art of city building 2023: (re) Define
Building A Region of Unique Communities
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
September 18th, 2023
SESSION ONE – Redefining Land Development: Land Democracy for Affordability
September 18th - 9:30 a.m. ADT
Our cities are seeing an increase in land development, and we must ensure equity deserving communities are included in the conversations about the future of their cities. As our communities grow, we must develop systems that empower community members to shape their own futures. To do this, first we must redefine land ownership within our communities.
SESSION TWO - The “art” of Mobility: Beyond Boundaries
September 18th - 11:00 a.m. ADT
Mobility challenges require regionally coordinated solutions and diverse people-first approaches. As our communities grow, we can redefine what a regional or even provincial transportation system could look like - one that considers local community needs, housing, the natural environment, climate action, social connection, and the economy. The "Art" of mobility unravels transportation as a means to move people. He explores how transit can form the foundation for building an equitable and vibrant province, region, city, and communities.
SESSION THREE - Housing: The Battle between Economics and Empathy
September 18th - 1:40 p.m. ADT
Cities have faced criticism for their lack of affordable housing, creating a serious problem for policymakers. What is the solution? Housing is a complex topic, with economics and empathy competing for space in the conversation. Focusing on economics has hindered a community-centric approach to understanding the barriers and opportunities for creating appropriate, affordable housing options. Placing empathy at the forefront of the housing conversation shifts the dialogue towards collaboration between the public and private sectors and encourages participatory design within the housing space.
SESSION FOUR - The Power of Main Streets: Adaptive City Builders
September 18th - 3:15 p.m. ADT
Main Streets are the heart of commercial districts, they are where the community meets economic growth. Investing in our Main Streets ensures that we create and retain diverse economic opportunities for local communities and cities. We need to redefine the role of Main Streets to foster an adaptive culture of city building. This means creating a supportive environment that encourages innovative thinking and entrepreneurship.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”
