Movements of industry, service, and residents cause substantial change to our cities, towns, and suburbs. The visual impact of the changed physical environment often negates the social characteristics that once uniquely identified a neighborhood or place. Urban design is often used to generate and substantiate citizen buy-in – the promise of a better quality of life, and a higher tax base, But who is the beneficiary of good urban design? Our panelists will discuss how design impacts community development. They will explain how their role in community development leads, and will partner-with the development community to reduce the negative effects of change and gentrification.

Movements of industry, service, and residents cause substantial change to our cities, towns, and suburbs. The visual impact of the changed physical environment often negates the social characteristics that once uniquely identified a neighborhood or place. Urban design is often used to generate and substantiate citizen buy-in – the promise of a better quality of life, and a higher tax base, But who is the beneficiary of good urban design? Our panelists will discuss how design impacts community development. They will explain how their role in community development leads, and will partner-with the development community to reduce the negative effects of change and gentrification.

The DNJ conference hosts over 100 downtown professionals, real estate experts, designers, developers, lawyers, public officials, and community organizers for this full day of education, networking, and celebration of achievement.