Equity begins with people—because planning that doesn’t center people isn’t truly equitable. Join us on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EST for “Advancing equity through planning,” a transformative webinar hosted by the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS) and Smart Growth America.
This session brings together experts and advocates to explore how equitable land use policies can create healthier, more inclusive communities. Whether you’re a planner, developer, advocate, or community leader, this webinar will equip you with the insights needed to drive meaningful change.
What to expect:
- Learn how land use decisions shape communities and how they can be used to either perpetuate or reduce inequity. The key is intentionality!
- Explore practical strategies to advance racial equity in zoning and planning policies.
- Discover how to center community feedback in planning processes—as well as why its important.
- Understand the Center for Zoning Solutions approach to equitable and sustainable zoning solutions for today’s diverse communities.
Featured presenters:
Bartek Starodaj is currently the Director of Housing Initiatives for the City of Kingston, where he leads strategic initiatives to improve the range of housing options for all residents. He led the City’s successful 2023 action to adopt a new form-based zoning code in 2023 and works to ensure the City will meet its goal of approving 1,000 new housing units by 2029. He also led the City’s recent effort that allowed Kingston to become the first Upstate community to opt into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.
Juan Sebastian Arias is the Executive Director of Elevated Chicago, a multi-sector collaborative of residents, community organizations, artists, developers, activists, and city officials that promotes more equitable development of public spaces, buildings and vacant land around Chicago’s public transit infrastructure (also known as equitable transit-oriented development, or ETOD). A proud Chicago native and son of Ecuadorian immigrants, Juan Sebastian grew up across the Northwest Side of Chicago.
Additional panelists include Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP | Executive Director, CZS, Leslie Oberholtzer | Principal, Codametrics, and Karen Parolek | Principal Opticos Design.
With a mix of expert presentations, engaging case studies, and a thought-provoking panel discussion, this webinar is your chance to learn how planning can address inequality and build stronger communities. Don’t miss out!
Register today and take the first step toward advancing equity in your community!