9:15-11:00 AM

Manship Theatre

Kona Gray Opening Keynote: Grounded Landscapes – The Exploration of Land and Culture + Responding Panel

Our shared environments connect us in more ways than we can imagine. The special memories we hold for a place are rooted in the land and culture. The earth that brings us together is often underappreciated for its majesty. The air we breathe, sun that warms us and waters we drink do not categorize the space we occupy. We are fortunate to receive the gift of life from the planet that keeps on giving without expecting anything of us in return. The sun, stars, trees, hills, mountains, wetlands, rivers, seas, and oceans provide a connection to the universe that has lasted for centuries. And where would we be if the planet did not exist?The lecture will discuss the importance of celebrating the environment towards curating experiences that support all species and the planet. We will also discuss how design will bring people together to heal the earth from climate change, racism, consumption, species extinction and inequity. Ultimately, we have a remarkable opportunity to shape the environment to benefit earth and humanity. So, how will we design Grounded Landscapes?

• Kona A. Gray, FASLA, PLA, Principal, EDSA, Inc.

• The Honorable Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President, City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish

• Pastor Raymond Jetson, Wisdom & Longevity Catalyst & Co-Lead, MetroMorphosis

• Tyler Litt, Founder/Consultant, HireLitt

• Jason Neville, Executive Director, Friends of Lafitte Greenway

• MODERATOR:Dr. Margaret A. Reams, Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University

11:15-12:30 PM

Concurrent Session - Manship Theatre

It’s Getting Hot in Here: Planning for Extreme Heat

The record-shattering heat that Louisiana experienced last summer is just one instance of the growing frequency and intensity of extreme heat episodes that are impacting our health, infrastructure, and food systems as well as our pocketbooks and overall quality of life. This session will set the stage with an overview of extreme heat impacts and projections for Louisiana then provide insights into community needs, explore planning and design strategies for combating extreme heat, and highlight existing programs and resources available to support these efforts.

• Brent Bucknum, Founder, Hyphae Design Laboratory

• Barry D. Keim, Richard J. Russell Professor, Department of Geography and Anthropology, Louisiana State University

• Robert Seeman, Natural Resources Specialist, Urban & Community Forestry, US Forest Service

• MODERATOR: Jessica McKelvie Kemp, Ph. D., Vice President, Center for Planning Excellence

11:15-12:30 PM

Concurrent Session - Hartley / Vey Workshop Theatre

Experiencing Potential: Sparking Vision and Driving Progress with Demonstration Projects

As communities strive for revitalization amidst diverse challenges, demonstration projects have emerged as effective tools for fostering community engagement and catalyzing growth. This session offers a glimpse into the pivotal role demonstration projects can play in planning processes through two compelling case studies encompassing different formats and scales, as well as an exploration of funding avenues for these projects. Discover how demonstration projects can help bridge the gap between planning and implementation, transforming plans into tangible experiences that resonate with the entire community.

• Steve Davis, Assistant Vice President, Transportation Strategy, Smart Growth America

• Michelle Reynolds, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Move Bunkie Forward

• The Honorable Roslyn White, Mayor, City of Abbeville

• MODERATOR: Kim Marousek, Director of Planning, Center for Planning Excellence

1:00-2:00 PM

Manship Theatre

Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime Plenary Session: Insights from Minding the Climate

Join Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, distinguished neurosurgeon and researcher, as she delves into the intricate landscape of neuroscience and decision-making in the context of environmental issues. Dr. Duhaime will illuminate how and why our brains have developed a predisposition for prioritizing short-term survival over long-term considerations such as environmental sustainability. She’ll then share how, armed with this knowledge, we can deploy concrete and achievable interventions to help us be more effective in reshaping behaviors and fostering a collective commitment to a sustainable future.

• Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime, Senior Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for the Environment and Health

• MODERATOR: Melinda Deslatte, Research Director, Public Affairs Research Council

2:15-3:30 PM

Concurrent Session - Manship Theatre

Living on the Edge: Aligning policy and practice with the realities of housing in Louisiana

As long-standing housing challenges in Louisiana are compounded by growing flood risks and rising insurance costs, the imperative for resilient and affordable homes is more urgent than ever. This session offers an overview of national trends in housing markets and a deeper dive into Louisiana’s unique issues. Speakers will share promising examples and best practices such as resilience hubs, community-driven development, and policies to secure insurability and affordability that can pave the way for the development of the housing we need for today and the future.

