The UNDC was formed in 2003 by a group of neighborhood leaders, business owners, and the University of Memphis leadership to take full advantage of the impact of the University of Memphis as an instrument for economic and community revitalization in the core neighborhoods surrounding the University of Memphis, often referred to as the "University District." The organization was born at a time when President Raines and the Board of Visitors first embarked upon a strategy of engaging the University of Memphis with the community in a new and vibrant way. The active participation of members of the Universitys leadership team on the UNDC board, coupled with strong support from President Raines for the UNDCs mission, have enabled the organization to rapidly gain momentum and attract the interest and attention of key business and community leaders. The University District Incorporated, a separate non-profit organization working to strengthen neighborhood associations, was also instrumental in the establishment of the UNDC.