As part of the 2014 Spring Planning Forums – Making It Great Now, Andrew Howard, AICP of Team Better Block, a leading expert in placemaking and transportation, will be keynoting a day of sessions focused on revitalization and engaging communities in their future. Andrew and additional sessions throughout the day will address strategies and methods that can be rapidly deployed, quickly implemented and readily realized to advance local community engagement and revitalization objectives. The forum will focus on the how-to and hands-on of creative asset mobilization, organizational structure, community capacity building, institutional support and civic engagement. The local option is May 13, 2014 in Allentown. 5.25 CMs are pending approval for the event, including 1.5 ethics credits.
Andrew’s experience in public and private sector planning and design has provided him an excellent perspective on city and regional issues. His work combines two important American traditions: entrepreneurship and the spirit of community. His overarching goal is to equip leaders to take action in their communities. As a Principal at Team Better Block he helps communities develop and organize their economic assets to build productive, resilient relationships across the public, private, and civil sectors. The Better Block concept is in practice in over fifty cities and three nations, and demonstrates how temporary improvements to a single block can build momentum for long-term financial, social, and environmental advancements.
The remainder of each day’s program will be filled with a more local perspective. An ethics panel will focus on engaging all community members, including populations that are typically underserved, and the promises and pitfalls of using social media to engage underserved populations. Panelists will speak to engaging minority and aging populations in planning projects. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and Representative Robert Freeman will present over lunch. Breakout sessions in the afternoon will highlight Southside Bethlehem, Movies at the Mill in Easton, 7th Street Main Street, and the Whitehall Township Industrial and Commercial Development Authority.
Join APA-PA and the Local Government Training Partnership for a day filled with fresh ideas and perspectives. For registration details please see the attached brochure.
