COVID-19 exposed the complex web of regulations that impact the management and activation of the public realm. In our return to a new normal, municipalities must consolidate and enhance policies and regulatory processes to ensure neighborhoods support vibrant public life.

Learn how embracing equity and inclusion, challenging the way we've always done things, and fostering meaningful, shared decision-making can mend relationships within communities who experienced discrimination to improve local planning efforts.

Two infill mixed-use case studies demonstrate holistic approaches to meeting climate and community development objectives. Learn how to identify sites for climate-positive projects as catalyst for community resilience; define the roles of private and public partners; and establish performance targets.

Transit agencies outside metro areas often don't have reducing emissions at the top of their to-do list. Learn how transit providers are tackling the issue head on and striving to make a difference.

The session will explore new ways to address old problems regarding lack of housing. Five International Fellows in MIT’s Special Program for Urban and Regional Studies will discuss how Buenos Aires is trying to integrate “informal areas”, both economically and politically, into the main city; Mexico’s Social Housing Federal Program; the work of Without Borders to retrofit and strengthen old housing; construction of infrastructure in Bhutan’s low-income settlements; and a proposed zoning tool to enable middle to low income landlords in Mexico City develop mid density housing without having to sell their land to private developers or partner with them if they prefer.

COVID emphasized the need for safer, more accessible facilities. “Solutions” such as rideshare and micromobility are not accessible. Hear a game-changing story of designing safe, more inclusive complete streets, transit stops, crosswalks and recreation/civic/green space.

This session will introduce the significant advancements in GIS highlighting new tools and workflows changing the way planners work to create smarter recommendations and plans.

Learn from seasoned municipal planners leading diverse teams in Miami, Charlotte and Chicago as they successfully adapt to the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff.

By 2034, there will be more adults over 65 than youth under 18 in the U.S. Older adults are often disproportionately represented among disaster fatalities. When land use and other decisions consider their needs, communities are safer for all.

By 2034, there will be more adults over 65 than youth under 18 in the U.S. Older adults are often disproportionately represented among disaster fatalities. When land use and other decisions consider their needs, communities are safer for all.

Learn the keys to launching, implementing, and adapting a nationally recognized program for eviction diversion. The program has undergone several changes since its inception during the pandemic. Presenters us data and outcomes reporting to tell the story.

How do planners engage diverse communities and encourage public participation in planning while operating under constant uncertainty, from the confines of their own home? Learn to pivot with key tools and takeaways from planning during the pandemic.

Lost a great idea to the rigidity of a municipal attorney? Prep to pass the Planners' Bar, thinking critically about land use law, its impact on our projects and profession, and the change we can make for the future.

Planners play a pivotal role in defining the uses that determine a balance of residential and nightlife. New nighttime governance systems require planners’ input to facilitate safe social spaces, anticipate mobility challenges for patrons and workers, and prevent late-night disturbances.

Urban agriculture strengthens food systems, cultivates climate resiliency, grows local economies, and fosters social capital. However, planning and zoning continue to be a barrier to urban agriculture. Learn how planning and zoning can support, rather than hinder urban agriculture.

Understand planning as a cultural-religious practice. Case studies discuss the mechanisms and "language" of such practice. Planners will better navigate secular planning processes where communities of faith and institutions are important stakeholders.

Historically, climate planning focuses primarily on emissions reductions, and community development planning focuses on economic viability. Existing residents and stakeholders are not always part of these processes, though they may be impacted by them.

Discover new, free tools for clean energy planning and lessons learned from Los Angeles in equitable 100% clean energy transitions. Learn how to use the new NREL Scenario Planner's county-level transportation and building emissions projections for energy planning.

The follow-up to the popular Planning Supervisors’ Playbook, Part 1, includes 3 interactive sessions that go deeper into key managerial skills. Sessions will focus on reimagining your team, building an inclusive environment and supporting resiliency.

Jumping into a supervisory role or any level of management is a career goal many people share. While basic management skills are a necessity, there are unique challenges and situations which only a planner will face. This six-part series course is designed to provide you with tools needed for supervisory success.

Planners have perpetuated racist zoning and land use policies that have led to inequities today. Can planners be part of the solution to reverse racist zoning and promote self-determination? Yes, the Neighborhood Self-Defense Project in Dallas tackles these inequities.

This two part course will introduce you to the roles and responsibilities of planners in the hazard mitigation planning process. In particular, you will learn how to effectively plan, mitigate, and advocate for effective risk reduction and community resilience.

Many of us know best practices for designing equitable engagement but, in reality, struggle to make “DEI” more than another checkbox. Hear what planners have learned when they pushed equity to the forefront of their projects: the successes and mistakes.

In 2019, a critical arterial in Manhattan was transformed into the 14th Street Busway, prioritizing transit and trucks, while banning nearly all vehicles. This Case Study explores how the project was implemented and created a template for urban mobility corridors.

It is estimated that up to 100,000 houses of worship will soon close. Some houses of worship have partnered with developers to transform their buildings into new community assets that continue to deliver faith-based services in new and innovative ways.

Protecting community and environmental health can be advanced by smart digital web application tools that automate detection, notification, and future forecasting of water pollution and flooding. Philadelphia Water has deployed automated early warnings of pollution/future flooding to public/water agencies.

We have a once-in-a-lifetime moment to enact innovative policies, programs, and tools to support local businesses through unprecedented ARPA funding, corporate support, and other tools. Learn how to attract and sustain these beloved businesses equitably.

Covid highlighted the importance of civic infrastructure and placemaking to rethink public spaces important to neighborhoods and the nation. Planners from the DC region discuss how public space transformations promote community revitalization and build support for larger capital investments.

How does your office incorporate ADA compliance when evaluating proposals? Changes to increase compliance can be simple, and a small investment up front can save you time and money in the future. Well-planned inclusive spaces benefit all users.

You have a regional climate collaborative, now what? Listen as presenters share an approach to developing a proactive roadmap for regional climate change adaptation that was informed by focus groups, interactive tools, and an Equity Workshop.