• Danielle Arigoni, Managing Director for Policy and Solutions, National Housing Trust | Author, Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation

• Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President, Economics and Policy Analysis, Environmental Defense Fund

• Kathy LaBorde, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Housing Partnership

• Asia Ognibene, Project Organizer, Together New Orleans

• MODERATOR: Terri Ricks, JD, MS-LHRD, CEO, T P Ricks, LLC

2:15-3:30 PM

Concurrent Session - Hartley/Vey Workshop Theatre

Louisiana Climate Action Plan: What’s in it for locals?

With unprecedented federal funding available for climate-resilient infrastructure, Louisiana has a transformative opportunity to develop projects and initiatives that advance the Louisiana Climate Action Plan by building capacity and resilience at the community level. In this session, participants will learn more about the plan’s specific goals, explore the example of New Orleans’ project-based priority climate action plan, and gain valuable insights into how parishes and municipalities can develop competitive projects and access resources to support workforce development, energy cost savings, and improvements in public health.

• LaKesha Hart, State Planning Manager, Louisiana Division of Administration

• Tom Haysley, AICP, Principal Planner, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission

• Bennett Hilley, Senior Advisor, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Multifamily Housing Programs

• MODERATOR: Jeannette Dubinin, Director of Resilence & Adaptation, Center for Planning Excellence 

3:45-5:00 PM

Manship Theatre

Jay Dardenne’s Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi…or Any Place Else!

Quiana Lynell will kick-off this session with a performance of her original song Baton Rouge off of her second album “Pillow Talk.” In Jay Dardenne's interactive presentation, he transforms the LPB video series "Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi…or Any Place Else!" into a live presentation of a captivating blend of history, culture, and entertainment that highlights Louisiana's storied history, distinctive qualities, and sources of pride for our state. Expect to be both entertained and enlightened, gaining fresh insights into Louisiana while reaffirming our collective purpose—to safeguard the future of our beloved state.

• Jay Dardenne, Former Commissioner of Administration, Secretary of State & Lieutenant Governor, State of Louisiana

• MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: Quiana Lynell, Vocalist, Songwriter, Teacher & Storyteller

5:00-6:00 PM

2nd Floor Gallery

Reception

Join us and celebrate being back in-person as we extend the conversations and connections made at the first day of the Summit. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while meeting others seeking to inspire action and ignite change.

6:00-7:00 PM

Hartley / Vey Studio Theatre

Pecha Kucha

Join us for this high-energy event featuring dynamic individuals who are making a difference in their communities as they quickly and creatively share their big ideas on climate, health, equity, and resilience.

PechaKucha Night was started in Tokyo in 2003 and translates from Japanese to mean “chit-chat.” Now in over 1,200 cities around the world, PechaKucha made its way to Baton Rouge in 2016. The format is simple: 20 slides for 20 seconds each. Tonight’s presenters will have exactly 400 seconds to inform, inspire, and entertain you

• Jason Andreasen, President/CEO, Baton Rouge Gallery

• Adrian Owen Jones, Chief Growth Officer, ThreeSixtyEight

• Lauren Jumonville, Vice President of Enterprise, Baton Rouge Area Foundation

• Jessica Kemp, Vice President, Center for Planning Excellence

• The Honorable Davante Lewis, Commissioner, Louisiana Public Service Commission

• Tyler Litt, Founder/Consultant, HireLitt

• Andreanecia Morris, Executive Director, HousingNOLA

• Joquina “Kina” Reed, Founder, J Reed Consulting LLC 

• Myra Richardson, Chief Development Officer (CDO), The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation

• The Honorable Roslyn White, Mayor, City of Abbeville

8:00-9:00 AM

Check-in & Breakfast

9:00-10:00 AM

Manship Theatre

AR Siders Plenary

Environmental and economic changes are affecting where people live and work, where people and businesses are able to obtain and afford insurance, and ultimately which places are seeing population growth and which places are seeing population loss. The trends are clear, and A.R. Siders will challenge us to rethink how we prepare for and respond to these changes in population movement. With a compelling vision for the future, Siders will speak to the importance of crafting local solutions that emphasize forward-thinking land use planning, land development, floodplain management, and prioritizing change over the status quo.

• A.R. Siders, Director, Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science & Policy Hub, University of Delaware

10:15-11:30 AM

Concurrent Session - Manship Theatre

Reframing Retreat: Proactive Planning for Population Movement

As Louisiana’s communities grapple with the complexities and painful decision points surrounding population loss and community degradation, effective planning at multiple scales is imperative to address the evolving needs of people and communities. This session offers valuable insights into the underlying drivers and trends shaping Louisiana’s population movements and explores the critical role of land use planning in cultivating resilient communities that offer economic opportunity, cultural connections, and safety.

