Lambda Alpha International

LAI is an honorary society for the advancement of land economics. LAI provides a forum for the study and advancement of land economics where the “winnowing and sifting” of ideas takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Annually chapters sponsor “Weekend Experiences” giving members an opportunity to meet and learn about land-economic issues in cities throughout the world. Open to LAI members and their guests, the Land Economic Weekends (LEW) address wider international, national and regional issues and include project tours within the host city.

Operating through a network of global chapters, LAI provides a variety of programs and forums for its members to share information critical to understanding important land-use issues.

The IMPACT Blog article, Lambda Alpha International Atlanta Chapter: growing membership, influence and impact, introduces LAI along with its designated purposes.

Ei Founder Holly Elmore was inducted into LAI Atlanta Chapter membership in December 2013 and served on the LAI Atlanta Chapter Board. As the International Assistant Communication Director, Holly serves on the Communications Committee and the Global Executive Committee.

The below listings document the powerful LEWs Holly attended, beginning with the 2014 Atlanta LEW, along with designated Atlanta Chapter meetings and other actiivies.

Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective

May 25, 2023
Temple of Understand on-line webinar

The Temple of Understanding invited Ei to host the May monthly Eco Justice for ALL Dialogue. With the topic, Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective, Ei Founder & CEO Holly Elmore orchestrated the following panel of Ei Advisors as the dialogue speakers.
* Stephanie Barger -TRUE Certification for Zero Waste / U.S. Green Building Council Global Director of Market Transformation
* Simon Lamb -, author of award-winning Junglenomics
* Tim Trefzer – Honeycomb Strategies Event and Venue Sustainability VP, Sports & Venues.

Holly served as the dialogue moderator.

In addition to Ei Advisors, the panelists are members of Lambda Alpha International, a 90-year-old land economics honorary.

The RiA Magazine article, Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective, highlights the impressive dialogue; the entire Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective Dialogue is available for viewing on YouTube.

COASTAL-WATER QUALITY: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact

February 17,2023
LAI Global Webinar – online

On February 17 Lambda Alpha International (LAI, a land-economics honorary) hosted the Global Webinar Coastal-Water Quality: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact presented by Sarasota’s environmental leadership. As a member of the LAI executive committee, Ei Founder & CEO Holly Elmore orchestrated the webinar.

The global webinar was the second program in an eighteen-month series about water and land economics around the globe hosted by the LAI Global Water Group.

LAI At-Large Members from Florida’s Central Gulf Coast shared on global-coastal-water challenges along with the economic impact to the local and regional communities. With a well-orchestrated plan, via the Water Playbook, community organizations execute programs designed to prevent water contamination from land use and to cleanse contaminates in the water.

The Sarasota Bay Report Card documents achievements and remaining challenging scenarios. Teamwork is required for success with support provided by local, state, and federal governments as well as the community (foundations and taxpayers.)

Sarasota ROCKS when it comes to water-quality commitments; after all, the local economy and way of life depend on healthy waters!

The RiA article, Coastal-Water Quality: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact, gives an in-depth synopsis of the empowering presentations; the 90-minute recorded webinar may be viewed at this LINK.

Below are the panelists along with their respective PPT presentations available for download:
• David Tomasko, Ph,D, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director: State of the Bay, How to Meet Water-Quality Goals
• Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Senior Vice President Community Investment: Water-Quality Playbook
• Christine Johnson, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast President: Conservation Easements
• Sandy Gilbert, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide Chair: Healthy Stormwater Ponds

2019 Fall Austin LEW

In early November, the Austin LAI Chapter hosted the Fall 2019 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) with grand success. Over 100 attendees traveled from around the globe for the impressive two days of tours culminating with an Awards Banquet. As a member of the Global Executive Committee, Ei Founder Holly Elmore attended the pre-LEW business meetings and enjoyed the LEW festivities.

