FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD UP
PORTLAND, OR MAY 7-9, 2014 ao
Welcome to Portland!
In all, our Incubator and annual Summit have served more than 2,000 of the world’s leading urban planners, citymakers and policymakers over the last five years. Here, you’ll participate in dynamic group work sessions with fellow urban development practitioners and industry experts. District-scale sustainability solutions, such as district energy, green streets, smart grid and comprehensive demand management, are well known. However, the widespread deployment of these strategies has been slow to develop due to a lack of comprehensive policy or implementation frameworks at the municipal level. EcoDistricts is providing a way forward. They are an important scale to accelerate sustainability—small enough to innovate quickly and big enough to have a We are delighted to host you meaningful impact.
for an exciting three days of By bringing together people like you—the best city and collaboration, relationship district innovators in North America —the Incubator is creating a network-within-a-network of leaders to building and inspiring ideas revitalize cities from the neighborhood up. Here you with a single purpose—to will meet the public officials, industry leaders and civic entrepreneurs who are leading the change in their accelerate district-scale cities. Each participant brings unique knowledge and sustainability. The Incubator experiences that will enrich your work. We hope you will rely on one another as resources and openly share what is an executive-level training works—and what doesn’t—as we collectively navigate and capacity building program, district-scale sustainable development. and each year it brings together leaders and innovators from This resource guide is packed with useful information; a suite of tools, resources and case studies to help cities across North America you better lead projects when you return home. to shape the future of green EcoDistricts’ approach is strategic in nature, collaborative in approach and practical in application. With them, neighborhood development. urban development practitioners are creating the neighborhoods of the future — healthy, vibrant, sustainable and just. We look forward to the next three days and the achievements to follow in the coming years. || With generous support from:
CEO, ECODISTRICTS 2 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG Agenda day 1
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH || see map on back cover
8:00 - 9:30 Breakfast | Welcome ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts FACILITATORS HOTEL MODERA banquet room
9:30 - 10:15 EcoDistricts Framework | ROB BENNET | CEO, EcoDistricts Q&A
10:15 - 10:45 ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts City Team Work Session | FACILITATORS Getting Oriented
10:45 - 11:15 Travel to Ecotrust
11:15 - 12:15 MIA BIRK | President, Alta Planning + Design Inspiring Leaders | Quick-Fires ERIN BARNES | Co-Founder & Executive Director, ioby ECOTRUST ELLEN WYOMING | Natural Areas Engagement Coordinator, Metro
ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts 12:15 - 1:15 Lunch MICHAEL MILLS | Project & Outreach Manager, Oregon Solutions
1:15 - 2:45 Step 1: District Organization | ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts Discussion FACILITATORS
2:45 - 3:05 Break
3:05 - 4:30 City Team Work Session | Engagement to Governance
4:30 - 6:00 Break
6:00 - 9:00 Opening Reception WIEDEN + KENNEDY
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 3 Agenda day 2
THURSDAY, MAY 8TH ECOTRUST 8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast | Activity
9:00 - 10:15 Step 2: District Assessment | ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts COLE ROBERTS | Associate Principal, Arup Discussion DEB GUENTHER | Partner, Mithun
10:15 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 11:45 City Team Work Session | ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts District Assessment FACILITATORS
11:45 - 12:45 Lunch
12:45 - 1:15 Step 3: Development & Delivery | ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts Discussion
1:15 - 1:30 Break
LISA ABUAF | Central City Manager, PDC CHRIS HARDER | Business & Industry Division Manager, PDC 1:30 - 3:30 1. InnovativeEconomic Development KELLY RODGERS | Sustainability Planner, Confluence Planning RICK TUROCZY | Co-Founder, Portland Incubator Experiment
SITE TOURS MARK RAGGETT | Senior Planner, City of Portland 2. The Green Infrastructure IVY DUNLAP | Landscape Architect, Bureau of Environmental Services Story of South Waterfront MATT BURLIN | Environmental Program Manager, City of Portland
CHARLES KELLEY | Associate Partner, ZGF 3. Designing Sustainable Places RENEE LOVELAND | Sustainability Manager, Gerding Edlen JOHN CARROLL | CEO, Carroll Investments
3:30 - 4:30 City Team Work Session: Development & Delivery
4:30 - 6:30 Break
6:30 - 9:30 Team Dinner THE CLEANERS
4 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG Agenda day 3
FRIDAY, MAY 9TH ECOTRUST 8:15 - 8:45 Travel to EcoTrust
8:45 - 9:45 Breakfast
9:45 - 11:45 Solutions Salon
STEVE GUTMANN | Advisor, Getaround Last Mile Mobility NICK FALBO | Planner, Alta Planning + Design RON PAUL | Executive Director, Beard Market The Food System JILL KUEHLER | Executive Director, Zenger Farm DEB GUENTHER | Partner, Mithun Green Infrastructure CRYSTAL GRINNELL | Landscape Architect, BioHabitats, Inc. JON GRAY | Principal, Interface Engineering District Energy TOM PUTTMAN | President & CEO, Puttman Infrastructure, Inc. BRAD BRADFORD | Community Energy Planner, IDEA Advanced Green Buildings KYLE ANDERSEN | Principal/Designer, GBD Architects WADE LANGE | General Manager, American Assets Trust
University Partnerships ERIN FLYNN | Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, RSP
ANITA YAP | Principal and Founder, Multicultural Collaborative Engaging Diverse Communities DOUG ZENN | Principal, Zenn Associates EcoDistricts Policy DAVE RAMSLIE | Principal, Integral Group MICHAEL ARMSTRONG | Policy, Research, and Innovation Manager, Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
11:45 - 12:45 Step 4: District Management | ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts VINCENT MARTINEZ | Director of Research and Operations, Discussion Architecture 2030
12:45 - 1:30 Working Lunch | City Team Work Session: ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts Putting Together the Pieces
1:30 - 2:30 Group Debrief ADAM BECK | Vice President of Programs, EcoDistricts
2:30 Adjourn
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 5 EcoDistricts FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD UP STEP METHODOLOGY 1 2 3 4 DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT 08 ORGANIZATION ASSESSMENT PROJECTS MANAGMENT
EQUITABLE PERFORMANCE ENERGY WATER 4 DEVELOPMENT AREAS
HABITAT + COMMUNITY HEALTH + ACCESS + MATERIALS ECOSYSTEM IDENTITY WELL BEING MOBILITY MANAGEMENT FUNCTION
Evolution of 2009 8 • Portland leaders draft a white paper on district-scale sustainability EcoDistricts • We assemble an 80-person technical advisory committee and a mayor’s sub-cabinet The EcoDistricts approach • We work with the City of Portland to identify 5 pilot districts + launch the first US EcoDistrict is a public-private- pilot program civic partnership that emphasizes innovation 2010 33 and deployment of • We convene the first EcoDistricts Summit in Portland district-scale best practices to create the 2012 neighborhoods we • We host the inaugural EcoDistricts Incubator in Portland with 10 North American cities desperately need— healthy, vibrant, 2013 • We rebrand as EcoDistricts with an expanded mission sustainable, and just. 37 2014 • We launch Target Cities, our next generation pilot program • Work commences on the Global EcoDistricts Protocol
6 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG table of contents EcoDistricts FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD UP SNAPSHOTS Project Team Bios + EcoDistrict Projects Boise 10 Boulder 12 Detroit: eco-D 14 08 Detroit: Perrin Park 16 Pacific Beach 18 Pittsburgh 20 Port Towns 22 Vancouver 24 Faculty + Facilitator Bios 28 EcoDistricts Staff Bios 32
33 NOTES MORE FROM ECODISTRICTS EcoDistricts Summit Target Cities Program 37 EcoDistricts Workshops + Trainings
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 7
SNAPSHOTS TEAMS & PROJECTS
8 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG SNAPSHOTS TEAMS & PROJECTS
FACULTY, FACILITATORS & FOUNDING MEMBERS
STAFF
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 9 TEAM SNAPSHOT Boise, Idaho
KARL BOKENKAMP OPERATIONS STRATEGY DIRECTOR, IDAHO POWER COMPANY Experience with neighborhood development: In my role with Idaho Power, I am active in strategy, sustainability, planning, and economic development. Also, I am actively involved with the Idaho Technology Council. I am interested in learning about…what it takes to make an EcoDistrict successful. One challenge I’d like to address: Building momentum to sustain change.
MEGAN DURELL PROGRAM COORDINATOR, CITY OF BOISE PUBLIC WORKS Experience with neighborhood development: I have 13 years of experience working for the City of Boise on trash/ recycling, planning and design, service, and code enforcement, and two years of experience in stormwater management. I am interested in learning about…the effectiveness of EcoDistricts planning. One challenge I’d like to address: The current stormwater permit challenges the city/developers to retain all stormwater on-site (all new and redevelopment projects) and use innovative approaches to stormwater management.
