Natalie Stiffler: Boulder (CO) approach to transportation
October 20, 2022
SLO has long been inspired by Boulder’s approach to everything from economic development and open space to the arts and community design. Their approach to getting people around the city is no different. With a goal of building a people-first transportation system where people of all mobility levels can get where they need to go safely and efficiently, Boulder has successfully built more than 150 miles of bike-friendly infrastructure and is consistently rated as one of the most bike- and pedestrian-friendly cities in the country.
Stiffler dove into ways that they have created a transportation system that is sustainable and reduces negative impacts on Boulder’s natural environment, whether that’s through electrifying our local bus fleet, supporting walkable neighborhoods or building multimodal infrastructure that makes it easy and convenient to choose non-vehicular modes of travel.
She also showcased examples from other cities around the world who have designed systems that make moving around more efficient, safe and enjoyable.
To find out more about the what the City of Bolder is doing under Natalie’s leadership, Please visit their website
Anyeley Hallova: Equity In Practice: How to Approach Development Projects to Respect The Natural Environment and Build Inclusive Communities
June 21, 2022
On June 21st, Anyeley Hallova, founder of Adre, an equity-centered real estate development company based in Portland, Oregon, presented on how equity, sustainability, and diversity can and should be the cornerstone of building development projects.
Adre was founded with the purpose of developing building projects that create social and economic benefits for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) through the creation of mixed-use developments, affordable homes, and facilities for mission-driven organizations. Hallová will share the story behind the creation of Adre and her experience delivering innovative and equity-centered development projects. She will also discuss how to use tools and processes that are rooted in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create tangible advancements in the built environment, and what inclusive, sustainable development looks like, from start to finish.
To learn more about what Anyeley is doing she suggests reading the book The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
Moey Newbold: Protecting Open Space Through Well Planned Cities
May 26, 2022
On May 26th, Moey Newbold, formerly with Central Oregon LandWatch, to discuss how Bend, Oregon’s open space advocates lead the successful shift away from sprawl to a more dense, walkable, and vibrant cityscape. She shared the story behind her community’s incredible shift, talked about why an environmental organization can champion smart growth, and discussed what cities like SLO can learn from Bend’s story.
To find out more about the what the LandWatch is doing in Oregon, Please visit their website
Tony Perez: Creating Missing Middle Housing
January 20, 2022
How can SLO encourage higher density housing that is affordable to middle class workers?
On January 20th, Tony Perez, Senior Associate with Opticos Design, to San Luis Obispo. As our community and the entire state grapple with the need for affordable housing and housing in general, infill projects take a front row seat. Perez is a Missing Middle Housing expert who has worked with communities to establish and translate policy direction into clear and implementable development standards.
To find out more about Tony’s work, you can purchase the book Missing Middle Housing by Daniel G. Parolek
Blane Merker: Streets for Living | How the public realm can transform SLO’s growth
October 21, 2021
Public space helped cities survive the pandemic. There’s a lesson for cities to thrive beyond it.
On October 21, Blaine Merker, Managing Director of Gehl, to SLO to explore what an urban public realm could look like, why it can combat the epidemic of isolation, and how the city can emerge from the challenge of Covid-19 smarter and stronger.
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