On March 15, 2022, owners, operators, developers, and investorsinterested in shaping the future of Puerto Rico came together during The PuertoRico Symposium, hosted by the Urban Land Institute, Southeast Florida/CaribbeanChapter, and the Puerto Rico Builders Association.

During this one-day event all attendees had the opportunity to explore how both the public and private sectors can work together to reimagine, revitalize,and rebuild Puerto Rico, with a special focus on hospitality, housing, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Highlights included new financing solutionsand success stories in Puerto Rico’s development.

In words of the PRBA president, Arch. Vanessa de Mari, “this symposium represents a great opportunity to let announce, once again, the ability of ourpeople and our industries to do business and the extraordinary platform that Puerto Rico is to develop new businesses or carry out expansion plans”.

De Mari, along with other PRBA members, had the opportunity to share time and discuss industry issues with several governmental executives such as Governor Pedro Pierluisi, who addressed attendees promoting the economic development of Puerto Rico and the increasing economic activity between Florida and the Island. Hon. William Rodríguez, Puerto Rico’s Housing Secretary; Maretzie Diaz Sánchez, Disaster Recovery Deputy Secretary -CDBG-DR/CDBG-MIT Program; Manuel Laboy, Executive Director at COR3 were also present.

At the event De Mari was recognized by Scott MacLaren, ULI’s Chairman of the Southeast Florida/Caribbean Chapter, for her performance in the PRBA andfor her election as the first woman to occupy the Association’s presidency in70 years.

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