CODY RIDDLE PLANNING MANAGER, CITY OF BOISE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Experience with neighborhood development: I have worked extensively on various land use applications, ordinance amendments and master planning efforts at the City of Boise including Blueprint Boise. I am interested in learning about…how we can implement an ecodistrict that will be successful. One challenge I’d like to address: Taking the vision of an ecodistrict and making it a reality.
CIERA SHAVER GRADUATE RESEARCHER , INTEGRATED DESIGN LAB Experience with neighborhood development: My research focuses on energy efficiency and smart architectural design integration at the neighborhood-scale. I am interested in learning about…how to obtain funding and facilitate community involvement. One challenge I’d like to address: How to get people on-board with sustainable design concepts and how to motivate investment in sustainable design. property taxes, return on investment and community value.
T.J. WILCOMB PARTNER, JORDAN-WILCOMB CONSTRUCTION, INC./ PROPERTY MANAGER/DEVELOPER, WILCOMB LLC Experience with neighborhood development: Besides developing long-term goals for various properties located in the downtown area, I was the project manager for the construction of the new office at 200 W Broadway. I am interested in learning about…the hurdles and opportunities in regards to new and redevelopment. One challenge I’d like to address: Finding a way to promote eco-friendly and economically viable development.
10 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG KRIS WILSON team lead PROGRAM MANAGER, US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, IDAHO CHAPTER Experience with neighborhood development: Three years with Idaho Council of Governments Economic Development, sustainable affordable housing graduate studies and fellowship, Central Addition Master Plan Committee member and EcoDistrict Team Lead. I am interested in learning about…municipality roles in implementing neighborhood scale sustainability. One challenge I’d like to address: Change barriers that manifest from failure to address downstream costs.
CHARLIE WOODRUFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, USGBC IDAHO CHAPTER Experience with neighborhood development: I have helped develop of a community garden, been involved with my neighborhood association, and have familiarity with LEED for Neighborhood Development. I am interested in learning about…models of governance for a long-term neighborhood sustainability effort. One challenge I’d like to address: Accommodating key land uses, like affordable housing or preserving the history and character of the neighborhood, in the face of high land prices.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT Boise Central Addition The Central Addition, situated on the edge of the Boise downtown core, is comprised of a mix of residential, institutional and commercial development. It is bordered on the south by the Boise River Greenbelt and Julia Davis Park, which include recreational amenities and access to biking and walking pathways. Stemming from an increase in green building activity, programming and several sustainable development projects, the Boise Central Addition’s vision is to create a vibrant neighborhood where property owners, businesses, residents and partners collaborate to identify and implement sustainable development practices that enhance ecological services, maintain historic character, strengthen the economy, and contribute to Downtown’s livability.
Why this neighborhood?
The area’s close proximity to the downtown core and the abundance of temporary surface parking lots and grocery retailers make this area attractive to developers. There is a critical mass of building owners, tenants and other groups who are interested in exploring a sustainability vision for this area.
Neighborhood Neighborhood priorities: challenges: 1. Advance energy efficiency and alternative energy 1. Improving access and mobility development 2. Transitioning from suburban style development to 2. Incentivize a diversity of housing options, mixed use denser urban style development while maintaining development, walkability and vibrancy through innovative historic resources and an authentic sense of place public spaces 3. Financing and funding for resource efficient 3. Establish baselines for water use, and set goals for development reductions through stormwater infrastructure and other methods
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 11 TEAM SNAPSHOT Boulder, Colorado FRANK W. BRUNO PRESIDENT & CEO, WESTERN DISPOSAL, INC. Experience with neighborhood development: Having served as city manager for Boulder and assistant city manager for the city of Fort Collins, I have been deeply involved in neighborhood planning. I am interested in learning about…how we can provide a thoughtful and innovative pathway to develop the 50-acre site. One challenge I’d like to address: How to find ideas and solutions to developing the district in ways that can be cost- effective as well as politically saleable.
DAVID DRISKELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY PLANNING + SUSTAINABILITY INTERIM HOUSING DIRECTOR CITY OF BOULDER, CO Experience with neighborhood development: I have led neighborhood planning initiatives in multiple jurisdictions. I am interested in learning about…case studies of how the different pieces have been put together in other district- scale sustainability initiatives. One challenge I’d like to address: How others have approached the structure and management of cross-sector initiatives, and piloting alternative codes/standards within district-scale initiatives. HENRY JOHNSTONE DIRECTOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GLHN ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Experience with neighborhood development: I was the principal author of the DOE-IDEA District Energy Screening Tool and have participated on urban planning teams in evaluation of district energy concepts. I am interested in learning about…ideas on implementation financing, governance and control. One challenge I’d like to address: How to overcome financial challenges, and convince lenders and investors on the value of sustainable neighborhoods.
KEVIN KNAPP DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, ELEMENT PROPERTIES Experience with neighborhood development: I’ve led multiple smart growth projects through the planning and development process for a local housing authority, as a consultant and for a private development firm. I am interested in learning about…innovative planning and financial strategies. One challenge I’d like to address: How to overcome financial challenges, and convince lenders and investors of the value of sustainable neighborhoods.
PAUL M. LEEF team lead SENIOR ARCHITECT/PLANNER, CITY OF BOULDER, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY Experience with neighborhood development: Over 25 years experience in university campus planning, with almost 20 years as campus architect, responsible for campus master plans integrated with urban planning and systems. I am interested in learning about…district governance and management models. One challenge I’d like to address: How creating public/private partnerships could leverage existing city assets and bring new resources to the table.
ADRIAN SOPHER AIA, LEED GA, SOPHER ARCHITECTS, LLC Experience with neighborhood development: With 5 years on the City of Boulder Planning Board, I’ve been involved with the development of multiple projects along multi-modal corridors. I am interested in learning about…how to truly create great public spaces that maintain their liveliness over their lifespan. One challenge I’d like to address: Actually accomplishing, in a cost effective manner, real sustainability in the development of a large private mixed-use development.
12 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG EDWARD STAFFORD DEVELOPMENT REVIEW MANAGER: PUBLIC WORKS, CITY OF BOULDER Experience with neighborhood development: Over 16 years experience in Public Works engineering of transportation, stormwater and utilities infrastructure. I am interested in learning about…using engineering design to create better and more sustainable communities. One challenge I’d like to address: How to ensure initial investment in infrastructure that supports the long-term future.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT Civic Area Development |
Sutherland Park | Western Industrial Park
The Civic Area Development is top Neighborhood a 27 acre municipal campus in 2 the heart of downtown Boulder. priorities: The civic area is both well- served and divided by transit civic area development routes: the Boulder Creek bike 1. Visibly demonstrate leading edge practices path is a major east-west in sustainability, environmental sensitivity, connector in the city’s extensive and flood safety bike system, and along the site’s Create a place for activity and arts north border, Canyon Boulevard 2. is a four lane state route serving sutherland park east-west vehicle and bus travel. A redesign of the Canyon Boulevard corridor would make this a more pedestrian and 1. Create a well-used and well-loved, pedestrian oriented place bike-friendly “complete street,” providing better access to the park and outdoor Pearl Street mall, the major retail attraction to the north. New programming, cultural activities 2. An inspirational modern design and art will also help enliven the area. western industrial park Sutherland Park is an exciting project that proposes a new era in the life of the 1. Shared energy utilization Sutherlands Lumberyard. Sutherland Park aspires to be a modern urban village with Use of new technologies to reduce energy active green spaces to live, work, eat, play, and stay —a true mixed-use place. A place for 2. consumption, conserve the crafters, the makers, and the innovators—delivering an eclectic and vibrant scene. For families, workers, artists, start-ups and non-profits, it’s the result of a collaborative community effort for a transit-oriented, self-sustaining, and creative place and aspires top Neighborhood to be the new neighborhood center for the greater Boulder Junction area. It’s just the 2 kind of place that might inspire us all to make Boulder the best community it can be. challenges:
The Western Industrial Park civic area development comprises roughly 50 acres, of which 15 are currently in 1. Funding production as a compost, 2. Creating partnerships and approaches that mulch and dimensional lumber result in new financial resources processing facility. The site is not contiguous with Western’s sutherland park main campus, but is in very 1. Place making to provide a lively close proximity. It is across an neighborhood culture. irrigation canal from the Boulder 2. The inclusion of a diverse housing stock, County Recycling Authority, both in style and income Household Hazardous Disposal, western industrial park and across from Xcel Energy’s Valmont Plant (coal and natural gas). This site, while currently the location for Western’s compost and mulch processing facility, also 1. Cost of implementation of technologies represents the future of the company. 2. Political issues
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 13 TEAM SNAPSHOT Detroit, Michigan KENNETHE V. COCKREL JR. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DETROIT FUTURE CITY Experience with neighborhood development: I am currently helping to coordinate a process to update Detroit’s Master Plan of Policies, which will govern development activity at a neighborhood level, potentially for years to come. I am interested in learning about…the challenges of implementing an EcoDistrict in Portland; how they were overcome. One challenge I’d like to address: Municipal participation in district energy implementation through bond sale: treatment of buried heating and cooling piping infrastructure in a manner similar to water and sewer improvement.
