NEW PALTZ – The Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO), in collaboration with the American Planning Association’s (APA) New York Metro Chapter, will host the forum “An Evening with the Fellows: Financing Smart and Sustainable Place-making” held in the State University of New York at New Paltz’s College Terrace, 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 25.
Three fellows from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Frank Fish, Dwight Merriam and Stuart Turner, will explore the importance of fostering priority growth areas and examine the ways economic planning and strategic land use can increase sustainability in the Hudson Valley. The discussion will touch on innovative zoning and fiscal policies, including the State Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act and Transit-Oriented Development.
At the forum, participants will deliberate how Hudson Valley planners and elected officials can shape local and regional economic policy and future development in order to manage sprawl, reinforce sense of place and promote cost-effective public services. Amidst austere fiscal conditions and governmental cuts, smart growth principles can promote savings. While many leaders support stronger place-making and sustainable development, there is a need for more understanding about possible approaches.
“We are delighted to collaborate with APA’s New York Metro Chapter in providing this interesting, provocative forum for interested professionals and citizens in our region,” said CRREO Director and Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement, Gerald Benjamin at New Paltz.
The APA is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change. The American Institute of Certified Planners is the APA’s professional institute, providing recognized leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners, ethics, professional development, planning education and the standards of planning practice.
The AICP grants fellowships to members with significant achievements in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, public and community service, and leadership. AICP fellows are recognized nationally by their peers for excellence in community planning. They have experience in New York State and the region, and they will share their insights into how local planners and elected officials can shape planning and economic policy while promoting a sustainable future and sense of place.
CRREO was established in 2007 to further engage the university and its people with communities, governments, not-for-profits and businesses across our region. CRREO conducts and publicizes research on regional topics; creates and directs select institutes focusing on specific topics of regional interest; connects and partners with local governments, not-for-profits and businesses to initiate reforms and advocate for best practices; contracts to assess the performance of public and not-for-profit agencies and programs; and works to foster intergovernmental collaboration and community engagement.
Admission is $12; free for SUNY students (pre-registration required). Dessert-style refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by April 22. There is an opportunity for municipal planning and zoning board members to obtain 1.5 hours of continuing education at this event. For more information, visit http://www.nyplanning.org/ or contact David Gilmour from AICP at (845) 616-2278 or Gilmourplanning@gmail.com.
