The Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning program at Savannah State University (SSU) will host the fifth annual Urban Planning Conference from 7:30 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017, in the new Student Union.. This year’s conference theme is “Equity Planning: Creating Diverse and Inclusive Communities”.

 

This year’s conference will focus on equity planning to address the widening gap between prosperous communities and those that continue to be disenfranchised. Despite the growth and positive transformation that have occurred in many rural and urban areas over the past few decades, a significant segment of the American population live in substandard conditions. As planning professionals, it is crucial that we promote equitable development and advocate for policies and practices that mitigate systemic inequities in housing, transportation, economic opportunities, and living environments.

 

The keynote speaker is Matias Valenzuela, Ph.D., the Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice in King County, WA. His office is a countywide effort to address the root causes of inequities working with all county agencies and the community. He will present and discuss the implementation of The Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan that collectively established a set of values to achieve a goal of equity and social justice for all residents of King County, Washington.

 

All sessions are open to the public. All participants must register and pay the conference fees of $50 (presenters and regular participants) or $75 (AICP participants who are seeking CM Credits). The conference offers up to 6 hours CM Credits pending approval by the American Planning Association. For a full conference schedule, list of presenters and online registration, visit the Savannah State website.

 

For additional information email Deden Rukmana, Ph.D., associate professor and coordinator of the Urban Studies and Planning graduate program, or call 912-358-3218.