Welcome and Introduction

Barry Seymour, Executive Director, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Plenary Session - Lincoln Hall

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez
Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Concurrent Sessions

Creating Livable Neighborhoods - McMichael Room

Bicycling, walking, and accessibility are key components to livable and sustainable neighborhoods. This panel will focus on various communities that have successfully implemented prior project plans and concepts. It will also discuss current plans and innovations to create better neighborhoods through existing projects.

Moderator: Ryan Gallagher, MSCE
Assistant Manager, Office of Project Implementation, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• David Sciocchetti, Chester Economic Development Authority
• Robert Thomas, Campbell Thomas and Co. Architect
• Stephanie Mason, Township of Doylestown

Transformative New Developments - Library Lounge

The Navy Yard, The Voorhees Town Center, and The Ellis Preserve have reinvented themselves into new dynamic centers of activity. Hear the stories of how the transformations are taking place, obstacles are being overcome, and the redevelopment benefits that are being reaped.

Moderator: Patty Elkis, PP, AICP
Associate Director of Comprehensive Planning, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Dan Rubin, PREIT
• Steve Spaeder, BPG Properties
• Will Agate, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation

Improving One Community at a Time - Grant East (First Floor)

This session will feature planning projects that have been successfully implemented. Speakers will illustrate how a common vision, community support, and public/private partnerships are key elements to successful implementation.

Moderator: Joe Brigandi
Freeholder, Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders

• Farah Jimenez, Mt. Airy USA
• James Bruton, Borough of Downingtown
• Greg Filipek, SORA Holdings

Green Infrastructure - Lincoln Memorial Room

Green infrastructure can be a cost-effective, environmentally sensitive, and attractive application for many municipal infrastructure projects, ranging from rain gardens to street trees, and from naturalized stormwater basins to bike trails. Speakers will present examples of innovative green infrastructure projects in Greater Philadelphia.

Moderator: Alison Hastings, PP, AICP
Senior Environmental Planner, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Michael Leff, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
• Patrick Starr, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
• Glen Abrams, Philadelphia Water Department

Concurrent Sessions

Community Development through Marketing - Lincoln Memorial Room

Public relations and marketing are important tools to jumpstart redevelopment plans or strengthen a downtown business district. Communities will speak about their experiences in combining marketing techniques with traditional economic development tools to attract new residents, businesses, and tourists.

Moderator: Karen Cilurso, PP, AICP
Senior Regional Planner, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Barry Cassidy, Main Street Phoenixville
• Marianne Lods, Millville Development Corporation
• Julie Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania Downtown Center

Redevelopment through Regulations - Grant East (First Floor)

Updating and adopting new municipal regulations are important implementation tools for redevelopment. This panel will highlight how communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have used planning regulations to improve neighborhoods.

Moderator: Richard G. Bickel, AICP
Director of Planning, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Martha Cross, AICP, PP, LEED, Group Melvin Design
• Scott Page, Interface Studios, Philadelphia, PA
• Susan Craft, NJ State Agriculture Development Committee

Linking Philadelphia Neighborhoods to the River - McMichael Room

This panel will highlight exciting work being done along Philadelphia's riverfronts, showcasing riverfront trails, public art, wayfinding projects, festivals that celebrate the river's ecology, and recreational uses. Speakers will share lessons learned on implementing these multi-partner projects.

Moderator: Karin Morris, AICP
Manager, Office of Smart Growth, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Sarah Corlett, New Kensington CDC
• Joseph Syrnick, Schuylkill River Development Corporation
• Paul Lonie, Delaware River City Corporation

Energy Efficiency for Municipalities - Library Lounge

This session will provide information on approaches and resources for municipalities to reduce energy use, both in their own operations and in their communities at large. Representatives from New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities, PECO Energy, and the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR and Clean Energy Programs will talk about their programs for assisting municipalities in reducing their energy bills.

Moderator: Robert Graff
Manager, Office of Energy and Climate Change Initiatives, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Andrew Kreider, Energy Star and Clean Energy, US EPA, Region III
• Michael O'Leary, PECO
• Joseph Carlamere, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program

Lunch - Lincoln Hall

Marc Brookman, Chair, Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance
Randall Arendt will discuss approaches communities can undertake from his new book, Envisioning Better Communities: Seeing More Options, Making Wiser Choices.