-Reception (South Courtyard Patio)
Janet Marie Smith
Janet Marie Smith is a renowned architect, urban planner, and Major League Baseball executive whose visionary work has shaped some of the most iconic baseball venues in the sport, from Oriole Park at Camden Yards—which set the modern standard for ballpark design—to Fenway Park’s preservation and the extensive renovations at Dodger Stadium including the fan-favorite Centerfield Plaza “front door” and improvements to Camelback Ranch and Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic; she joined the Dodgers in 2012, became Executive VP of Planning & Development in 2020, co-founded the Canopy Team to blend sports facilities with community-focused urban development, and was recognized on Sports Business Journal’s “Influence 125” list of the most impactful figures in sports business.
Full bio
About UCLA MRED
Housing in the Luskin School of Public Affairs, the UCLA MRED (https://luskin.ucla.edu/mred) was launched in 2025, with an inaugural cohort of 25 students. UCLA MRED is an unprecedented collaboration between UCLA and the real estate industry, to deliver a practical, hands-on, case-driven, real-world curriculum. UCLA MRED emphasizes impact on day one and the leading edge of real estate, new tools and technology to drive value, a whole person approach including soft skills and intangibles to be effective leaders, Los Angeles as a living learning lab as the city rebuilds around sustainability and resiliency, and leverages resources from across the UCLA campus.
