Lambda Alpha, which stands for “study of the land,” was established as a scholarly fraternity at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in the autumn of 1930. It was formed for the encouragement of the study of land economics in universities; the promotion of a closer affiliation between its members and the professional world of land economics; and the furtherance of the highest ideals of scholarship and honesty in business and the universities.

The inspiration for the fraternity was Professor Richard T. Ely (1854-1943), who is commonly referred to as the “Father of Land Economics.” The first honorary member of LAI, Dr. Ely was a leading progressive economist of the early 1900s. As a professor of land economics at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin, Ely influenced national leaders. He was a close friend to Theodore Roosevelt and President Wilson’s advisor for his PhD, and Franklin D. Roosevelt incorporated many of his ideas in his New Deal policies.

LAI moved beyond its fraternal structure on campus to become an honorary land economics society in the broader Chicago real estate community, with members chosen solely by invitation on the basis of an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the knowledge or practice of land economics. The first LAI professional chapter, Chicago’s Ely Chapter, included distinguished members such as the economist Homer Hoyt. As certain members of LAI moved from Chicago, they helped to establish new chapters, the first being the New York Chapter (1955). The Los Angeles Chapter (1955), George Washington Chapter (Washington DC, 1957) and Golden Gate Chapter (San Francisco, 1964) followed. The founding of the Simcoe Chapter (Toronto, 1964) marked the beginning of LAI’s international growth.

LAI continues its original purposes through a network of 25 chapters in Canada, India, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With a twice yearly international gathering – the Land Economics Weekend – LAI nurtures ethical and sustainable land economics practices and professional fellowship on a global level. The intent of Northwestern University’s land economics scholars of the 1930’s continues to be advocated by LAI members across the world.

Learn more about LAI’s history at the LAI website.

In the autumn of 1930, Lambda Alpha was established at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to help foster the study of land economics.

The membership of Lambda Alpha includes outstanding individuals from many parts of the world who have distinguished themselves in all of the various disciplines and activities that relate to the use and re-use of land. These individuals 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.

The membership includes architects, engineers, real estate developers, planners, government officials, professors, bankers, attorneys, real estate consultants, and officials of organizations and national and international associations. The diversity of this membership provides an unusual reservoir of talent, knowledge and expertise to draw upon for educational programs and discussions. This reservoir in turn attracts others with talent, knowledge, and expertise to the educational activities of Lambda Alpha at both the international and Chapter level.

Lambda Alpha International has chapters in many key cities in the United States, Canada, England, and Madrid with members-at large in many other parts of the world. Its membership is a “Who’s Who in Land Economics” honoring men and women who have distinguished themselves in land economics-related activities.

Local chapters regularly conduct professional programs for both their members and their local communities.

International, in coordination with local chapters sponsor twice-annual “Weekend Experiences” giving all members an opportunity to meet and learn about land economic issues in other cities throughout the world. Lambda Alpha International publishes a quarterly newsletter, KeyNotes and maintains an expanding web site where members network and share information internationally.

Through the Land Economics Foundation, LAI supports annual scholarships and funds other educational pursuits.

Visit the Lambda Alpha International website.

LEF is a not-for-profit charitable foundation organized to administer an investment fund which provides grants for research projects related to land economics. Since 1965 LEF has committed capital (5% of assets) to a number of significant and worthwhile endeavors across the country on a matching basis with other non-profit entities.

General Purpose. This charitable Foundation is to create and administer a research and education Investment Fund to be held in perpetuity or until such fund is terminated pursuant to law. The purposes of this Investment Fund are:

• To encourage and support the study and application of land economics and to support the highest ideals of scholarship and integrity for all fields-professional, business, governmental and land economics affairs and academics in which it is practiced;

• To expand the universe of knowledge and understanding of the principles of land economics and encourage and support the application of such principles to both public policy and private endeavor;

• To provide grants for research projects relating to land economics which are approved or originated by the Board of Trustees; and

• To perform or facilitate such other projects and activities as will carry out the purposes enumerated above.

Visit the Land Economics Foundation website.