Why You Should Attend

Community Developer/Activist

Smart growth isn’t only about creating a community that has the most up-to-date, sustainable development practices, it is also about creating a community that all of it’s residents love and can be proud of. Community Activists play the important role of advocating for the needs and desires of community members to create a livable and prosperous community where everyone can thrive. This year’s conference will feature some of the top community development, equitable development and environmental justice activists who will showcase how communities can promote healthy environments, accessible education and transportation, quality jobs, affordable housing, and most importantly create a community that everyone loves. Sessions will discuss how to:

  • Understand the economic, environmental and public health benefits of good urbanism and smart growth
  • Ensure that equity and environmental justice is a central component of every decision-making process
  • Team up for success: successful and power collaborations and coalitions between nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and grassroots organizations
  • Measure smart growth performance
  • Build health into your community
  • Understand the important role of parks, open space and urban gardens in community revitalization and promote them in your community
  • Build support for mobility options, including effective outreach tactics for engaging grassroots groups and underserved communities
  • Support a variety of housing options for all segments of the population
  • Restore prosperity in America's legacy cities and the suburbs
  • Support healthy metropolitan food systems
  • Face the critics: tools and trainings to successfully counter smart growth opponents

This conference should be on the A-list for all nonprofit developers who care about comprehensive redevelopment of neighborhoods and communities. The agenda is both practical and cutting edge; networking is among the best in the country; planners seek a place for community development at the smart growth table. Take note of this one!

—Julia Seward, Consultant; Formerly with the
Local Initiatives Support Corporation