• Robert Habans, PhD, Chief Economist, The Data Center

• A.R. Siders, Director, Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science & Policy Hub, University of Delaware

• John Ben Soileau, Program Officer, National Academy of Sciences

• MODERATOR: Anna Osland, Director of Research, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

10:15-11:30 AM

Concurrent Session - Hartley / Vey Workshop Theatre

Navigating Windy Waters: Planning for Offshore Wind in Louisiana

Louisiana stands at the brink of a transformative opportunity to diversify its energy portfolio, build a domestic supply, and unlock new avenues of growth for its skilled workforce. Seizing the potential of offshore wind requires careful planning and strategic foresight. Join us in this session to explore best practices in offshore wind planning from around the world and discover why Louisiana communities large and small are primed to reap the benefits.

• Salem Habte, Energy Inclusion Associate, Greater New Orleans, Inc

• Max Taffet, AICP, Senior Vice President Offshore Wind and PortNYC Planning, New York City Economic Development Corporation

• Michael Wilks, Offshore Wind Lead - North America, Energy & Power, Jacobs

• MODERATOR: The Honorable Jerome Zeringue, District 52 State Representative, Louisiana House of Representatives

12:00-1:15 PM

Concurrent Session - Manship Theatre

AI FYI: What you need to know about Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Planning

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in reshaping the way we work by facilitating smarter, more efficient, and data-driven development processes. However, emerging tools like ChatGPT are also raising ethical and practical concerns in many fields. The session is designed to equip planners and other stakeholders with a practical comprehension of AI’s applications, highlighting its potential to revolutionize routine tasks while ensuring ethical, equitable outcomes. Join us to explore these possibilities and discover how AI can serve as an asset in your planning toolkit.

• Nicholas Mattei, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, Tulane University

• Sagar Shah, PhD, AICP, Senior Manager, Knowledge and Career Programs, American Planning Association (APA)

• Thomas W. Sanchez, PhD, Professor, Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

• MODERATOR: Erin Monroe, Market Vice President for Greater Louisiana, Cox Communications

12:00-1:15 PM

Concurrent Session - Hartley / Vey Workshop Theatre

Brighter Futures: Leveraging Solar for Resilient Communities

Solar development investment is happening across Louisiana, and communities need actionable information and effective planning tools in order to capitalize on the benefits in a way that meets their particular needs. This session will focus on planning for solar development at different scales, emphasizing its integration into overall community development to achieve broader benefits, such as reduced energy costs and grid resilience during disasters. Participants will learn strategies for navigating obstacles and be introduced to Louisiana success stories as well as best-practice resources such as the Louisiana Model Solar Toolkit.

• Logan Burke, Executive Director, Alliance for Affordable Energy

• Jeff Cantin, Founder & President, Solar Alternatives

• The Honorable Davante Lewis, Commissioner (District 3), Louisiana Public Service Commission

• MODERATOR: David Whitley, Planning & Urban Design Manager, Center for Planning Excellence

1:30-2:45 PM

Concurrent Session - Manship Theatre

From Placemaking to Placekeeping: Harnessing Unique Assets for Community Revitalization

For those who’ve heard of “placemaking,” this session builds on the concept with a conversation about “placekeeping.” Learn how the practice of “placekeeping” empowers communities to embrace and elevate local cultural assets to drive revitalization. This session will offer practical insights and real-world examples showcasing how communities can harness their cultural assets to create vibrant, inclusive spaces. Attendees will discover strategies to preserve tradition while embracing growth, creating environments that resonate with residents and attract visitors. A Louisiana artist will share inspiring examples of placekeeping initiatives in the state, providing insights for those who would like to initiate similar projects within their own communities.

• Kona A. Gray, FASLA, PLA, Principal, EDSA, Inc.

• Nate Storring, Co-Executive Director, Project for Public Spaces

• Brandon Surtain, Artist

• MODERATOR: Liz Goad, Grant Writer, Center for Planning Excellence

1:30-2:45 PM

Concurrent Session - Hartley / Vey Workshop Theatre

Building Assets and Opportunities through Community Benefit Agreements

Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) are crucial tools for ensuring that a community derives appropriate levels and kinds of benefits from development projects happening in their backyards. These agreements are a requirement for federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Louisiana does not have an established practice of CBAs, so stakeholders are moving quickly to develop this framework to ensure that Louisiana can compete for federal funding and to ensure that communities benefit equitably from industrial development. In this session, attendees will learn the ins and outs of CBAs and how communities can use them to secure timely, tangible benefits that improve quality of life in meaningful ways.

• Max Jabrixio, Founder, Max Engagement

• Matilda Kreider, Wind Energy Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

• Spring Gaines, Research & Policy Manager, Center for Planning Excellence

• MODERATOR: Preston Castille, President, Helix Community Schools