JACOB CORVIDAE team lead INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ECOWORKS Experience with neighborhood development: I’ve been involved in sustainable neighborhood development projects for 15 years as part of leadership teamS, as a consultant, and as co-founder of the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office. I am interested in learning about…different ecodistrict models, and how different models work in different contexts. One challenge I’d like to address: Creating self-perpetuating financial streams for sustainable development, so that the initial investments required are not such a barrier to projects that have longer-term triple-bottom-line benefits?
KHALIL LIGON PRESIDENT & CEO, VISTA VANTAGE Experience with neighborhood development: Involvement with numerous organizations, including Great Lakes Leadership Academy, Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative, FoodPLUS | Detroit, Michigan Association of Planning and Detroit Young Professionals. I am interested in learning about… how EcoDistricts have improved quality of life in urban areas experiencing extreme disinvestment. One challenge I’d like to address: How to replace the abandoned structures in my neighborhood with green infrastructure.
REBECCA SALMINEN WITT PRESIDENT, THE GREENING OF DETROIT Experience with neighborhood development: The Greening provides landscape-scale planning and implementation support to neighborhoods interested in comprehensive green development. I am interested in learning about…the experiences of others; insight into comprehensive community engagement. One challenge I’d like to address: Residents in some of the neighborhoods that have the greatest need are not embracing the concepts that will be necessary to create a healthier neighborhood. An immovable attitude seemingly meets an unstoppable reality in this case—is there a solution? SARIDA SCOTT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATES OF DETROIT Experience with neighborhood development: I have worked in the community development industry and local government, combined, for more than 15 years. I am interested in learning about…how to move from conception to reality, and identify what is needed for implementation. One challenge I’d like to address: How to achieve real collaboration that produces results.
JIM TISCHLER DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Experience with neighborhood development: About 17 years. I am interested in learning about…how form and activity elements operate of and with each other in an EcoDistrict. One challenge I’d like to address: Moving stakeholders beyond the “psychology of current and/or previous investment.”
14 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG PROJECT SNAPSHOT eco-D Why this neighborhood?
For the incubator, we are focusing on 4 neighborhoods that are currently implementing green development plans. Each represents a very different context and approach within the city. These are: Midtown Ecodistrict: a small scale “district” connected to Midtown’s thriving cultural center, funded by Enterprise Foundation. Eastern Market Corporation Ecodistrict: A mixed- use district in early planning stages, funded by Kresge Foundation. Lower Eastside Action Plan—Project Green: A wide swath of the lower east side, with a green development plan created through extensive community engagement and partnership among several community development groups. Brightmoor Alliance: A collaboration among neighborhood groups to redevelop their blighted communities with a sustainability focus.
Neighborhood priorities:
1. Create jobs 2. Attract investment to the neighborhoods 3. Create the collaborative structure and The city of Detroit is the 18th largest in the US, but it used to be the 5th. Its population processes to provide different ecodistrict is roughly 40% of its one time peak of 1.8 million. The city is over 80% African- development services to the neighborhoods. American, with some Hispanic, White, and Arab-American populations. eco-D is a collaborative structure and process for supporting the creation of ecodistricts throughout the city of Detroit. We will serve a variety of different Neighborhood neighborhoods with services to support their development as ecodistricts. The challenges: incredible variety of neighborhood conditions within the city make Detroit an excellent ground for experimenting with varied approaches to urban sustainable 1. The city’s limited capacity to provide development. As such, we can use and develop a variety of approaches and government support amidst bankruptcy share the results with the rest of the world. These services include gardens and agriculture, energy efficiency, healthy homes, community solar, alternative 2. Balancing long-term best practices vs. short- transporation, green infrastructure and more. term crises and needs eco-D is a “second-stage” intervention, supporting community-driven efforts. 3. Securing funding to implement projects Once a community has created a green plan for their future, eco-D will bring support and services to implement that vision. We are in the process of creating a collaborative structure, which brings different teams and services together. In addition to following community-driven plans, eco-D will focus on sustainability solutions that drive economic development.
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 15 TEAM SNAPSHOT Detroit, Michigan
BLAIR EVANS team lead EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INCITE FOCUS Experience with neighborhood development: More than two decades of work and experience in both the built and natural environments; Superintendent of community-based schools in the city of Detroit for more than 14 years. I am interested in learning about…successful methods for facilitating transformative community economic development. One challenge I’d like to address: Community engagement in underserved communities at more than a superficial level.
ANDY NORTHRUP EXTENSION EDUCATOR, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONS, GREENING MICHIGAN INSTITUTE Experience with neighborhood development: I am interested in learning about…how I can facilitate processes for cities, towns, villages, and communities to a new level of development for sustainability. One challenge I’d like to address: The importance of transforming communities to be “place” orientated and supportive of their occupants, thus fostering walkability, urban farming, energy efficiency, self-sufficiency and overall sustainability.
KATHRYN LYNCH UNDERWOOD CITY PLANNER, CITY PLANNING COMMISSION/DETROIT CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE POLICY DIVISION Experience with neighborhood development: Extensive experience as a planner in helping to develop and assess neighborhood redevelopment plans and activities. I am interested in learning about…a systems approach to redevelopment, with regard to energy, water, and agriculture. One challenge I’d like to address: How to get government (typically risk-adverse) to take more innovative approaches to Detroit’s unique opportunity for and challenge of neighborhood redevelopment.
RENEE V. WALLACE CEO, DOERS CONSULTING ALLIANCE Experience with neighborhood development: Significant experience with community and neighborhood development initiatives, including the Skillman Foundation Good Neighborhoods’ Initiative. I am interested in learning about…successful methods for facilitating transformative community economic development. One challenge I’d like to address: How to lead authentic, comprehensive engagement of stakeholders from diverse constituent groups.
LAREINA WHEELER ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST, BUILDING, SAFETY ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT CITY OF DETROIT Experience with neighborhood development: Significant experience with community and neighborhood development initiatives, including the Skillman Foundation Good Neighborhoods’ Initiative. I am interested in learning about…successful methods for facilitating transformative community economic development. One challenge I’d like to address: How to lead authentic, comprehensive engagement of stakeholders from diverse constituent groups.
16 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG PROJECT SNAPSHOT Perrin Park
Why this neighborhood? The Northeast community has transformational potential due to its adjacent position to several planned city and private development and re- development projects. It is also situated close to grassroots sustainability momentum, blight removal, food production and creative arts industries.
Neighborhood priorities: 1. Develop and preserve affordable and supportive housing. 2. Create innovations in local systemas that will supply food, water and energy within a socially just framework
3. Create job growth and economic prosperity
Neighborhood challenges:
1. High rates of unemployment 2. Poverty 3. Housing vacancy
According to the 2010 Census, this pilot area has a population density of 2,055 residents per square mile, with a population of 486. 31% of existing housing units are vacant, 47% of residents are unemployed and 42% live below poverty level. Focusing on economic vitality, environmental regeneration, and equitable participation, the Perrin Park Community team will launch an EcoDistrict in a 30 acre area of Northeast Detroit, in partnership with the Center for Community Production, a production and training lab focused on permaculture, digitical fabrication, experiential learning and technology. With community and leadership support, their vision is to expand the district outwards to encompass a 320 acre area.
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 17 TEAM SNAPSHOT San Diego, California SARA BERNS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DISCOVER PB Experience with neighborhood development: Sara has been involved with Discover Pacific Beach for over 6 years and is experienced working with constituent groups including boards, committees, volunteers and local government entities. I am interested in learning about…tactics and solutions to spreading the message that going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of green and bringing real life solutions to the neighborhood. One challenge I’d like to address: How to tackle multiple agency policies to accomplish big picture projects, particularly involving transportation and traffic. DANIELLE BUTTACAVOLI AIA COTE CHAIR Experience with neighborhood development: Facilitating community outreach and progress small-scale projects such as on Safe Routes to School, community garden, and wetland restoration opportunities. I am interested in learning about…how we can implement storm water strategies in coordination with the city’s CIP. One challenge I’d like to address: How we can effectively address the car-centric infrastructure and mentality that present in so many American communities.
WALT KANZLER SENIOR ARCHITECT, SAN DIEGO GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL BOARD Experience with neighborhood development: Senior Architect at Qualcomm, Inc., a leading technology company in San Diego, past Chair of the AIA COTE (Committee on the Environment), and current Board member at the San Diego Green Building Council. I am interested in learning about…how to engaging our local government to support EcoDistrict initiatives and educate and inspire community members to foster these principles and invest in the community. I am proud of…being recognized as a leader in sustainability practices in my current positions. ELIZABETH STUDEBAKER ADVOCATE, CITY OF SAN DIEGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) Experience with neighborhood development: Professional experience as a Business Improvement District (BID) executive director for nearly 8 years in North Park (San Diego) and Midtown (Sacramento). I am interested in learning about…EcoDistrict program implementation in other California cities. One challenge I’d like to address: Successfully implementing comprehensive, aggressive ROW projects that can benefit the business community, visitors, residents, and the environment.
