After their respective memberships voted earlier this month in favour of amalgamation, UDI – Edmonton Metro and CHBA – Edmonton Region announced the launch of the newly-formed BILD Edmonton Metro on Wednesday.
Also announced was that UDI – Edmonton Metro CEO Kalen Anderson would be serving as BILD (Building Industry and Land Development) Edmonton Metro's inaugural CEO, a decision made by BILD Edmonton Metro’s Transition Board. Prior to joining the UDI, Anderson also served as Planning Director at the City of Edmonton and Vice President of Capital Planning and Chief Planner with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa.
"I am incredibly honoured to have been selected as BILD Edmonton Metro's inaugural CEO," said Anderson in a press release. "Our industry contributes mightily to our region's economy and collaborates with all levels of government to foster a healthy housing market, a great quality of life, and attract good paying jobs and opportunities for current and future Edmontonians. I look forward to working with BILD Edmonton Metro's Board, association staff, committee volunteers, members, and external partners, to establish a shared vision for how our real estate sector shapes, builds, and invests in the Edmonton Metro Region."
"Kalen is an experienced executive leader with a personal and professional commitment to building sustainable partnerships, communities, cities, and city-regions," said Katrina Rowe, Chair of BILD Edmonton Metro's Transition Board. Her tenure as CEO of the Urban Development Institute – Edmonton Metro, along with her previous leadership roles at the National Capital Commission and City of Edmonton, makes her the perfect candidate to lead our new organization into the future. She will ensure our industry and region remain competitive and ready to welcome an additional one million more people, jobs, and investment."
"We are thrilled to have a mandate from all facets of the real estate sector to speak as one voice," Rowe added, speaking on the amalgamation.
According to the organizations, 92.1% of UDI – Edmonton Metro's members and 88.2% of CHBA – Edmonton Region's members voted in favour of amalgamation.
The newly-formed BILD Edmonton Metro will be focused on advocacy on the municipal level, while BILD Alberta will continue on the provincial level and CHBA National on the federal level.
Over the coming months, BILD Edmonton Metro's Transition Board and CEO said they will be developing a strategic plan, new initiatives, and events for its membership and community.