Each LEW day began with a presentation on Austin’s economic landscape addressing historical contributions to current successes | challenges. Additionally, work-in-progress to harness the explosive growth with healthy outcomes was addressed and discussed.

During the day, the LEW Group visited prominent sites showcasing Austin’s economic, social-conscious, and natural drivers. It was an invigorating visit to Austin.

The IMPACT Magazine article, Austin: growth through redevelopment, gives an overview of the LEW activities; the Ei FB album, Austin Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recount of LEW activities through Holly’s lens.

May 2019 Rio Piedras PAD

May 1, 2019
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

On May 1, 2019 Lambda Alpha International (LAI) hosted the Rio Piedras Professional Advisory Delegation (PAD) in partnership with the Fideicomiso para el Desarrollo de Río Piedras (FDRP). The PAD was a precursor to the LAI Puerto Rico (PR) Land Economics Weekend (LEW) where the new PR Chapter was chartered and new local members were initiated during the LEW Welcome Reception.

Around 50 LAI delegates traveled early to the PR LEW to participate in the Rio Piedras PAD. According to LAI International Vice-President Cassandra Francis, “We hope this initial LAI PAD will serve to strengthen our connections with the community of Rio Piedras and allow LAI to be part of the community’s future renaissance.”

The RiA Magazine article, Rio Piedras: revitalizing beyond their wildest dreams, published as an overview of the Rio Piedras PAD. The Ei FB album, Rio Piedras Professional Advisory Delegation, is a pictorial recap of the walking tours and the formal PAD session.

Following the Rio Piedras PAD, the local LAI Chapter hosted the 2019 Spring PR LEW. In alignment with tradition, the LEW finished with an Awards Banquet. The FB album, 2019 Puerto Rico LEW Awards Banquet, showcases the festive evening.

2018 Baltimore LEW

April 26 -28, 2018
Baltimore, MD

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Baltimore Chapter hosted the Spring 2018 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Baltimore’s history, challenges, and accomplishments.

With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on neighborhood revitalization, Inner Harbor industrial | commercial development, and community-based initiatives.
As an LAI Atlanta Chapter Board member, Holly represented the chapter in pre-LEW business meetings and enjoyed the LEW festivities.
The RiA article, Baltimore: revitalization in-process, gives an overview of the Baltimore LEW. Holly published the Ei FB album, 2018 Spring Baltimore LEW, with images from her LEW perspective.

February 2017 LAI Atlanta Chapter Meeting

February 15, 2017
Atlanta, GA

At the invitation of Ei Founder Holly Elmore, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) General Manager Scott Jenkins gave an empowering Sustainability: an economic driver presentation at the February 15 Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Atlanta Chapter luncheon meeting.

Continuing Atlanta’s sustainability leadership role, MBS is slated to open in mid-2017 as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified professional stadium in the world. MBS will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Atlanta United FC of the Major League Soccer.

In his opening slide, Scott states: MBS will be the Heart of Atlanta and home to the biggest championships in the United States. Scott provided a list of secured championships including, but not limited to, the 2019 Super Bowl and the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Additionally, the list of sustainability accomplishments is staggering.

Throughout his presentation, Scott emphasized the economics grounding the MBS sustainability commitment.

As Scott is a close Ei friend, a strong Ei entourage attended the LAI meeting to show their support: LAI member Wayne King (U.S. Composting Council | ERTHProducts), Boyd Leake (City of Atlanta, Office of Sustainability), Jim Harrell (Renaissance Technology) and Tim Trefzer (Georgia World Congress Center).

The IMPACT Blog article, Sustainability: an economic driver, gives an overview of Scott’s empowering presentation. Scott’s PPT presentation is available for download: 02-15-17 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Presentation (4402 KB)

At the LAI meeting Holly gave a short presentation on Cuba Building Restoration with photos from her recent Cuba Cruise. The Holly Elmore Images FB album, 2017 Cuba Cruise, is a detailed 100+ photo Cuba visit recount, complete with historical anecdotes within descriptions. Holly’s PPT presentation is available for download: 02-15-17 Cuba Building Restoration Presentation (2170 KB)

2016 Fall Toronto LEW

September 22 – 24, 2016
Toronto, Ontario Canada

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Simcoe Chapter hosted the Fall 2016 Toronto Land Economics Weekend (LEW) attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Toronto’s history, challenges, and accomplishments. With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on downtown Toronto redevelopment plans-in-process designed to craft a livable city for the increasing population.

