The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has appointed Katie Smith as director of policy for Europe. In this new role, she will lead the European research strategy, contribute to the design and delivery of conferences, panels and other events and provide strategic advice to the European policy and practice committee.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has appointed Katie Smith as director of policy for Europe. In this new role, she will lead the European research strategy, contribute to the design and delivery of conferences, panels and other events and provide strategic advice to the European policy and practice committee.

Smith joins ULI from the Audit Commission, the body which audits local services in England and promotes value for money in public spending. At the Audit Commission, she led many of its major studies on planning, housing and environmental issues with a significant impact on national policy and local practice.

Smith brings 18 years' experience of planning and regeneration policy development and research to her new position, as well as in-depth knowledge of local government in the UK.

The Urban Land Institute is a global non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.