Upcoming Events
The following is a non-comprehensive list of events that may be of interest to members. CM credit events are noted where applicable.
15
January2025
Webinar: The Future is Now: Integrating Advanced Technologies into The Goods Movement WorkforceCM 2.0
This webinar will bring awareness to industry-specific stakeholders on the impacts that advanced digital technologies are projected to have on the Transportation and Warehousing (WT) industry specifically in the years ahead. Panelists will provide insight into how the workforce can be reskilled and upskilled in response to digitalization and highlight projected occupational growth in the WT industry.
This webinar will bring awareness to industry-specific stakeholders on the impacts that advanced digital technologies are projected to have on the Transportation and Warehousing (WT) industry specifically in the years ahead. Panelists will provide insight into how the workforce can be reskilled and upskilled in response to digitalization and highlight projected occupational growth in the WT industry.
1 0 AMZoom
16
January2025
January 2025 Section MeetingThe January 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMTeams
16
January2025
Webinar: Trailblazing Accessibility: Ensuring Equitable Access to Natural Spaces for Those with DisabilitiesCM 1.0
This webinar will present information on how outdoor spaces can pose safety and accessibility concerns for those with various disabilities. Attendees will be introduced to solution-seeking methods of dismantling accessibility barriers that are applicable to parks, trails, and similar natural environments.
This webinar will present information on how outdoor spaces can pose safety and accessibility concerns for those with various disabilities. Attendees will be introduced to solution-seeking methods of dismantling accessibility barriers that are applicable to parks, trails, and similar natural environments.
1 PMZoom
17
January2025
Webinar: Accessory Dwelling Units & Equitable Land Use PoliciesCM 1.5
Eq 1.0
Zoning can be a leading cause of inequity in America, and progress will not be made until we start to break down the barriers of inequitable land use regulations. Moreover, zoning reform is only beneficial to those that have access to capital. Eric Kornberg of KRONBERG URBANISTS + ARCHITECTS will discuss how financing ADUs is one of the most inequitable aspects of small scale development. He will share ways to layer on affordability requirements that coincide with land use reform. These affordability requirements can soften the impact of redevelopment for residents, but it is the access to capital and training to be one’s own developer that is crucial to better outcomes.
Eq 1.0
Zoning can be a leading cause of inequity in America, and progress will not be made until we start to break down the barriers of inequitable land use regulations. Moreover, zoning reform is only beneficial to those that have access to capital. Eric Kornberg of KRONBERG URBANISTS + ARCHITECTS will discuss how financing ADUs is one of the most inequitable aspects of small scale development. He will share ways to layer on affordability requirements that coincide with land use reform. These affordability requirements can soften the impact of redevelopment for residents, but it is the access to capital and training to be one’s own developer that is crucial to better outcomes.
1 PMZoom
23
January2025
Webinar: Sustainable Communities Division Annual Climate SymposiumCM 3.0
SR 1.0
Please join the Sustainable Communities Division for the fourth annual SCD Symposium. This year we are focusing on planner’s role in reducing carbon emissions and helping our communities adapt to a future climate. This year’s symposium will feature a keynote by Brian Ross, Vice President, Renewable Energy and Interim Vice President, Communities at the Great Plains Institute, a panel focusing on carbon reduction strategies and a panel on climate adaptation strategies for planners.
SR 1.0
Please join the Sustainable Communities Division for the fourth annual SCD Symposium. This year we are focusing on planner’s role in reducing carbon emissions and helping our communities adapt to a future climate. This year’s symposium will feature a keynote by Brian Ross, Vice President, Renewable Energy and Interim Vice President, Communities at the Great Plains Institute, a panel focusing on carbon reduction strategies and a panel on climate adaptation strategies for planners.
2 PMZoom
30
January2025
Webinar: MAPC Webinar: Affordable Housing in the Mid-AtlanticCM Pending
Topic: Affordable Housing [More information coming soon!]
Topic: Affordable Housing [More information coming soon!]
12 PMZoom
30
January2025
Webinar: Access Versus AccessibilityCM 1.0
The difference between access and accessibility isn’t well understood, but the distinction matters a lot for trail users with disabilities. Confusion about these terms can lead to spaces being presented as accessible when they’re actual inaccessible. It can also create confusion among organizations and trail users about what exactly “accessible” means. The webinar would discuss and show examples of increasing trail access and accessibility by focusing on four areas using a DEIAB lens: Information, Language, Experience/Environment, and Authenticity.