On Thursday, September 22 LAI Board & Executive Meetings were held throughout the day. Ei Founder Holly Elmore represented the LAI Atlanta Chapter as well as her new position on the International Public Relations & Communications Committee.

The IMPACT Blog article, Toronto: crafting a livable city amidst staggering population shifts and growth, published as an in-depth LEW overview along with commentary. The Ei FB album, Toronto Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recount of the LEW.

2016 Spring Memphis LEW

April 21 – 23, 2016
Memphis, TN

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Memphis Chapter hosted the Spring 2016 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) April 21 – 23 attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Memphis’ history, challenges, and accomplishments. With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on the music industry, major redevelopment and, of course, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The IMPACT Blog article, Memphis: an amazing city redefining itself, published as an in-depth LEW overview along with commentary. The Ei FB album, Memphis Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recap of the Memphis LEW including a section on Holly’s self-guided Memphis walking tour.

2014 Spring Atlanta LEW

April 3 – 5, 2014
Atlanta, GA

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Atlanta Chapter hosted the Spring 2014 Land Economics Weekend attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Atlanta’s history, challenges, and accomplishments. LAI member, Holly Elmore, joined the “Weekend Experience” documenting the tours in the ZWA Blog article, Atlanta Welcomes Global Land Economics Group, and in the Ei FB album, Spring 2014 Lambda Alpha Land Economics Weekend in Atlanta.

Ei Online Magazines


Lambda Alpha International

LAI is an honorary society for the advancement of land economics. LAI provides a forum for the study and advancement of land economics where the “winnowing and sifting” of ideas takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Twice per year chapters sponsor “Weekend Experiences” giving members an opportunity to meet and learn about land-economic issues in cities throughout the world. Open to LAI members and their guests, the Land Economic Weekends (LEW) address wider international, national and regional issues and include project tours within the host city.

Operating through a network of global chapters, LAI provides a variety of programs and forums for its members to share information critical to understanding important land-use issues.

The IMPACT Blog article, Lambda Alpha International Atlanta Chapter: growing membership, influence and impact, introduces LAI along with its designated purposes.

In December 2013 Ei Founder Holly Elmore was inducted into membership and serves on the LAI Atlanta Chapter Board. As the International Assistant Scribe, Holly serves on the the Publications Committee and the Global Executive Committee. In addition, Holly serves on the Global Public Relations and Communications Executive Committee.  

The below listings document the powerful LEWs Holly attended, beginning with the 2014 Atlanta LEW, along with designated Atlanta Chapter meetings and other actitivies.

Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective

May 25, 2023
Temple of Understand on-line webinar

The Temple of Understanding invited Ei to host the May monthly Eco Justice for ALL Dialogue. With the topic, Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective, Ei Founder & CEO Holly Elmore orchestrated the following panel of Ei Advisors as the dialogue speakers.
* Stephanie Barger -TRUE Certification for Zero Waste / U.S. Green Building Council Global Director of Market Transformation
* Simon Lamb -, author of award-winning Junglenomics
* Tim Trefzer – Honeycomb Strategies Event and Venue Sustainability VP, Sports & Venues.

Holly served as the dialogue moderator.

In addition to Ei Advisors, the panelists are members of Lambda Alpha International, a 90-year-old land economics honorary.

The RiA Magazine article, Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective, highlights the impressive dialogue; the entire Environmental Stewardship: the business perspective Dialogue is available for viewing on YouTube.