KRISTEN VICTOR team lead PRESIDENT, BEAUTIFULPB / CEO, SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS, INC. Experience with neighborhood development: As a third generation native San Diegan and resident of Pacific Beach, Kristen has worked closely with like-minded individuals in the successful gathering of the local community and political leaders to plan for a sustainable future. I am interested in learning about…how to craft innovative strategies and solutions into successfully integrated sustainable communities. One challenge I’d like to address: Absentee community property owners and how they effect quality of life. AMBROSE WONG CIVIL ENGINEER AND SAN DIEGO SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBER Experience with neighborhood development: Principal at Burkett and Wong Engineers, a Civil and Structural Engineering, Planning, and Land Surveying firm with a 43 year history in San Diego. I am interested in learning about…to excite, engage and organize PB residents with the EcoDistrict model and in turn share that experience with other neighborhoods throughout San Diego. One challenge I’d like to address: Finding reliable sources of funding.
18 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG PROJECT SNAPSHOT Pacific Beach FigureA 1 coalition of active organizations has partnered La Jolla Bay Ho The Pacificwith Beach the City to continue and expand district-scale communitysustainable activities, including ecosystem protection, (shown in yellow) renewable energy, access to healthy foods and alternative transportation, among many others. The group also has plans to develop a Community Benefit
Pacific Beach Clairemont District and other maintenance funding programs.
Why this neighborhood? Pacific Mission The issues facing this coastal community—high Ocean Bay density, increased demands on services, and Park challenges posed by climate change—are emblematic of coastal communities everywhere. With an active Mission group of planners and stakeholders, the City of San Beach Mission Diego is poised to take on these issues and be a Bay model for other neighborhoods.
Figure 2 Neighborhoods, parks Neighborhoodand amenitiespriorities within : Pacific Beach
1. Provide a community where residents can safely walk, bike and skate, as well as enjoy access to community gardens and the adjacent restored
wetlands
2. Enhance community identity by establishing a maintenance funding mechanism for public areas, stormwater and energy reduction strategies
3. Provide alternative community transit options for residents to reduce dependence on automobiles and improve traffic conditions
Neighborhood
challenges: 1. Increasing density is placing demands on the land and public and private services 2. Vulnerability6 to climate change issues as a Pacific Beach has a population of 45,000, with density rising over the years coastal community due to increased construction of multi-family housing. The median age is 31 years, with 30% of families living in the same house for 15 years or longer. Residents also include a mix of high income and high expense urban singles, as well as college students. Restaurant and nightlife culture has grown extensively with the community’s popularity as a beach destination within the City of San Diego.Primary economic industries are visitor- and service- related, including hotel, food, retail, recreation, and entertainment. Other industries are professional and educational. Residential rental rates are high, and vacancy is low (3.3%).
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 19 TEAM SNAPSHOT Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
GRANT ERVIN team lead SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER, CITY OF PITTSBURGH, DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION & PERFORMANCE Experience with neighborhood development: Over 15 years of sustainable community and economic development experience. I am interested in learning about…the EcoDistricts framework, and how we deploy the framework in the Uptown project, but also how we can develop systems and policies that extend to future district-scale site development. One challenge I’d like to address: Advancing higher standards for development in a resource constrained environment.
STEFANI DANES ADJUNCT PROFESSOR & RESEARCH FELLOW, REMAKING CITIES INSTITUTE CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Experience with neighborhood development: Over 30 years of working with community-based and development organizations on neighborhood revitalization planning, affordable housing, and community institutions. I am interested in learning about…about the role of placemaking and community building in relation to ecodistricts. One challenge I’d like to address: Processes that incorporate authentic community engagement and education.
COURT GOULD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABLE PITTSBURGH Experience with neighborhood development: Technical assistance, facilitation, mini-charrettes, performance programs I am interested in learning about…community engagement and introducing green/sustainability approaches that “meet them where they are” and attract investment too. One challenge I’d like to address: Introducing ecodistrict approaches to communities and residents who are struggling on a daily basis.
THOMAS LINK DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Experience with neighborhood development: I have approximately 11 years working in neighborhood and economic development in a variety of capacities at the URA. I am interested in learning about…how neighborhoods and districts can gain competitive advantages to attract and sustain new economic activity through smart aggregation of resources. One challenge I’d like to address: What role can local government play to support business start up and district-wide economic growth, beyond being a source of capital? JEANNE MCNUTT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UPTOWN PARTNERS OF PITTSBURGH Experience with neighborhood development: Strong community organizing skills and trusted relationships among community stakeholders, government entities, developers, funders, and community development change-makers. I am interested in learning about…how sustainable concepts can be central to our community revitalization planning. One challenge I’d like to address: The movement toward an ‘improved’ transit system through our corridors.
JUSTIN MILLER SENIOR PLANNER, CITY OF PITTSBURGH, DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING Experience with neighborhood development: 7 years with DCP doing neighborhood & comprehensive planning. I am interested in learning about…new and innovative ways to revitalize neighborhoods. One challenge I’d like to address: Creating change in areas that are ripe for it, but without doing so in a way that leaves disadvantaged people behind.
20 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG CHRISTINE MONDOR PRINCIPAL, EVOLVEEA / FACULTY, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE PLANNING COMMISSIONER, CITY OF PITTSBURGH Experience with neighborhood development: I have been engaged in community development, planning and design for over 20 years and have worked with public, private, and institutional clients. I am interested in learning about…the challenges that other cities are facing. One challenge I’d like to address: How ecodistricts work in existing communities and with social justice.
PATRICK D. ROBERTS PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNER, PITTSBURGH CITY PLANNING Experience with neighborhood development: I have worked as a team member on strategic financing around transit that provides a local dedicated source for community reinvestment. I am interested in learning about…helping the City create a value exchange between private and community investment. One challenge I’d like to address: How to address misunderstandings between residents, community/advocacy groups and government agencies.
WANDA WILSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OAKLAND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (OPDC) Experience with neighborhood development: Nearly 20 years of experience in neighborhoods; community development, nonprofit management, and neighborhood revitalization. I am interested in learning about…how the ecodistricts initiative can augment the Pittsburgh 2030 District initiative One challenge I’d like to address: Mobilizing the necessary resources to implement projects.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT Uptown Eco-Innovation District E S V C A W E R W I P E L A Y VE W E G A E W A W N A R Y N A N A R S W PE F C N Uptown sits at the epicenter Y E H A E O A D Y O H R C D M A E WA M O O N Y N E E R M Y N E A H Y R GE E IL A E V L N D I G D HA R G W L C H D EX C L E A I E S AVE M G R YLIE O Neighborhood W R Y C R U A N B W O O ON V D LINT V of two of the most dynamic LV E E CrawR ford-E L E S B AV S EV W A O E W RO E R B R K N O P T A T T E I L R N Y R g h H E E E H R C A O K V V U E r G T P Y E I A M T R E A R S D A A B D C E E O R T
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H residents commute by using low carbon transportation 1. A week market community due modes (walking, bus, telecommuting or carpool). The median home income in Uptown is 31% to shifts in industry of the national average (2011 dollars). 2. History of population loss, neglect As a result of recognition of the community’s potential by regional investors and the formation and lack of public investment of nascent innovation clusters, an upstart community development organization is leading the discussion about Uptown. In 2010, a group of local civic and government leaders began conversations about developing a bus rapid transit system to run through the already transit- rich corridor, extending from Downtown Pittsburgh, Uptown and to Oakland. Maximizing this opportunity requires a holistic vision that captures the mobility needs of the community and builds upon timely real estate and market development opportunities.
Why this neighborhood? Pittsburgh is undergoing enormous transition. After a generation of economic decline following the collapse of heavy industry, the City is now benefiting from strategic investment and a resilient and progressive population, which, along with leadership, can catalyze sustainable growth and creative opportunities.
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 21 TEAM SNAPSHOT Prince George’s County, Maryland
DAVID LEWIS SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER /PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Experience with neighborhood development: David Lewis is a member of the Prince George’s County (Maryland) economic development team. David has 18 years of economic development experience, including 14 years as a manager at the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development.
NANCY J. MEYER CEO, COMMUNITY FORKLIFT / CHAIR, PORT TOWNS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Experience with neighborhood development: Varied background of 30 years of nonprofit community development and housing related experience. Have worked for the last 7 years with Community Forklift, the DC’s largest reuse center. I am interested in learning about…how to develop a robustly sustainable and vibrant community. One challenge I’d like to address: How to deeply engage the community and support our local nonprofit partners so they can continue to provide critical community service and leadership.