The difference between access and accessibility isn’t well understood, but the distinction matters a lot for trail users with disabilities. Confusion about these terms can lead to spaces being presented as accessible when they’re actual inaccessible. It can also create confusion among organizations and trail users about what exactly “accessible” means. The webinar would discuss and show examples of increasing trail access and accessibility by focusing on four areas using a DEIAB lens: Information, Language, Experience/Environment, and Authenticity.
1 PMZoom
31
January2025
Webinar: Planning and Zoning for Child CareCM 1.5
The State of Michigan recognizes that a robust childcare system is an economic development issue. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently published a Child Care Readiness Toolkit which guides municipalities to better integrate child care into planning efforts, zoning codes, economic development strategies, and local policies and procedures, to become more child care ready.
The State of Michigan recognizes that a robust childcare system is an economic development issue. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently published a Child Care Readiness Toolkit which guides municipalities to better integrate child care into planning efforts, zoning codes, economic development strategies, and local policies and procedures, to become more child care ready.
1 PMZoom
5
February2025
Webinar Wednesday: Climate Change Adaptation Planning in the Great LakesCM Pending
SR Pending
The International Joint Commission (IJC) Water Quality Board (WQB) initiated the Climate Change Adaptation in the Great Lakes project to develop a robust community of practice and provide access to dynamic planning tools designed for local and regional governments to support climate resilience in Great Lakes communities. This project highlights issues primarily through the lens of small to medium-sized communities. There are many municipalities in the region that could benefit from an effort to share tools, networks, and guidance. These communities are faced with a complex situation to analyze, with limited resources for technical assistance, and could use help evaluating factors relating to key decisions about infrastructure investments to counteract and lessen climate change impacts. Accordingly, the WQB believes that this project could provide a great service in addressing and improving these circumstances.
SR Pending
The International Joint Commission (IJC) Water Quality Board (WQB) initiated the Climate Change Adaptation in the Great Lakes project to develop a robust community of practice and provide access to dynamic planning tools designed for local and regional governments to support climate resilience in Great Lakes communities. This project highlights issues primarily through the lens of small to medium-sized communities. There are many municipalities in the region that could benefit from an effort to share tools, networks, and guidance. These communities are faced with a complex situation to analyze, with limited resources for technical assistance, and could use help evaluating factors relating to key decisions about infrastructure investments to counteract and lessen climate change impacts. Accordingly, the WQB believes that this project could provide a great service in addressing and improving these circumstances.
12 PMZoom
13
February2025
February 2025 Section MeetingThe February 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMTeams
14
February2025
Webinar: Web Skills & Platforms for PlannersCM 1.5
As planners increasingly embrace digital tools, understanding the workings behind the web has become crucial. Just as “Code is the new concrete,” planners who understand the “infrastructure” of websites can more effectively engage with digital platforms to serve their communities. This webinar, Planning Webcast: Web Skills for Planners, will provide an essential foundation in web skills, equipping participants to evaluate, design, deploy, and maintain websites. Participants will gain insights into everything from user-friendly design principles to back-end fundamentals, collaboration with web developers , or key no-code platforms. The session will also highlight web tools like Google Sites, Wix, and AI-driven resources that simplify coding and optimize functionality. With knowledge of these tools, planners can confidently navigate and harness the potential of web technology to enhance their planning efforts.
As planners increasingly embrace digital tools, understanding the workings behind the web has become crucial. Just as “Code is the new concrete,” planners who understand the “infrastructure” of websites can more effectively engage with digital platforms to serve their communities. This webinar, Planning Webcast: Web Skills for Planners, will provide an essential foundation in web skills, equipping participants to evaluate, design, deploy, and maintain websites. Participants will gain insights into everything from user-friendly design principles to back-end fundamentals, collaboration with web developers , or key no-code platforms. The session will also highlight web tools like Google Sites, Wix, and AI-driven resources that simplify coding and optimize functionality. With knowledge of these tools, planners can confidently navigate and harness the potential of web technology to enhance their planning efforts.
