James Carpentier AICP James Carpentier is currently State and Local Government Affairs Manager with the International Sign Association. In this capacity James works with local governments and planners to encourage reasonable and effective sign codes. Prior to that James was the owner of Carpentier Consulting LLC where he specialized in sign variances, entitlements and sign legislation. James has also been Director of Government Relations for one of the largest and most respected sign companies in the country. James also has over 20 years experience as a certified planner in the public and private sectors. He has Bachelors from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and Masters studies in Public Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Richard Bass, MAI, AICP, EAC, Principal, Bass & Associates Economic conditions, land use, zoning, environmental (flora/fauna), hazardous contamination and a myriad of other development regulations and limitations all impact the valuation process. This analyst has been involved with the development of various forms of land use regulations (comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, & sign codes), has planned projects, reviewed proposed projects from a governmental regulation viewpoint and developer viewpoint; has conducted real estate appraisals, reviewed appraisals for lenders, local governments and developers; diminution in value/detrimental condition appraisals; has conducted market studies, feasibility studies, absorption studies, project analysis, parking studies, and highest and best use studies; and, has been involved in numerous eminent domain cases including impact analysis, diminution in value cases (hazardous contamination properties), valuation of easements, title policy cases, sign valuation, appraisal review and preparation of appraisals for both the private and public sectors for litigation purposes. http://bassassociatesinc.com/principal.php

Mitchell Silver is President of the American Planning Association (APA) and is also the Chief Planning & Economic Development officer and Planning Director for Raleigh, North Carolina. Silver is an award-winning planner with more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Known by his colleagues as a creative thinker, problem-solver and visionary leader, Silver has been at the center of many cutting edge trends, innovative solutions and visionary plans. As Planning Director in Raleigh, he has led the comprehensive plan update process to create a vibrant 21st century city. He is now overseeing a rewrite of the City’s Development Code. Silver’s work and commentary has been featured in Time.com, and the New York Times.