WGI’s Lisa Nisenson and Andrew Crozier were among the 3000 planners who attended this year’s National Planning Conference in San Diego, California, from April 30th to May 3rd. During the four-day conference, the convention center teemed with activity as attendees connected with other planning professionals, shared updates, and explored solutions for the challenges communities face.
Lisa and Andrew presented at two well-attended sessions on Mobility Hubs and Planning for Smart Cities.
The Mobility Hubs session featured Andrew and Marisa Mangan from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). WGI presented information from our recent Zoning Practice report on Mobility Hubs, which the American Planning Association commissioned. We developed typologies that we reproduced on a handout shared on social media in that report.
Marisa covered SANDAG’s Mobility Hub program, one of the first and most developed in the country, reinforcing the need for safe and supportive multi-modal infrastructure to support first and last-mile access. Marisa and Andrew both pointed out the need to plan for the first and last miles since new mobility options such as e-bikes and micro transit extend the range past the one-mile mark.
During Q & A, questioners raised exciting points for moving forward:
Lisa’s session featured Vatsal Bhatt from the US Green Building Council and Shannon McElvaney from Jacobs. The presentation included information to help planners:
The expansive four-day program covered topics related to the practice of planning, public engagement, urban design, and infrastructure. Several topics stood out in presentations and conversations.
Data: The ability to readily collect, analyze, and apply data is a real game-changer for almost all aspects of planning. Planners, however, need to pay attention to important matters that fall into the “almost” category to avoid quantification bias—in other words, only paying attention to the most readily measured topics. A data-driven approach can form the foundation for performance-based planning and active management to better track and adjust how cities manage everything from social programs to traffic control to resilience practices.
Equity: Equity was central to the entire program to guide improved planning processes that are genuinely inclusive and representative. Some of the most powerful conversations were led by planners of color who recounted confrontations regarding bikeshare and Complete Streets, which are viewed as catalysts for gentrification.
Foresight: This year’s program emphasized the utility of anticipatory planning – or foresight. This planning technique lets communities examine plausible futures and prepare accordingly. One session demonstrated the value of forecasting where aging infrastructure would be most affected during extreme events. Another utilized data sets to address interdependent and evolving climate and affordable housing challenges.
In 2022, we will be applying many of the concepts covered at the conference. In particular, we will expand our work on Mobility Hubs and typologies, track federal funding releases, and continue work on complete and programmable streets.
Lisa will also be presenting at APA’s virtual conference on May 19th and 20th, providing insights on programmable streets and detailed information for planners on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn more.
Contact our team today and let’s discuss how we can provide support on your major project.
WGI is a national design and professional services firm leading in technology-based solutions for the construction of public infrastructure and real estate development. At WGI, we’re providing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Solutions Today.
Whether you’re a local government official, city planner, developer, or simply a concerned citizen, understanding the Maryland Housing Expansion and Affordability Act is crucial for the well-being of our communities.
From the rise of online commerce to the promise of autonomous vehicles, cities are rethinking curbside space. Explore innovative parking solutions and the potential of programmable curbs as we navigate the evolving transportation landscape.
From clinching first place in the fiercely competitive men’s category to earning accolades for our creative flair in the ‘Most Colorful T-Shirt Design’ competition, every stride and every cheer at the 2024 Lexus Corporate Run embodied WGI’s commitment to excellence and camaraderie.
On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we sit down with Todd Polk, WGI’s Director of Federal/Water Management Business Development, based out of our corporate office in West Palm Beach, FL.
From innovative potable water systems to greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting, explore the sustainable solutions that are transforming communities across the world!
Whether you’re a local government official, city planner, developer, or simply a concerned citizen, understanding the Maryland Housing Expansion and Affordability Act is crucial for the well-being of our communities.
You’ve been searching for a place like WGI. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Sign up to receive emails to hear our latest news and achievements in our monthly newsletter.
Enter your zip code, and we’ll personalize your experience with local projects, office locations, team members, and more.
WGI supports its associates with meaningful opportunities for growth, strong benefits and perks, while we work collaboratively with clients and co-consultants to shape and improve communities.
WGI is a dynamic organization with opportunities nationwide for engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and architects.
