CHAPEL HILL - “The Smart Math of Mixed-Use Development” will be the topic of a public talk by Joe Minicozzi, an Asheville-based land economics expert and real estate developer, on Thursday, March 21, at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Minicozzi is the principal of Urban3, LLC (U3), a consulting company specializing in land value economics, property tax analysis and community design.

He will give a free, public lecture at 6 p.m. in Koury Auditorium at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Minicozzi will lay out the math that he says proves that mixed use real estate development makes good sense for town residents. Using data visualization he will share how cities can overcome misconceptions about efficient urban development and make wise downtown investments.

“Many policy decisions seem to create incentives for businesses and property developers to expand just about anywhere, without regard for the types of buildings they are erecting,” says Minicozzi. “The best return on investment for the public comes when smart and sustainable development occurs downtown.”

Minicozzi has served as the executive director for the Asheville Downtown Association and as the new projects director for Asheville real estate developer Public Interest Projects. The Congress for New Urbanism, the American Planning Association, the International Association of Assessing Officers and the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference have featured his work.

His lecture will be followed by a question and answer session and a reception showcasing students’ urban design and development work.

The event is sponsored by the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning Planner’s Forum, the Carolina Planning Journal, the Graduate and Professional Student Federation, the Natural Resource Defense Council and the UNC Kenan-Flagler Real Estate Club.

The event is open to the public. Free parking will be available only in the business school parking deck. For more information, see planning.unc.edu/Smartmath.