The Jobs and Economic Case for Planning (concurrent)
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Economic prosperity is the number one concern for many Americans. It's more important than ever to connect the dots between planning and job creation. Do today's economic indicators prove the value of planning? Discover how to build support for planning in the business community. CM |1.25

Federal Budget Battles and Impacts on Local Governments (concurrent)
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Washington's fierce debates over the federal budget are sending shock waves across the country. Hear the latest on fiscal 2012 funding. How will Washington's focus on debt reduction and budget cuts affect communities in the long run? Find out how local governments are faring and what's coming next. CM |1.25

State Attacks on Planning and How to Beat Them (concurrent)
3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

A growing number of states have faced significant new legislative and fiscal challenges to good planning. Review state legislative actions so far this year and get tips on successfully advocating for planning policy in the fights ahead. CM |1.25

Civilian 'BRAC' and the Future of Federal Property (concurrent)
3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Congress and the Obama administration are looking at ways to manage vacant and underused federal properties. Some have suggested a process modeled on BRAC military base closures. Find out how bipartisan bills for disposing of federal properties will affect local communities. CM |1.25

What to Expect for Planning in Transportation Reauthorization (concurrent)
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Major changes are afoot in transportation planning. Get up to speed on structural reforms to Metropolitan Planning Organizations, new performance planning proposals, "complete streets" standards, and livability programs. CM |1.25

The Future of Federal Finance Policy for Housing and Community Development (concurrent)
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The crash of 2008 transformed the landscape for federal development policy. How will today's proposed initiatives affect local planning and development? Get an update on key federal programs, market trends, Government Sponsored Enterprise reform, tax policy overhaul, and more. CM |1.25

Boosting Rail and Finding Funding in Transportation Authorization (concurrent)
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Drill deeper into the transportation reauthorization and reform debate in this informative session. Take a look at current federal investment in transit and high-speed rail, as well as proposals for an infrastructure bank and innovative finance. As budgets takes center stage in policy debates, see what's getting funded — and what to expect. CM |1.25

Hazards and Resilience (concurrent)
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Recent storms and flooding point up the need for local planners to understand natural hazards and the impact of climate change. Learn how programs from the Department of Homeland Security and NOAA's Digital Coast are giving planners more tools to keep their communities safer. CM |1.25

Farm and Food (concurrent)
3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Farm Bill, due for reauthorization next year, already has stirred debate over vital agriculture and food programs. How will the debate reshape federal land conservation, rural development, food access and nutrition, and food systems planning? Hear what's happening in federal policy and what it means for planners. CM |1.25

Water Policy and Legal Issues (concurrent)
3:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m.

Water rights cases are on the rise, and the stakes are higher than ever for local communities. Learn about new rulings on coastal protection and property rights, and explore the emergence of "ocean zoning" and new EPA guidance and proposed rulemaking to protect vital waters. CM |1.5

Planners as Advocates: Rebuilding Support for Action on Climate Change and Clean Energy (concurrent)
5:15 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

In 2008, presidential candidates from both parties embraced legislative proposals on climate change. The House of Representatives even passed a comprehensive cap and trade bill. Now Congress has shelved climate change legislation. Look at how energy and climate issues are faring on Capitol Hill and in public opinion. Discover how planners can build support for addressing one of the nation's most pressing issues. CM |1.25

Planners as Advocates: The Future of CDBG (concurrent)
5:15 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Since 1975, the Community Development Block Grant program has played an essential part in economic development across the nation. Today, the program is under attack. Take the pulse of CDBG and find out how planners can build public and political support for investment in local communities. CM |1.25