DARRELL MOBLEY DIRECTOR, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION Experience with neighborhood development: As a Transportation Engineer, I have had the opportunity to design, construct and maintain roadway improvements in rural and urban neighborhoods. I am interested in learning about…EcoDistricts and how neighborhoods are transformed without relocating residents. One challenge I’d like to address: Investing in a community and having its members maintain and care for the improvements within the neighborhood.
JOHN MOSS TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, TOWN OF BLADENSBURG Experience with neighborhood development: I have a varied background, with experience from many aspects, including the creation of green space, community engagement and successful, viable and effective partnerships. I am interested in learning about…creating a more sustainable community that offers a variety of services without the need for automotive transportation. One challenge I’d like to address: How to create a better, more sustainable historic community that incorporates the elements of smart-growth and affordable housing. ADAM ORTIZ DIRECTOR, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Experience with neighborhood development: I was the Mayor of Edmonston, one of the Port Towns, where we spearheaded efforts to green and beautify our infrastructure through the nationally recognized Edmonston Green Street. I am interested in learning about…how to create a geographic area that attracts a targeted industry sector and builds upon the accomplishments of our existing green microeconomy. One challenge I’d like to address: How do we leverage our strengths into greater economic benefit for our community?
PETER SHAPIRO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE REVENUE AUTHORITY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Experience with neighborhood development: I served 6 years on the Prince George’s County Council, and was founding board member of the Gateway CDC, a board member of three other CDCs in Maryland and DC. I am interested in learning about…he variety of creative funding mechanisms to help bring the Ecodistrict to fruition. One challenge I’d like to address: How we best organize the effort. What would the lead organization/leadership team look like? What role will county, state and municipal elected leaders have in the effort? What will be the role of government agency heads such as ourselves and how will we collaborate amongst ourselves?
22 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG HOWARD WAYS team lead EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Experience with neighborhood development: I have had 18 plus years involved with neighborhood development in Baltimore, and in Washington, DC and its suburbs. I am interested in learning about…how to accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices at a neighborhood or community scale when there is an opportunity to integrate green building development within existing neighborhoods. One challenge I’d like to address: How to create a land use regulatory framework that encourages EcoDistrict development
PROJECT SNAPSHOT Port Towns Neighborhood priorities:
1. Strengthen the Port Towns identity and brand 2. Strengthen the Port Towns identity and brand 3. Create more healthy lifestyle choices, including access to healthy food.
Neighborhood challenges: 1. Building capacity within community to maintain the EcoDistrict Leveraging strengths into greater The Port Towns is the most historic, ethnically diverse enclave in Prince George’s County. Covering 2. economic benefit for community 2.18 square miles, the area has 13,331 residents with a median household income of $42,570, significantly less than the $73,538 median household income for the County. The Port Towns’ 3. Balancing sustainable population is 47% Black, 26% White, 4% Asian and 31% Hispanic of any race.. development with historic preservation The Port Towns EcoDistrict project has two chief goals: (1) to be a regional leader in recycling, reuse and repurposing of building and organic waste by transforming industrial space and creating a leading edge facility to (2) help incubate and accelerate the development of green and sustainable businesses..
Why this neighborhood?
Ideally located adjacent to the District of Columbia and its increasingly vibrant economy, Port Towns benefits from a shared vision of environmental stewardship within the four local jurisdictions: Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, and Edmonston, as well as from political support from experienced and innovative community-based sustainability organizations
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 23 TEAM SNAPSHOT Vancouver, BC PIETRA BASILIJ team lead SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT, VANCOUVER ECONOMIC COMMISSION Experience with neighborhood development: A background in landscape architecture, with a focus on designing the process by which neighborhood-scale revitalization projects come to life. I am interested in learning about…the governance, financing, goal-setting, and progress measures that have been successful within the EcoDistricts Framework. One challenge I’d like to address: coupling economic development with ecological restoration in the False Creek Flats.
BRYAN BUGGLEY DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & SECTOR DEVELOPMENT, VANCOUVER ECONOMIC COMMISSION Experience with neighborhood development: In his role at the VEC, Bryan is guiding several initiatives with respect to Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan and Economic Development Strategy. I am interested in learning about…key performance indicators for the False Creek Flats. One challenge I’d like to address: consensus building, resourcing, and getting to implementation of the green enterprise zone in a quick and effective manner. PETER COHEN PROJECT ENGINEER, STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: 8 years’ experience in transportation planning, civil construction and project management. I am interested in learning about…the different thought processes, ideas and solutions from the multidisciplinary experts. One challenge I’d like to address: How to overcome major infrastructure barriers to improve neighborhood connectivity.
THOMAS DALEY PLANNING ANALYST, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: Collaborative work with inter-disciplinary planning and design teams and the local community. I am interested in learning about…how to bring together key project stakeholders to co-create a comprehensive and implementable sustainable strategy. One challenge I’d like to address: How to set ambitious and achievable goals that can be implemented at various levels of the community, the business community and government. CORY DOBSON PROJECT PLANNER, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: My work spans on a heritage area redevelopment; balancing view corridors with higher buildings; a new transit oriented corridor; highway infrastructure; and a regional entertainment district. I am interested in learning about…how to better leverage the multitude of actors and stakeholders in the region. One challenge I’d like to address: How to set an infrastructure in place that allows the area to evolve organically over time. LESLIE NG SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: My work is in supporting the implementation of the Greenest City Action Plan, in particular the goal area of Lighter Footprint and reducing our ecological footprint. I am interested in learning about…the finance tools and joint venture structures to attract private capital to neighborhood projects. One challenge I’d like to address: How can we increase food recovery in the community KARIS HEIBERT SENIOR PLANNER, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: 19 years of experience in comprehensive urban planning. I am interested in learning about…key goals and metrics and financing approaches. One challenge I’d like to address: How to navigate the tension of planning for improvements in the area, while not pricing out city-supporting industrial uses.
24 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG JENNIFER MAYBERRY MANAGER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, CITY OF VANCOUVER Experience with neighborhood development: Expertise in brownfield and contaminated site investigation, as well as remediation (including human health and ecological risk assessment). I am interested in learning about…opportunities to plan and develop a unique community on this large area. One challenge I’d like to address: How to promote intelligent brownfield redevelopment in a booming real estate market.
JUVARYA VELTKAMP MANAGER, GREEN ECONOMY INITIATIVES, VANCOUVER ECONOMIC COMMISSION Experience with neighborhood development: A great deal of experience through both the real estate and green building lens. I am interested in learning about…how to maximize opportunities for existing local businesses and innovators within a forward-thinking plan. One challenge I’d like to address: Stakeholder engagement in a project with conflicting interests from developers, small businesses, and landowners.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT False Creek Flats The False Creek Flats area is otherwise known as the industrial core of Vancouver, housing a number of service, wholesale, and manufacturing activities dedicated to serving the downtown and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Encompassing approximately 190 hectares of land in the center of the city, “the Flats” is inhabited by more than 500 businesses, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public services. The past decade has brought a number of changes to the False Creek Flats: A greater number of businesses are co-locating in large industrial warehouse spaces to share resources, reduce costs, and capitalize on business synergies; Several educational institutions including both community colleges and universities have developed campuses in the area; and a number of high-tech R&D-based businesses have set up shop in multi-story office buildings. The zoning of the Flats is primarily industrial, with some high tech and comprehensive Neighborhood development zones sewn in, and it is one of the City’s top priorities to protect these priorities: industrial job lands. At the same time, the City has put forth the goal to transform this 1. Innovation and economic development area into the greenest place to work in the world as part of our Greenest City Action Plan. As former tidal flats that were filled to establish rail terminals in the early 1900s, 2. Greening of buildings and infrastructure the land is low-lying, heavily contaminated, and a convergence zone for a number of 3. Transportation the city’s stormwater systems.
Why this neighborhood? Neighborhood The False Creek Flats has been chosen for a neighbourhood-scale sustainability challenges: project for a number of reasons. The Flats is one of the few areas in Vancouver’s core that has ample room for new development. Furthermore, the City owns a Remediating contaminated sites 1. number of vacant sites and buildings in the area—part of a legacy from when the 2. Reducing congestion on arterials rail companies were given permission to fill the Flats. As a central industrial zone bounding the site in the city, the Flats is also riddled with transportation challenges, including a 3. Creating a climate for innovation in the significant rail presence, arterials around the edges, and steep grade changes along green economy two of its borders. Finally, the Flats is one of the few significant industrial areas left in the city, serving an important economic role including back-of-house production for the arts and produce wholesale for local grocers.