COASTAL-WATER QUALITY: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact

February 17,2023
LAI Global Webinar – online

On February 17 Lambda Alpha International (LAI, a land-economics honorary) hosted the Global Webinar Coastal-Water Quality: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact presented by Sarasota’s environmental leadership. As a member of the LAI executive committee, Ei Founder & CEO Holly Elmore orchestrated the webinar.

The global webinar was the second program in an eighteen-month series about water and land economics around the globe hosted by the LAI Global Water Group.

LAI At-Large Members from Florida’s Central Gulf Coast shared on global-coastal-water challenges along with the economic impact to the local and regional communities. With a well-orchestrated plan, via the Water Playbook, community organizations execute programs designed to prevent water contamination from land use and to cleanse contaminates in the water.

The Sarasota Bay Report Card documents achievements and remaining challenging scenarios. Teamwork is required for success with support provided by local, state, and federal governments as well as the community (foundations and taxpayers.)

Sarasota ROCKS when it comes to water-quality commitments; after all, the local economy and way of life depend on healthy waters!

The RiA article, Coastal-Water Quality: Challenges, Solutions, and Economic Impact, gives an in-depth synopsis of the empowering presentations; the 90-minute recorded webinar may be viewed at this LINK.

Below are the panelists along with their respective PPT presentations available for download:
• David Tomasko, Ph,D, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director: State of the Bay, How to Meet Water-Quality Goals
• Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Senior Vice President Community Investment: Water-Quality Playbook
• Christine Johnson, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast President: Conservation Easements
• Sandy Gilbert, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide Chair: Healthy Stormwater Ponds

2019 Fall Austin LEW

In early November, the Austin LAI Chapter hosted the Fall 2019 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) with grand success. Over 100 attendees traveled from around the globe for the impressive two days of tours culminating with an Awards Banquet. As a member of the Global Executive Committee, Ei Founder Holly Elmore attended the pre-LEW business meetings and enjoyed the LEW festivities.

Each LEW day began with a presentation on Austin’s economic landscape addressing historical contributions to current successes | challenges. Additionally, work-in-progress to harness the explosive growth with healthy outcomes was addressed and discussed.

During the day, the LEW Group visited prominent sites showcasing Austin’s economic, social-conscious, and natural drivers. It was an invigorating visit to Austin.

The IMPACT Magazine article, Austin: growth through redevelopment, gives an overview of the LEW activities; the Ei FB album, Austin Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recount of LEW activities through Holly’s lens.

May 2019 Rio Piedras PAD

May 1, 2019
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

On May 1, 2019 Lambda Alpha International (LAI) hosted the Rio Piedras Professional Advisory Delegation (PAD) in partnership with the Fideicomiso para el Desarrollo de Río Piedras (FDRP). The PAD was a precursor to the LAI Puerto Rico (PR) Land Economics Weekend (LEW) where the new PR Chapter was chartered and new local members were initiated during the LEW Welcome Reception.

Around 50 LAI delegates traveled early to the PR LEW to participate in the Rio Piedras PAD. According to LAI International Vice-President Cassandra Francis, “We hope this initial LAI PAD will serve to strengthen our connections with the community of Rio Piedras and allow LAI to be part of the community’s future renaissance.”

The RiA Magazine article, Rio Piedras: revitalizing beyond their wildest dreams, published as an overview of the Rio Piedras PAD. The Ei FB album, Rio Piedras Professional Advisory Delegation, is a pictorial recap of the walking tours and the formal PAD session.

Following the Rio Piedras PAD, the local LAI Chapter hosted the 2019 Spring PR LEW. In alignment with tradition, the LEW finished with an Awards Banquet. The FB album, 2019 Puerto Rico LEW Awards Banquet, showcases the festive evening.

2018 Baltimore LEW

April 26 -28, 2018
Baltimore, MD

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Baltimore Chapter hosted the Spring 2018 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Baltimore’s history, challenges, and accomplishments.

