The ULI Foundation joins the Urban Land Institute community in mourning the passing of Joseph C. Canizaro, a visionary developer, longtime ULI member leader, and generous supporter of the ULI Foundation. Joe passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to shape cities and inspire generations of land use professionals.  

In a career spanning six decades, Joe transformed the New Orleans skyline, helped create the city’s Central Business District, and revitalized communities across the southern United States. He understood the power of the built environment to connect people and strengthen communities—and he believed deeply in ULI’s mission to do exactly that.  

Joe was a ULI member for more than 50 years, serving in many leadership roles at the national level—including as a trustee, chairman, and president of the Institute—as well as an active leader in his local district council, ULI Louisiana. He also served on the Urban Development and Mixed-Use Council (Blue Flight) and Community Development Council (Blue Flight). A generous donor to the ULI Foundation, he was a member of the Marcus Vitruvius Giving Society and the James J. Curtis Planned Giving Society, believing that philanthropic support could help scale ideas and impact across the Institute.  

“I will always remember Joe’s love for ULI and his belief that together we can make communities better,” said ULI Americas CEO Mary Beth Corrigan. “He trusted ULI and our members to do the right thing.” 

In 2011, Joe and fellow ULI past chair Jim Klingbeil made a generous gift to establish the ULI Canizaro/Klingbeil Fellowship for Urban Development, a position designed to advise and collaborate with ULI and its members on issues related to urban revitalization. Currently filled by former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett, the fellowship continues to advance thought leadership and drive collaborative solutions for downtown revitalization. 

“Joe Canizaro was a great friend and wonderful person,” said Smedes York, president and CEO of York Properties and past chair of ULI. “He was a positive, caring, and dynamic leader for ULI and the city of New Orleans. He was never too busy to stop and help a fellow ULI member. He represented the essence of ULI.” 

Joe will be remembered as a real estate pioneer, a generous philanthropist, and a man of faith and family. We at the ULI Foundation are honored to have been a part of his enduring legacy.  

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife of 64 years Sue Ellen, along with his daughters, grandsons, great-grandson, and the many others whose lives he touched.