This session is aimed at planners interested in leading grassroots volunteer efforts in small towns and rural areas. Without the population density or professional staff of urban areas, small communities are often dependent on creative grassroots solutions for providing basic necessities such as food systems, support for those aging in place, children's programs, jobs and energy conservation.

The global climate crisis is one of the most serious threats facing us today and action must be taken at every level of government. Local planners have a key role to play in helping to mitigate climate change impacts and to ensure our communities adapt to a changing climate.

Many cities lack adequate access to parks and trails. This equity gap has severe consequences for the health of our communities. Recognizing these inequities and developing plans and funding mechanisms to address them is critical to the future wellness and competitiveness of our cities. In addition to highlighting examples in other cities, this session will illustrate how planners in Columbus, Ohio, quantified unequitable access, set a goal of every resident to be within one half mile of a park or trail, and developed a targeted strategic land acquisition plan. Equitable access to parks and trails in our communities is critical to understand, document and address. Participants will learn about assessment methods to quantify equitable access and solutions to ensure that everyone has walkable access to parks and trails.