The organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a top leader within the real estate community who has had a transformational impact on the region and the land use industry and whose body of professional and civic work exemplifies the mission and values of ULI – an enduring commitment to responsible development and building thriving, sustainable communities.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are recognized by the District Council for their lifetime of contributions and enduring legacy in the region. View a listing of all past recipients here.

As owner of the Miami Dolphins and Chairman and Owner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, his $730 million investment in Hard Rock Stadium and its surrounding properties has transformed the venue into a global entertainment destination.

His South Florida momentum is only continuing, with a current pipeline of more than 15 new residential, hotel, commercial and retail projects under construction or in pre-development throughout West Palm. In Miami, Related recently partnered with Swire Properties, Inc. to develop One Brickell City Centre, the tallest commercial building in Florida with 1.4 million square feet of office space.

Stephen M. Ross is the Chairman and Founder of Related Companies and a devoted philanthropist. Mr. Ross formed Related in 1972 and today the company includes approximately 4,000 professionals with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, West Palm Beach, Austin and more. Related has over $60 billion in real estate assets owned or under development, including mixed-use, residential, retail and office properties in premier high-barrier-to-entry markets. The company is also one of the largest owners and preservationists of affordable housing in the country. Mr. Ross has always sought opportunities to give back in meaningful ways and his philanthropic efforts have broadly focused on the areas of education, the arts, racial equality, healthcare and the creation of more sustainable cities throughout the world.

Mr. Ross is also the owner of the Miami Dolphins, an NFL franchise that has become one of the most fan-friendly in sports under his leadership. The role is the culmination of one of his long-held dreams — Ross grew up in South Florida and the Dolphins have been a lifetime passion for him. In April 2021, Ross became the Chairman and Owner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

His $730 million investment in Hard Rock Stadium and its surrounding properties has transformed the iconic venue into a global entertainment destination that showcases the best Miami has to offer. From world-class fare to arts, culture and luxury hospitality, Hard Rock Stadium now delivers an elevated guest experience that is unparalleled in professional sports. As a result of the privately-funded renovation, Hard Rock Stadium attracted and secured Super Bowl LIV – which coincided with the 100th season of the NFL – the 2021 and 2026 College Football Playoff National Championships, Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Miami Open tennis tournament, major concerts, international soccer matches and a host of world-class events.

Mr. Ross has a long history in South Florida that began when he attended high school in Miami. Since then, Mr. Ross has invested in projects in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami over the years. In West Palm Beach, Related currently has a portfolio of 1.3M SF of office developments, and a 72-acre mixed-use development called The Square that includes the Palm Beach County Convention Center hotel, Hilton West Palm Beach. In addition, a pipeline of more than 15 new residential, hotel, commercial and retail projects are under construction or in pre-development in West Palm. In Miami, Related recently partnered with Swire Properties, Inc. to develop One Brickell City Centre, the tallest commercial building in Florida with 1.4 million square feet of office space located in the heart of Miami’s financial district.