Neighborhood Summit 2021

The Annual Tri-City Neighborhood Summit, hosted by the City of Rowlett this year, brings together residents, community leaders, and city officials. The Summit is an exciting time to convene and gather thoughts that helps us as a community strengthen neighborhood livability by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships that build community and improve wellbeing.

2. a. Description - b. Speakers • Susan Williams 

3. The Power of Gratitude a. Description - A moment of gratitude turns into moments of joy, which in turn builds resilient, thriving neighborhoods. Join this session that will show you how to be thankful for the elements that make your neighborhood awesome. b. Speaker – Tereney McDowell

4. Smarter, Stronger, Healthier, Happier: What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature a. Description – Learn more about the positive impact nature has on individual and collective wellness. Join us as we discuss how you can better connect with nature to create stronger, healthier, and happier neighborhoods. b. Speaker – Matt Grubisich 

5. Positioning Your Neighborhood For Success (Middle Neighborhoods) a. Description - Thriving neighborhoods start with interactive, honest, and meaningful engagement. This session discusses: • A definition of middle neighborhoods • Strategies to help neighborhoods avoid engaging in a point of decline. • Strategies to help middle neighborhoods thrive. • Gradual neighborhood improvement. • Garnering resident engagement b. Speaker – Lori Schwarz, Director of Neighborhood Services for the City of Plano, Texas

6. Animal Encounters: Pets and Wildlife in your Neighborhood. a. Description - This session offers insights on living with wildlife in a suburban setting and provides an overview of the Animal Control department in the City of Rowlett, Texas. b. Speaker – Asher Moore, Rowlett Animal Control Officer

7. Designing a Habitat for Pollinators a. Description – Learn how collaborative neighborhood efforts like pollinator gardens sustain ecological communities in this fun and interactive workshop taught by a Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Master Gardener. b. Speaker – Cindy Ling, Member of Keep Rowlett Beautiful • 

8. Inclusive Organizing in Neighborhoods a. Description – This panel discussion of members of the Rowlett Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will answer questions about incorporating inclusive organizing in neighborhoods from a citizen perspective. It will overview: • The role of local diversity, equity, and inclusion boards in community outreach • Case studies showcasing the impact inclusive organizing has had on neighborhoods b. Panelists – JoAnna Phalen, Cynthia Manning, Terrence Kessee, Commissioners of the Rowlett Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission

9. When Disaster Strikes a. Description – Join several members of the Rowlett Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Committee as they answer questions regarding Emergency preparedness in neighborhoods. This panel discussion will focus on: • Applied emergency management in neighborhoods • Neighborhood organization and Emergency preparedness b. Panelists – • Ed Balderas, Emergency Management Technician for Rowlett, Texas • Carrie Little, Emergency Management Coordinator for Plano, Texas • Mistie Gardner, Emergency Management Coordinator for Garland, Texas

10. Neighborhood Services a. Description – Learn how your local Neighborhood Services department serves residents. We will discuss: • Neighborhood Service related department divisions overview for the cities of Plano and Rowlett, including: 1. Code Enforcement 2. Environmental Health 3. Property Standards 4. Community Services 5. BEST Neighborhoods b. Speaker bio – • Janet Tucker, Neighborhood Services Manager for Rowlett, Texas • Scott Lussier, Property Standards Manager for Plano, Texas

11. Empowering Youth Community Engagement a. Description - Learn how Rowlett, Texas and Garland, Texas youth view neighborhood livability. Hear their perspective on what creates a healthy fun vibrant neighborhood. The panel will discuss: • Neighborhood Engagement from a student perspective • Local Youth Council structure and involvement • Youth oriented neighborhood programming b. Panel Bio - Members of the Rowlett Youth Council and Garland Youth Council, as supervised by staff liaisons Elisa Morales, Management Services Coordinator at the City of Garland and Jason Aguirre, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Rowlett, Texas.