Municipal bonds are the lifeblood of major redevelopment projects and the obligations they create are a major factor in municipal fiscal health. A recent increa ... more

Municipal bonds are the lifeblood of major redevelopment projects and the obligations they create are a major factor in municipal fiscal health. A recent increase in municipal bankruptcy filings presents an opportunity to revisit the relationship between bonds, bankruptcy, and planning. After an introduction to bond finance, panelists will discuss the implications of default, present a case study of Central Falls, Rhode Island, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2011, and explore the connections between planning, finance, and bankruptcy.

Instructors:

J.R. Clark

Ted Orson

Elizabeth Caputo

Charles Gottlieb

Ken Bond

Jeanette Dinwiddie-Moore FAICP

This spring, the House of Representatives launched an unprecedented attack on one of the nation’s most crucial data-collecting methods, the American Community S ... more

This spring, the House of Representatives launched an unprecedented attack on one of the nation’s most crucial data-collecting methods, the American Community Survey. Voting to both eliminate the program and defund it entirely, the House actions show how vulnerable census programs are. The census isn’t alone among federal data programs facing serious challenges. At the same time, federal data is becoming more vital than ever for planners working on economic recovery, climate change, and a host of other major challenges. Get latest on both the political challenges and new essential new tools.

Instructors:

Phil Sparks

Ron Kelly

Christine Matthews

Tim Newman

In an era of tight federal and state budgets and a new federal transportation bill that cedes new authorities to states, how are cities responding? This session ... more

In an era of tight federal and state budgets and a new federal transportation bill that cedes new authorities to states, how are cities responding? This session will highlight some of the remarking innovation in transportation policy at the local level that is transforming communities. In addition, experts will discuss the implications of the new transportation law for local governments and offer insights on how communities should respond..

Instructors:

Ron Thaniel

Carol Whitaker

Joseph Horwedel AICP

After years of delay, Congress has passed a new federal transportation law, MAP-21. The new law makes a variety of important changes to familiar federal transp ... more

After years of delay, Congress has passed a new federal transportation law, MAP-21. The new law makes a variety of important changes to familiar federal transportation programs and planning requirements. The conference will feature leading officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation talking about their plans for the implementation of the new law and transportation policy experts outlining both the threats and new opportunities in MAP-21.

Instructors:

Greg Nadeau

Dwayne Weeks

Rocky Piro FAICP

What’s Next: the Changing Face of America Markets and demographics are changing communities across the country. Understanding these trends are vital to good p ... more

What’s Next: the Changing Face of America Markets and demographics are changing communities across the country. Understanding these trends are vital to good planning and good public policy. This year’s Federal Policy and Program Briefing will feature two sessions aimed specifically at the issue of ‘what’s next.’ These sessions will look at the important economic, demographic and policy trends shaping today’s debate and the face of tomorrow’s communities. Experts will examine a range of emerging issues including changes in households, the impact of immigration, population and demographic shifts, post-recession market trends, an aging population, and structural budget issues facing state and local governments.

Instructors:

Jana Lynott

Maureen McAvey

Mariia Zimmerman

Angela Vincent

Diana Carew