Kent District Library and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan are pleased to present Communities by Design, a programming series for municipal leaders, planners, visionaries and residents who cherish a home community that is equitable, just and sustainable.
Our community is experiencing a renaissance of municipal development with long-range visions of vibrancy, growth and enrichment for all residents. But there is no cookie-cutter approach as needs and goals are varied. This interactive, in-person series features experts who will examine the question of civic design, looking at models globally to challenge our ideas of what works locally.
The three-part series will take place on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM at the Amy Van Andel Library in Ada. The branch is located at 7215 Headley St. SE. Attendance is free and registration is not required.
Schedule
September 29: Commons, Collaboration and Civic Design
Dr. Erik Nordman, professor of Natural Resource Management and adjunct professor of Economics at Grand Valley State University and author of The Uncommon Knowledge of Elinor Ostrom, will discuss shared resources, often called “commons,” and Elinor Ostrom’s groundbreaking ideas for sustaining a shared resource to create vibrant urban communities.
October 6: Civic Ecology and the Laudato Si' Action Platform
Sister Damien Marie Savino, F.S.E., Ph.D., and dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College, will discuss the Laudato Si' Action Platform and how it relates to civic ecology and engagement.
October 13: At the Water's Edge: Reconnecting Cities to their Waterfronts
Dr. Ken Yocom, department chair and associate professor of Landscape Architecture at University of Washington’s College of Built Environments and author of NOW Urbanism: The Future City is Here, will give national and international examples of urban waterfront revitalization to offer insights and opportunities for understanding some of the successful strategies for enhancing waterfront conditions while prioritizing public access.