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 25 FACULTY, FACILITATOR & FOUNDING MEMBER SNAPSHOTS
ELIOT allen FACILITATOR PRINCIPAL, CRITERION PLANNERS Eliot is an urban planner whose 40-year career has been devoted to creating vibrant, prosperous, and resilient places. He founded Criterion Planners of Portland Oregon in 1979. Since 2007 he has served as the U.S. Green Building Council’s technical consultant for the LEED for Neighborhood Development program. Eliot is a co-recipient of EPA’s Climate Protection Award for the Chula Vista California climate protection plan, and the Congress for the New Urbanism’s Charter Award for the SmartCode. He is a former chair of Portland’s Sustainability Commission and currently an advisor to the Remaking Cities Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.
KYLE ANDERsen FACULTY PRINCIPAL/DESIGNER, GBD ARCHITECTS Kyle is an Oregon native and design principal at GBD Architects. He attended Oregon School of Design where he forged a deep sense of process. He attended University of Oregon, and discovered a holistic design approach. He studied urban design at UPC / ETSAB in Barcelona Spain as part of an award for his competition entry into the UIA and AIA sponsored, “A call for Sustainable Community Solutions”. The past 20 years he has been a lead designer at GBD Architects working on complex projects such as OHSU - Center for Health and Healing, Bellevue Towers, and he is currently the lead designer for Hassalo on Eighth, developing a vibrant community propagated by sustainability. The project is following eco-district strategies and is pursuing LEED Platinum (ND) for Neighborhood Development.
MICHAEL ARMSTRONG FACILITATOR POLICY, RESEARCH & INNOVATION MANAGER, PORTLAND BUREAU OF PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY Michael Armstrong focuses on policy and programs addressing climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste prevention and recycling, sustainable food systems and green building. He staffed Portland and Multnomah County’s 2001 and 2009 climate change plans. Michael co-chairs the policy committee for the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and also serves on the network’s planning committee.
MIA BIRK FACULTY PRESIDENT, ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN Mia Birk has spent her entire career creating active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and normal daily activities. She is President of Alta Planning + Design and Vice-President at Alta Bicycle Share, Inc. She is the author of Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet. She has been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking studies and organizations, and was a co-founder of Portland State University’s Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation and the Cities for Cycling Project and Urban Bikeway Design Guide of the National Association of City Transportation Officials. Mia lives and rides with her three children in Portland, Oregon, where she was Bicycle Program Manager from 1993-1999.
ERIN BARNES FACULTY CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IOBY The Rockefeller Foundation awarded Erin Barnes and her co-founders at ioby the 2012 Jane Jacobs Medal for New Technology and Innovation. Erin met her co-founders while studying water economics and hydrogeomorphology in graduate school at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental studies. She conducted field research on socio-economic values of water in Nicaragua and the Amazon, and worked as a community organizer at the Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition. Erin lives in Brooklyn and serves on the Board of EcoDistricts, Resource Media, the Steering Committee for EPIP-NYC, and as an advisor to ArtBridge, Charity Sub, Shared Squared, and the Social Innovators Collective.
LEW BOWERs FACILITATOR FORMER CENTRAL CITY MANAGER, PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Lew Bowers has been involved in urban public-private partnership for over 30 years. Working in New Haven Connecticut, Eugene and Portland Oregon he has specialized in the creation of livable and sustainable places to enhance urban living. He recently retired for serving for 14 years as the Central City Manager for the Portland Development Commission where he supervised six urban renewal districts. He also helped to create the original four pilot Eco-Districts in Portland. His primary expertise is how to make good real estate projects happen within the complex public-private environment.
26 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG FACULTY, FACILITATOR & FOUNDING MEMBER SNAPSHOTS
BRAD BRADFORD FACULTY / FOUNDING MEMBER COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANNER, INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ENERGY ASSOCIATION As IDEA’s community energy planner, Brad works with communities, governement agencies, and project proponents interested in deploying district energy systems to support more resilient city-building. Brad applies an integrated approach to policy that acknowledges the complex regulatory environment driving development in cities, and the important land use and density considerations necessary to realize successful community energy projects. Prior to joining IDEA, Brad was part of a multi-disciplinary consultancy in Toronto, working on policy plans and design framework fo downtown centers and major infrastructure projects across Canada. Brad holds a Master of Arts in Planning from the University of Waterloo.
JULIA ERLBAUM FACILITATOR FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, REAL FOOD COLORADO Julia has developed an expansive set of skills through an evolutionary career spanning more than 20 years. Julia began her business career in business management in New York City. Julia began her own marketing, communications and event management organization, and in 2003, left New York City for Denver, Colorado. She founded Real Food Colorado (RFCO), a development organization addressing system, infrastructure and programming needs in the local food industry. RFCO specializes in Farm to School and Farm to institution marketplaces.
NICK falbo FACULTY PLANNER, ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN Nick Falbo is a planner at Alta Planning + Design, specializing in the next generation of protected bike lanes, pedestrian malls, and transit oriented complete streets. Nick contributed to and illustrated the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design guide, the definitive guide to integrating bikeways into the fabric of American cities. Nick is shaping the field with cutting edge research into future bikeway design, with an emphasis on international best practice and evidence based decision making. Working at the strategic intersection of design, life, and transportation, Nick and Alta Planning + Design create active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and normal daily activities.
ERIN FLYnn FACULTY ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, RSP Erin Flynn has enjoyed a 20-year, bi-coastal career advancing urban and regional innovation. Over the course of her career, she has excelled as a national strategy and policy consultant, a city government official, and a higher education executive. Erin builds bridges between the public sector, private sector and higher education to design and advance complex, metropolitan agendas. She currently serves as Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Portland State University, Oregon’s largest and only urban-serving university. In September 2014, she was appointed by Governor Kitzhaber to serve as the Chair of Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency.
CRYSTAL GRInnell FACULTY WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BIOHABITATS, INC. Ms. Grinnell received an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon and subsequently went on to become a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA). She spent over seven years working as a landscape architect at a consulting firm, contributing to environmental, recreation, and transportation related projects. In 2013, Ms. Grinnell completed a Master of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington. Ms. Grinnell joined Biohabitats in 2013, where she is able to seamlessly apply her dual background in landscape architecture and engineering to green infrastructure, ecological restoration and wastewater treatment projects.
JON GRAY FACULTY / FOUNDING MEMBER PRINCIPAL, SENIOR PLUMBING ENGINEER, INTERFACE ENGINEERING Jon Gray is a Principal and Senior Plumbing Designer, and leads Interface Engineering’s plumbing group. Since joining the firm in 1990, he has been a strong advocate for water conservation and sustainable plumbing systems design. Jon was an active member of the Oregon State Plumbing Board for the past eight years, and served as the Chair from 2009 - 2013. He has spoken about water issues at several regional and national conferences, including the recent “Building a Secure & Sustainable Water Future for Hawai’i” at the 2014 University of Hawai’i Ascent Conference, and two programs for Cascadia Living Future’s 2012 Conference, “What Would Rachel Carson Do? Lessons for district scale from Chatham University’s Eden Hall Campus” and “Water: Research to Policy to Practice.”
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 27 FACULTY, FACILITATOR & FOUNDING MEMBER SNAPSHOTS
DEB GUENTHER FACULTY / FOUNDING MEMBER CHAIRMAN & CEO, MITHUN Deb Guenther is a Partner and Landscape Architect at Mithun – an integrated design firm with offices in Seattle and San Francisco. Deb works to integrate the function and beauty of natural systems into habitable places, showcasing her innate perception of the relationship between people and their surroundings. Her work varies in scale and complexity and includes urban redevelopment, neighborhood planning and green infrastructure systems. Deb helped launch the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Landscape Performance Series and the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), a national site rating tool, linking ecosystem services with social and economic value.
STEVE GUTMann FACULTY ADVISOR, GETAROUND Steve Gutmann is a part-time Advisor at Getaround, a leading peer to peer car-sharing company, but spends most of his time on a startup called Stuffstr. Previously Steve was Senior Commercialization Manager for EcoSecurities, a leading international developer of carbon offsets under the Kyoto Protocol, and National Sales Manager for Flexcar (now Zipcar), the world’s largest self-service, by-the-hour car-sharing company. Prior to that he was a Commercial Loan Officer at ShoreBank Pacific. Steve is a graduate of Dartmouth College and lives with his wife and two daughters in Portland, Oregon. In his spare time he volunteers as a board member of 1000 Friends of Oregon and Portland BikeShare, Inc.
JASON HERCUles FOUNDING MEMBER MANAGER, US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Jason Hercules has studied, taught and worked to implement sustainable development practices for more than 15 years. During his time with the U.S. Green Building Council, he has managed resource development projects for the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system, the Campus Guidance Program, and many other USGBC rating systems and programs. Jason relies on his expertise in Smart Growth, transit oriented, mixed-use development, and green building to provide technical development of the rating system; project review and certification; and education on many of the sustainable development elements espoused by LEED.
