Events

The pandemic exposed inequities baked into the economic system. Planners must rethink basic assumptions about bouncing back to pre-COVID economy. This panel explores the application of new approaches: a new roadmap, targeted social impact investments and small-scale manufacturing that invest in place in an inclusive way to empower systemic transformation.

Many rural and suburban communities with natural assets—and robust internet service—have become attractive places for telecommuters to locate full time. Hear from communities that are weighing the benefits and pitfalls of the "zoom town" phenomenon, working to collect data about it, and seeking to understand potential long-term implications of working from home. Planners can help communities prepare by developing a deeper understanding of the influencing factors and how different approaches to accommodating them have impacts on both the physical environment and people's daily lives. This session also focuses on identifying key considerations for making decisions about policies and programs that address this phenomenon. It's especially important for planners to consider how benefits can be distributed equitably across segments of the population. How can the economic advantages of zoom towns benefit all community members?

Join your APA colleagues for an introductory session to learn more about this timely issue for our communities. Panelists and discussions will consider impacts on infrastructure and social vulnerability as well as the role planners can play in improving outcomes.

The idea of the 15-minute city is a concept that is here to stay because it is an elegant summation of what has always been the fundamental goal of a transportation and land-use system for creating environmentally, and socially, sustainable places. It also contains the seeds for the revitalization and restoration of thousands of older cities and towns in America. But what does the 15-minute city look like? To illustrate the concept, Dr. Garrick will use the case of Zürich, Switzerland which has slowly over the last 50 years recreated itself as one of the world’s preeminent 15-minute cities.

Join your APA colleagues for an intermediate + level session to learn more about this timely issue for our communities. Panelists and discussions will consider impacts on infrastructure and social vulnerability as well as the role planners can play in improving outcomes.