Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community engagement from the beginning and be equipped with practical strategies and tools to engage with communities effectively.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of involving communities in this process. Community engagement is essential to ensure that urban planning decisions reflect the needs, aspirations, and values of local residents. In this conference session, attendees will be able to explore the role of community engagement in various projects across the state that are leading to better outcomes for everyone. This includes best practices for engaging with diverse communities, including those that have historically been excluded from the planning process. The session will feature speakers who will share their experiences and insights on successful community engagement. By the end of this session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of the importance of community engagement from the beginning and be equipped with practical strategies and tools to engage with communities effectively.
Emily Koller
Invited Speaker
Emily is an AICP certified planner with a passion for helping communities recognize and value their historic assets. She currently works as the Director of Planning for the City of Amarillo overseeing long range planning, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. She also has worked as a planner for the Texas …
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Emily is an AICP certified planner with a passion for helping communities recognize and value their historic assets. She currently works as the Director of Planning for the City of Amarillo overseeing long range planning, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. She also has worked as a planner for the Texas Historical Commission, City of San Marcos and City of Tulsa, OK.
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Mukul Malhotra
Invited Speaker
Mukul Malhotra is an award-winning urban designer and nationally-recognized expert and innovator in comprehensive plans. Originally an architect, Mukul gravitated toward planning and urban design because it yields greater impact beyond just the physical environment. He is committed to not only advancing the communities he works in around the country, …
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Mukul Malhotra is an award-winning urban designer and nationally-recognized expert and innovator in comprehensive plans. Originally an architect, Mukul gravitated toward planning and urban design because it yields greater impact beyond just the physical environment. He is committed to not only advancing the communities he works in around the country, but to moving the dial up a notch on the profession itself. As one of the creators of MIG’s re:Streets Initiative, Mukul leads a multidisciplinary Street Design Studio on exploring what America’s roadways would be like if they were designed for living instead of just driving. His projects have addressed issues related to urban development and revitalization, streetscape design and planning, pedestrian-and transit-oriented design, and preservation of neighborhood and city character. From well-established single-family neighborhoods and historic districts to new communities, Mukul’s creativity and interdisciplinary approach have given shape and form to countless places and spaces from Texas to Massachusetts and California to North Carolina.
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Krystin Ramirez
Invited Speaker
Krystin Ramirez is a Redevelopment Officer with the City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood & Housing Services Department. As a Redevelopment Officer she helps work on higher-profile developments and agreements. Previously, she was a Project Manager with MIG, Inc.’s Planning and Design Services team. She has over ten years of experience …
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Krystin Ramirez is a Redevelopment Officer with the City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood & Housing Services Department. As a Redevelopment Officer she helps work on higher-profile developments and agreements. Previously, she was a Project Manager with MIG, Inc.’s Planning and Design Services team. She has over ten years of experience as an urban planner and her experience in housing, land use, comprehensive planning, community development and engagement, and zoning has given her the opportunity to manage both small- and large-scale projects. Each of these projects incorporates community, stakeholder, and agency coordination. She received her B.A. in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
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