KIM KNOX FACILITATOR PROJECT MANAGER, SHIELS OBLETZ JOHNSEN Kim Knox has a 25-year background in community development with an emphasis on building places that support a diverse range of transportation options. She provided urban design expertise on long-range planning projects for the Portland Bureau of Planning (1982 – 1987), For the next four years, she served as an urban designer for Lane, Frenchman and Associates in Boston, Massachusetts focusing on community redevelopment efforts. As TriMet’s land development manager (1991 – 2000), she managed some of the Portland region’s earliest transit-oriented development projects. Since joining Shiels Obletz Johnsen (SOJ) in 2000, SOJ is a Portland-based firm specializing in the management of complex urban development projects for public and private clients.
JILL KUEHLER FACULTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ZENGER FARM While in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, Jill helped a rural elementary school install a garden that continues to provide food for school lunches. Commitment to connecting children with their food source has been her passion ever since. Before becoming the Executive Director of FZF, Jill was managing the Lents International Farmers Market, a program of Friends of Zenger Farm, for two seasons. In addition to the LIFM, Jill also directed The Sauvie Island Center, a Portland non-profit organization teaching children about farms, the food they grown and the landscape in which they exist. Jill also spent two years as the Wellness Coordinator at Abernethy Elementary, developing a model wellness program centered on the school’s Scratch Kitchen and Garden of Wonders where students learn to grow, prepare and eat good food. WADE LANGe FACULTY GENERAL MANAGER, AMERICAN ASSETS TRUST Mr. Lange is the General Manager of the Lloyd Properties for American Assets Trust (AAT) and is responsible for overall day-to-day management of Lloyd Center Tower, Lloyd 700 Building, Oregon Square, as well as Hassalo on 8th, the new apartment development project recently begun on the Lloyd Superblocks. Prior to joining AAT, Wade was Vice President of Property Management, overseeing Class A office buildings for Langley Investment Properties and Ashforth Pacific. Mr Lange also served as Facilities Manager at the State Capitol for the Oregon State Legislature and the State of Oregon andas Maintenance Manager for US Bancorp Headquarters complex in Downtown Portland.
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THOMAS S. lee F foUNDING MEMBER PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS Thomas has more than 10 years of experience in city planning and real estate development, green buildings and energy management. Before joining Enterprise, Thomas served as Sustainability Manager at The Bozzuto Group. Thomas has an Hon. BA in International Relations and History from the University of Toronto, and a MA in Urban Planning and Development from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.
VINCENT MARTINEZ FACULTY DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND OPERATIONS / ARCHITECTURE 2030 Mr. Martinez is the Director of Research and Operations for Architecture 2030. Mr. Martinez is responsible for in-depth technical information, data analyses, and summary reports on a broad range of topics relevant to 2030’s activities. Additionally, Mr. Martinez is the head of the Architecture 2030 Seattle office where he coordinates the 2030 Districts Network for member cities including Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Denver. Vincent serves on the Seattle 2030 District Board of Directors and in collaboration with AIA Seattle, oversees the development and implementation of the AIA+2030 Professional Education Series.
PETE MUNOZ FACULTY SENIOR ENGINEER / BIOREGIONAL TEAM LEADER, BIOHABITATS Pete Muñoz is a seasoned engineer who has focused the bulk of his career developing sustainable water infrastructure. A licensed engineer and certified wastewater treatment plant operator, Pete has been involved in over 100 infrastructure projects including wastewater treatment, stormwater management, rain harvesting, environmental remediation, and watershed restoration. He maintains a holistic perspective when examining and addressing water related questions.
MICHAEL MIlls FACULTY PROJECT & OUTREACH MANAGER, OREGON SOLUTIONS Michael Mills has more than 25 years of experience providing public policy dispute resolution. Michael was appointed by Mayor Vera Katz as the first ombudsman for the City of Portland in 1993. Michael served as Ombudsman for Anchorage, Alaska, from 1984 to 1991. Upon returning to Oregon, he was the dispute resolution coordinator for natural resource agencies under the Oregon Dispute Resolution Commission. Michael has a B.A. degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and has served twice as President of the U.S. Ombudsman Association.
RON PAUl FACULTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BEARD MARKET For over two decades as a chef and restaurateur, the artistry and sustainability of food defined his professional identity. In the public sphere, his work with the City of Portland engaged him at the intersection of politics and policy. As Chief of Staff to Portland City Commissioner Charlie Hales, he participated in shaping the city’s arts policies and funding decisions. As a private consultant and self-described civic entrepreneur, he helped clients regionally and nationally with projects that included The James Beard Public Market and Marylhurst University’s development of an interdisciplinary Masters in Food Systems and Society. He now happily serves as the Executive Director for the Beard Market.
TOM PUTTMan FACULTY PRESIDENT, PUTTMAN INFRASTRUCTURE Tom Puttman has pushed to redefine infrastructure to create a more sustainable built environment by helping Portland plan and design some of its greenest developments (including EcoTrust, the Brewery Blocks and New Columbia), and by envisioning a sustainable future for Portland in studies like the Lloyd Crossing Sustainable Design and Development Strategy and Portland Community College’s Net-Zero Campus Strategy. He has considerable experience in sustainable infrastructure planning and design, finance, regulation and management. Tom is a member of Portland’s Watershed and the Portland Plan advisory committees.
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DAVE RAMSLIe FACILITATOR / FACULTY / FOUNDING MEMBER PRINCIPAL, INTEGRAL Dave is an expert on planning, policy and urban design issues as they relate to sustainable urban development. A planner and urban designer by training, Dave has over a decade of experience in research, design, policy, regulation, and incentive program development. A true practitioner and implementer, Dave has an uparralled track record of developing comprehensive strategies and turning them into actions that yield results. These efforts have been recognized with multiple awards from The World Green Building Council, the World Wild Life Fund, the Canadian Green Building Council, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the International Living Future Institute.
LAXMI Rao FOUNDING MEMBER DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ENERGY ASSOCIATION Laxmi is a Director at IDEA since 2005. She serves in a technical role to support District Energy and CHP initiatives, projects and education and outreach efforts. Her main areas of focus include developing the Technical Program for IDEA’s conferences and workshops, extending interest and membership in District Energy in the US and internationally, and supporting the DOE’s Clean Energy Application Centers. She has built over 30 years of experience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the fields of CHP, District Energy, metering and controls and project management. She has also worked on renewable energy, water conservation and Green IT projects, and serves on MIT’s Campus Energy Task Force. Laxmi has a B.S.in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.
COLE ROBERts FACULTY / FOUNDING MEMBER ASSOCIATE PRINICAL, PE, LEED AP, ARUP Cole Roberts leads the energy and sustainability business in Arup’s San Francisco office. Specializing in design, assessment and consultation in the new and existing built environment, Cole contributes from an expansive background of experience ranging from climate responsive engineering and LEED™ consulting to community energy systems, development guidelines, and stakeholder engagement. Cole has led dozens of projects to successful LEED® certification, including numerous platinum and gold achievements and has been a technical master planner for some of the most innovative communities in the country.
DAN slone FOUNDING MEMBER PARTNER, MCGUIRE WOODS, LLP Dan Slone is a partner in the Richmond, Virginia office of the international law firm McGuireWoods LLP. He represents developers and localities who are innovating new approaches to zoning, coding and infrastructure. He is also national council for the U.S. Green Building Council, the World Green Building Council and EcoDistricts. He serves on the boards of the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Resilient Design Institute, Living City Blocks and BioRegional North America (One Planet). Dan has repeatedly been identified by different organizations as one of the best lawyers in America and has been published in numerous books and articles including “The Law of Urban and Sustainable Development”, which he coauthored.
TIM SMITH FACILITATOR PRINCIPAL & DIRECTOR OF URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING, SERA ARCHITECTS Timothy W. Smith, AIA, AICP is a Principal and Director of Urban Design and Planning for SERA Architects. Tim developed the Civic Ecology framework for facilitating neighborhood-scale EcoDistricts. He is co-author of Making EcoDistricts: Concepts and Methods for Advacning Sustainability in Neighborhoods and delivered a TEDx talk on Civic Ecology. Tim served as Vice President of the Portland Planning Commission, on the Portland Chapter AIA Urban Design Committee and on the EcoDistrict Technical Advisory Committee. Time holds graduate degrees in architecture, city planning and urban design from both the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania where he taught urban design in the School of Design.
ANDREA TRABOR FOUNDING MEMBER PRINCIPAL, INTEGRATED DESIGN SERVICES, INTEGRAL Andrea contributes over 20 years of experience as Project Architect and Principal on numerous green building projects, climate action plans, as well as sustainability and energy programs, to the Integral team. Throughout her career, Andrea has dedicated herself as a leader with several green building and sustainability organizations, including the USGBC Northern California Chapter. Most recently, she co-chaired the host committee for Greenbuild 2012, and the Regionalization Committee for LEED v4. In 2013, Andrea was invited by former Vice-President, Al Gore to attend a Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training, where she was named a “Climate Leader.”