With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on neighborhood revitalization, Inner Harbor industrial | commercial development, and community-based initiatives.
As an LAI Atlanta Chapter Board member, Holly represented the chapter in pre-LEW business meetings and enjoyed the LEW festivities.
The RiA article, Baltimore: revitalization in-process, gives an overview of the Baltimore LEW. Holly published the Ei FB album, 2018 Spring Baltimore LEW, with images from her LEW perspective.

February 2017 LAI Atlanta Chapter Meeting

February 15, 2017
Atlanta, GA

At the invitation of Ei Founder Holly Elmore, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) General Manager Scott Jenkins gave an empowering Sustainability: an economic driver presentation at the February 15 Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Atlanta Chapter luncheon meeting.

Continuing Atlanta’s sustainability leadership role, MBS is slated to open in mid-2017 as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified professional stadium in the world. MBS will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Atlanta United FC of the Major League Soccer.

In his opening slide, Scott states: MBS will be the Heart of Atlanta and home to the biggest championships in the United States. Scott provided a list of secured championships including, but not limited to, the 2019 Super Bowl and the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Additionally, the list of sustainability accomplishments is staggering.

Throughout his presentation, Scott emphasized the economics grounding the MBS sustainability commitment.

As Scott is a close Ei friend, a strong Ei entourage attended the LAI meeting to show their support: LAI member Wayne King (U.S. Composting Council | ERTHProducts), Boyd Leake (City of Atlanta, Office of Sustainability), Jim Harrell (Renaissance Technology) and Tim Trefzer (Georgia World Congress Center).

The IMPACT Blog article, Sustainability: an economic driver, gives an overview of Scott’s empowering presentation. Scott’s PPT presentation is available for download: 02-15-17 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Presentation (4402 KB)

At the LAI meeting Holly gave a short presentation on Cuba Building Restoration with photos from her recent Cuba Cruise. The Holly Elmore Images FB album, 2017 Cuba Cruise, is a detailed 100+ photo Cuba visit recount, complete with historical anecdotes within descriptions. Holly’s PPT presentation is available for download: 02-15-17 Cuba Building Restoration Presentation (2170 KB)

2016 Fall Toronto LEW

September 22 – 24, 2016
Toronto, Ontario Canada

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Simcoe Chapter hosted the Fall 2016 Toronto Land Economics Weekend (LEW) attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Toronto’s history, challenges, and accomplishments. With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on downtown Toronto redevelopment plans-in-process designed to craft a livable city for the increasing population.

On Thursday, September 22 LAI Board & Executive Meetings were held throughout the day. Ei Founder Holly Elmore represented the LAI Atlanta Chapter as well as her new position on the International Public Relations & Communications Committee.

The IMPACT Blog article, Toronto: crafting a livable city amidst staggering population shifts and growth, published as an in-depth LEW overview along with commentary. The Ei FB album, Toronto Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recount of the LEW.

2016 Spring Memphis LEW

April 21 – 23, 2016
Memphis, TN

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Memphis Chapter hosted the Spring 2016 Land Economics Weekend (LEW) April 21 – 23 attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Memphis’ history, challenges, and accomplishments. With limited time, the LEW tours and presentations focused on the music industry, major redevelopment and, of course, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The IMPACT Blog article, Memphis: an amazing city redefining itself, published as an in-depth LEW overview along with commentary. The Ei FB album, Memphis Land Economics Weekend, is a pictorial recap of the Memphis LEW including a section on Holly’s self-guided Memphis walking tour.

2014 Spring Atlanta LEW

April 3 – 5, 2014
Atlanta, GA

The Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Atlanta Chapter hosted the Spring 2014 Land Economics Weekend attracting a global contingency eager to learn about Atlanta’s history, challenges, and accomplishments. LAI member, Holly Elmore, joined the “Weekend Experience” documenting the tours in the ZWA Blog article, Atlanta Welcomes Global Land Economics Group, and in the Ei FB album, Spring 2014 Lambda Alpha Land Economics Weekend in Atlanta.

Ei Online Magazines