Planning in an Age of Fear

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Understand how current events can influence inclusive planning.
• Engage and understand culturally diverse communities.
• Use new strategies and tools for inclusive participation.

MORE SESSION DETAILS

While most planners understand the value of planning for culturally diverse communities, the election of Donald Trump and the public expression of right-wing nationalism have the potential to reverse progress made to ensure that the marginalized are represented in the planning process. Join this facilitated group discussion and examine different viewpoints and life experiences in planning for marginalized communities. This session will open with an overview of the unique and challenging planning issues found in marginalized communities. You will have an opportunity to select from five small-group discussions where you will discuss the current political climate and the challenges they pose to the efficacy of meaningful community engagement, explore existing tools and resources designed to reduce the prevailing and emerging misconceptions of planning agencies, examine strategies that promote and advance social equity by sustaining diverse participation, assess existing and informal partnerships that alleviate fear instilled by challenging political climates, and identify and understand the role cultural memory and tradition play in modeling community engagement. Leave having interacted with a network of planners from diverse backgrounds, learned how to be more inclusive, and increased your community cultural competency.