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WALKER Wells FACILITATOR DIRECTOR, GREEN URBANISM PROGRAM, GLOBAL GREEN USA Mr. Wells is Director of the Green Urbanism Program for Global Green USA, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Santa Monica. Mr. Wells is editor and a co-author of the 2007 book Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing,a 2012 Pritzker Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and a 2013 Fulbright Fellow with the Royal Institute of Technology Urban Planning Program in Stockholm. Mr. Wells is a certified urban planner, a LEED Accredited Professional, a Green Rater, a member of the State of California Green Building Code Advisory Committee, and a lecturer at the Claremont Colleges and the UCLA Urban Planning Program.
PATTIE WIlson FOUNDING MEMBER DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AFFILIATED ENGINEERS, INC. (AEI) Patti Wilson has been working in the District Energy business for over 20 years. She has focused most of her career identifying and developing energy and utility projects for multi-building campuses in the Higher Education, Healthcare, Federal, and Municipal markets. Patti has been an active member of the International District Energy Association and currently serves as the association Chair. She is a strong advocate for community energy and has focused her year as IDEA Chair on “Moving Community Energy Forward.” With a number of partners, Patti and AEI, sponsored and co-wrote the Community Energy: Planning, Development and Delivery Guide, published by IDEA in 2012. Patti has undergraduate degrees in Business and Economics and an MBA from Loyola University.
ELLEN WYOMING FACULTY NATURAL AREAS ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, METRO Ellen has a diverse background in community planning, economic development, and public involvement. Recent projects of Ellen’s include project management for the development of the Portland Mercado, breaking ground this spring; community engagement, economic development and land use planning for the Tulalip Tribes in Tulalip, Washington; and connecting with Spanish-speaking community members in Woodburn, Oregon to understand revitalization goals for their downtown. Ellen currently works for Metro Regional Government as a senior communications professional in the Parks and Natural Areas program focused on raising the profile of Metro’s Parks and Natural Areas and increasing voter-supported long-term funding for the program.
ANITA YAP FACULTY PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER, MULTICULTURAL COLLABORATIVE Anita specializes in working with local government and non-profit organizations. She has over 20 years of experience working with community based organizations and advisory committees, including developing technical policy advocacy training programs, building leadership capacity and developing programs and projects. Anita served as the first Community Development Director for the city of Damascus, a newly incorporated city in Oregon. She led several innovative community planning programs, including urban agriculture designs, a watershed based ecosystem services program plan, several city- wide urban design workshops and community engagement program.
DOUG Zenn FACULTY PRINCIPAL, ZENN ASSOCIATES Doug Zenn is a leader nationally in the stakeholder collaboration in public policy decision making field. Doug Zenn brings more than 20 years of partnership building, facilitation, communications and process management experience to his projects. As an accomplished facilitator, he has specialized in working with agencies in Oregon, Washington and California on projects with high potential conflict. Doug served as principal of Zenn Associates since its inception in 2000. Prior to forming Zenn Associates, Doug served as Senior Associate with Pacific Rim Resources where he managed public involvement projects and provided facilitation services to controversial public works projects and public-private partnering sessions.
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NWAMAKA AGbo FACILITATOR / STAFF PROJECT MANAGER, PROGRAMS Nwamaka is excited to bring over 10 years of experience in working on the social and economic justice issues and campaigns that help support the sustainable and equitable development of thriving and prosperous communities. Nwamaka worked at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights for over six years, and during her tenure there, she helped to support the launch of the Oakland Green Jobs Corp and later went on to develop the organization’s Oakland-based Soul of the City civic engagement campaign. She currently serves as an Advisory Board Member to Oakland Rising Action and Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Advisory Committee. She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and African American Studies and is completing a Master’s of Public Administration with an emphasis in Financial Management at San Francisco State University.
LYNNE BARKER FACILITATOR / STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT Lynne is collaborating with the EcoDistricts team on strategic planning, activating partnerships and securing contributions. She is recognized for her leadership in the green building and urban sustainability sectors. Lynne directed development of STAR Communities, a national sustainability performance standard for cities and counties, where she managed a ground- breaking collaboration between volunteer contributors and mediated a diversity of perspectives. Lynne created innovative policies and programs while with the City of Seattle that helped to establish Seattle as the strongest green building market in the nation for five years running. Early in her career she established one of the first green building programs for Sellen Construction Company, and co-chaired the LEED Committee for the US Green Building Council.
ADAM BECK MASTER FACILITATOR / STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS Adam has over 17 years of experience in environmental and social planning, with a passion for developing and implementing sustainability tools for built environment projects. Adam spent over three years with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) developing the Green Star – Communities rating tool in collaboration with Government and industry. This work is highly respected globally, being one of few rating tools that covers the full spectrum of sustainability issues across the built environment. Prior to joining the GBCA, Adam held senior positions with a number of global consulting firms where he developed sustainability and social planning teams and programs.
ROB bennett FACULTY / STAFF CEO Rob Bennett has lead Ecodistricts for the last three years. He comes most recently from the Clinton Climate Initiative, where he was the residential and cities policy manager, developing residential pilot programs for the cities of Houston and Chicago. For over eight years prior, he worked for the cities of Vancouver, BC and Portland. He led the development of Vancouver’s Green Building Strategy and facilitated the green building and infrastructure activities for the Southeast False Creek redevelopment (the 2010 Olympic Village). In Portland, Rob founded the City’s Green Building Program, G/Rated and led conservation program and policy development in the areas of energy efficiency and corporate sustainability.
RINA BRULÉ STAFF DIRECTOR, EVENTS AND TRAINING Rina has cultivated over a nearly decade-long career, with expertise in large-scale organization, education, smart economics and sustainable practices. After earning her undergraduate degree in economics (St. Mary’s College of MD) and Master’s degree in Community Planning (Univ. of MD), she tuned into the needs of local communities and examined best practices in order to “green” Montgomery County, Maryland’s zoning code. Then, she was tapped by the U.S. Green Building Council to develop and execute the education program for its award-winning, 700-speaker, 25,000-attendee annual conference. Now, as Events and Training Director for EcoDistricts, Rina is excited to galvanize communities around sustainable strategies that will transform cities. Rina is a LEED Green Associate and lives in Portland, Oregon.
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KRISTIN HOWe STAFF OFFICE AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE With a background in writing, editing, and graphic design (and a general passion for everything creative), Kristin puts her skills to work at EcoDistricts in the name of helping to create resilient neighborhoods. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Communications from UC Davis and a Master’s of Science from Portland State University in Book Publishing and Writing. Coming to EcoDistricts with experience in brand development and creative project management, she supports communications efforts and the production of all written and visual content.
ADRIANNE SCHAEFER-BORREGo STAFF PROJECT MANAGER, PROGRAMS A native New Englander, Adrianne has spent the last 10 years working on local food-systems initiatives, community development, and placemaking in communities just outside of Boston. As a recent graduate of Tufts University’s Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Master’s program, Adrianne has studied transportation planning, planning for health and economic development. She brings facilitation, research and a passion for creative engagement to her work with EcoDistricts.
THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS:
ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 33 34 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR 35 36 ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR ECODISTRICTS.ORG ECODISTRICTS.ORG More From EcoDistricts 2014 EcoDistricts Summit This September 24-26, the District of Columbia and surrounding region will host the sixth annual EcoDistricts Summit, a unique gathering of the world’s most innovative city makers. Join us as we explore district-scale development from every angle and dig deep into the public-private-civic partnerships that are laying the groundwork for the neighborhoods of the future: healthy, vibrant, sustainable and just. Each year, more than 500 leading urban practitioners from across the globe gather for the chance to:
> GET INSPIRED by ground-breaking ideas from 90+ speakers who are addressing the most pressing urban challenges, from climate change to neighborhood revitalization. > LEARN how to accelerate urban development projects through 30+ cutting edge sessions and hands-on trainings that provide the tools to build jobs, protect the environment and strengthen the social fabric of communities. > EXPERIENCE real life district-scale projects and meet the leaders who are spearheading these neighborhoods. > CONNECT with fellow city-makers in-person. There’s no better way to build new relationships.
Target Cities
This two-year immersion program guides and supports North American projects in their development of catalytic, district- scale sustainability strategies—influencing how cities, utilities, developers and community-based organizations engage in next generation urban development. The EcoDistricts Framework for Target Cities uses an inclusive and transparent multi-stakeholder collaborative to establish the planning process, set the project priorities and implement a development plan in creating a just, resource efficient and healthy city. This process invites city leaders, urban planners and designers, community members, policy makers, community developers and others to set the agenda and a new vision for their community.
EcoDistricts Incubator + Practitioner Workshops
Ready to move from idea to action? EcoDistricts for Practitioners provides participants with a detailed introduction to the EcoDistricts Framework, the collaboratively-built, research-driven process management tool for activating district-scale sustainability. Participants gain conceptual understanding, practical training, and resource support from a faculty of today’s leading industry experts.
CONTACT US AT [email protected]
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