Community Partners Bring National Leader on Equitable Public Spaces to Acadiana

by | Nov 30, 2022 | One Acadiana News

Mitchell Silver to discuss Creating Equitable Communities through Buildings, Streets, and Landscapes

LAFAYETTE, La. – Organizations and individuals committed to creating a vibrant region have the unique opportunity to hear from a national leader on equitable public spaces. Several Acadiana community partners have joined forces to host Mitchell Silver, FAICP (Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners), in a community engagement opportunity titled “Creating Equitable Communities.” Silver is the Vice President of Urban Planning at McAdams, President of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and past president of the American Planning Association (APA).

Community partners cohosting and sponsoring this event include: Acadiana Center for the ArtsCIVICSIDECommunity Foundation of AcadianaCongressional Black Caucus for New UrbanismThe Current, Downtown Development AuthorityLafayette Economic Development AuthorityLafayette Public Trust Financing AuthorityLeadership Institute of AcadianaUniversity of Louisiana at LafayetteWilliam C. Schumacher Family FoundationWomen of Wisdom of Acadiana, and Vibrant Acadiana – an initiative of One Acadiana.

WHEN & WHERE

Tuesday, December 6, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette, LA 70501

Alexander Lazard, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus of New Urbanism and one of the event’s organizers said, “We’re thrilled for Mitchell Silver to join us as he provides data, case studies, tangible next steps, and a call to action for attendees to rally behind projects and initiatives that build quality communities. This is especially vital for communities that have historically not had the opportunity to thrive.”

“Building, street, and landscape projects that will have a positive impact on the community are increasing across Acadiana,” said Carlee Alm-LaBar, Executive Director of the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation. “This free event will be an engaging discussion on building a quality community where everyone can say they belong from one of this country’s best

placemakers and planners.”

Registration is open at: https://www.simpletix.com/e/an-evening-with-mitchell-silver-tickets-120065

We invite you to cover this event. To confirm attendance, please contact Chasah West at chasah@oneacadiana.org. For additional questions, please contact Carlee Alm-LaBar, at carlee@schumacherfoundation.org.

More about Mitchell Silver, FAICP

Mitchell Silver, FAICP is one of the nation’s most celebrated urban thinkers in urban planning, land use, parks and public space planning with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. He was selected to Planetizen’s list of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists in the world. In addition, he has been honored as one of the top 100 City Innovators in the world by UBM Future Cities, and the Urban Times named him one of the top international thought leaders of the built environment. With over 35 years of industry experience, Mitchell has achieved milestone after milestone. He formerly served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation – notably one of the largest parks departments in the world. Mitchell is currently Vice President of Urban Planning at McAdams, the President of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and past president of the American Planning Association (APA).

About Vibrant Acadiana

Vibrant Acadiana, an initiative of One Acadiana, is a platform for data and dialogue on improving quality of life in Acadiana which aims to: 1) measure quality of life and track progress over time, 2) foster civic engagement and raise civic IQ, and 3) cultivate private investment.

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