1 PMZoom
21
February2025
Webinar: Mapping the Food Landscape: Using Healthy Food Walk Audits to Assess Local Food SystemsCM 1.5
Healthy food walk audits provide a dynamic way to assess the food landscape in neighborhoods, evaluating availability, proximity, routes, and infrastructure needs. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use walk audits to gather data on the built environment’s influence on healthy food access, including identifying gaps in food availability, barriers in transportation routes, infrastructure challenges, and opportunities for growing and value-added production. Through real-world examples and collaborative activities, attendees will explore strategies for engaging residents in the auditing process, uncovering community-driven insights, and translating findings into actionable plans. This session will also discuss how walk audit results can shape policies, partnerships, and investments to build resilient and equitable food systems. Participants will leave equipped with tools and techniques to conduct walk audits in their communities and advocate for impactful changes in the local food landscape.
Healthy food walk audits provide a dynamic way to assess the food landscape in neighborhoods, evaluating availability, proximity, routes, and infrastructure needs. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use walk audits to gather data on the built environment’s influence on healthy food access, including identifying gaps in food availability, barriers in transportation routes, infrastructure challenges, and opportunities for growing and value-added production. Through real-world examples and collaborative activities, attendees will explore strategies for engaging residents in the auditing process, uncovering community-driven insights, and translating findings into actionable plans. This session will also discuss how walk audit results can shape policies, partnerships, and investments to build resilient and equitable food systems. Participants will leave equipped with tools and techniques to conduct walk audits in their communities and advocate for impactful changes in the local food landscape.
1 PMZoom
7
March2025
Webinar: Beyond the Rainbow Crosswalk: LGBTQ+ PreservationCM 1.5
E 1.0
Throughout the United States, LGBTQ+ enclaves have provided safe havens for historically marginalized sexual minorities. Yet factors including development pressures, gentrification and continued homophobia threaten these sacred spaces and their associated living heritage. In recent years, many cities have begun to recognize the value of sustaining LGBTQ+ historic and cultural sites within the broader urban fabric. Traditional preservation tools such as historic context statements, city landmarks and cultural resource surveys can ensure such sites are protected. Innovative concepts such as cultural districts can help drive municipal projects. Placemarkers such as commemorative artwork, flags, interpretive signage, and more can further elevate the visibility and identity of queer spaces. However, robust outreach and engagement is critical for community empowerment to ensure planning decisions are ultimately serving the best interests of historically excluded groups. This lively panel discussion will examine tools employed by three different cities, specifically San Francisco, Chicago and Raleigh. Presenters will share success stories of LGBTQ+ preservation, and necessary institutional frameworks to support such efforts. The session will highlight the importance of historic preservation as it relates to broader community stabilization. With lessons learned from this session, attendees can examine opportunities for LGBTQ+ preservation within their own communities.
E 1.0
Throughout the United States, LGBTQ+ enclaves have provided safe havens for historically marginalized sexual minorities. Yet factors including development pressures, gentrification and continued homophobia threaten these sacred spaces and their associated living heritage. In recent years, many cities have begun to recognize the value of sustaining LGBTQ+ historic and cultural sites within the broader urban fabric. Traditional preservation tools such as historic context statements, city landmarks and cultural resource surveys can ensure such sites are protected. Innovative concepts such as cultural districts can help drive municipal projects. Placemarkers such as commemorative artwork, flags, interpretive signage, and more can further elevate the visibility and identity of queer spaces. However, robust outreach and engagement is critical for community empowerment to ensure planning decisions are ultimately serving the best interests of historically excluded groups. This lively panel discussion will examine tools employed by three different cities, specifically San Francisco, Chicago and Raleigh. Presenters will share success stories of LGBTQ+ preservation, and necessary institutional frameworks to support such efforts. The session will highlight the importance of historic preservation as it relates to broader community stabilization. With lessons learned from this session, attendees can examine opportunities for LGBTQ+ preservation within their own communities.
1 PMZoom
13
March2025
March 2025 Section MeetingThe March 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
10
April2025
April 2025 Section MeetingThe April 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
15
May2025
May 2025 Section MeetingThe May 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
12
June2025
June 2025 Section MeetingThe June 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
10
July2025
July 2025 Section MeetingThe July 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
14
August2025
August 2025 Section MeetingThe August 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
11
September2025
September 2025 Section MeetingThe September 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
13
November2025
November 2025 Section MeetingThe November 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
11
December2025
December 2025 Section MeetingThe December 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
Section Events
To register for section-sponsored events, please visit our Eventbrite page.