We’re starting the new year with the new title Arbitrary Lines by author M. Nolan Gray. The book lays the groundwork for reshaping the city by clearing up common confusions and myths about how American cities regulate growth and examines contemporary critiques of zoning. Gray argues that zoning has failed to address our most basic concerns about urban growth over the past century, and outlines how we might plan more affordable, prosperous, equitable, and sustainable American towns and cities.

The Building Healthy Places Book Club is supported by ULI Foundation Governor Randall Lewis.

THE SCHEDULE: January 10 – February 9, 2023

• Reading Kickoff, January 10 |  Participants will receive a Book Club 101 email outlining how the Book Club will work, along with the suggested 5-week reading schedule.

• Meetup #1: Midbook Discussion Groups, January 26, 4 pm ET via Zoom | Participants assemble for online to reflect on the first few chapters of the book and preview forthcoming ULI research report “Reshaping the City: Zoning Reform for Health, Sustainability, and Resilience.”

• Meetup #2: Talk with the Author, February 9, 4 pm ET via Zoom | At the close of the reading period, author M. Nolan Gray will share his personal story and motivations for writing the book; and engage in a robust discussion with participants.

• Weekly Thought Prompts | In weekly emails, the author will offer observations and questions to guide your reading. Weekly emails will align with the five week suggested reading schedule.

As climate change continues to spur extreme weather events, the challenges for housing to incorporate disaster resilience have grown. The impact of hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires on communities is devastating, and oftentimes felt much harder in disadvantaged communities that do not have a resilient infrastructure in place. Panelists will discuss environmentally conscious building and green retrofitting to help prevent catastrophic damage, the policy changes needed to make disaster responses timely and equitable and address systematic failures, and best practices for comprehensive recovery efforts to help communities rebuild after a natural disaster.

This is the sixth webinar in our webinar series sponsored by NeighborWorks America

Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins (Moderator) – Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins champions public policy solutions that promote economic, social, and environmental benefits for communities. She fosters strategic partnerships to advance federal campaigns, coalition efforts, social equity, and climate justice. She also coordinates NRDC’s effort in advancing a federal plan for 21st Century infrastructure investments and elevating social system change strategies as Policy Director for the Strong, Prosperous, And Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC) initiative. Gidigbi Jenkins previously served as a political appointee in the Obama Administration, where she advanced the administration’s economic opportunity agenda at the U.S. Department of Transportation. She was also previously appointed as the New Jersey Director for Public Engagement, overseeing the Hurricane Sandy Taskforce, under the leadership of the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to support the federal disaster response in the region. She began her career on Capitol Hill and served as a liaison for the Congressional Black Caucus International Task Force, coordinating the response for the 2010 Haiti Earthquake Recovery. Gidigbi Jenkins brings over a decade of international, federal, state, and local government experience working with elected, business, and community leaders. She holds a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. She is based in NRDC’s Washington, D.C. office.

Peter Hainley- Peter Hainley has been with CASA of Oregon since 1992 and its executive director since 1997.Prior to joining CASA, he spent a couple years in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic where he met the love of his life.  He has three sons.  Peter moved to Sherwood in 2004 and CASA moved their offices from Newberg to  Sherwood in 2007.Mr. Hainley is a CPA (inactive).  He earned a bachelors degree from Portland State University and was a US Bank Work/College Trainee. He serves on the boards of National Community Reinvestment Coalition, Community Housing Fund and the National Farmworker Housing Directors Association.

Veronica Beaty – Veronica Beaty is the Director of Policy & Research at the California Coalition for Rural Housing. She has been an advocate for sustainable communities and housing justice in California for over a decade on issues ranging from transportation planning to rent stabilization. She received her master’s degree in Public Policy from Mills College in Oakland, California.

Joan Straussman Brandon – Joanie Straussman Brandon became Regional Vice-President of the NeighborWorks America Northeast Region May 2017 after serving in an interim capacity since July 2016. Prior to that she was the Senior Director of the Northeast Region since September 2013. She had been with NeighborWorks® America for twenty-five years before becoming a private consultant in 2006. During Joanie’s first 25 years with NeighborWorks®, seven were with Field Operations and eighteen with the Organizational Assessment Division (OAD). In Field Operations Joanie was responsible for the development and/or expansion of several NeighborWorks® organizations. For three years she worked exclusively on developing Mutual Housing Associations. In OAD, Joan managed organizational assessments and was involved in the development of the PROMPT® review system. She is fluent in Spanish. Joanie has a Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University. and a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Planning and Community Organizing from Boston College. Joanie is a certified coach through Leadership That Works and the International Coaching Federation (ICF)..

Why does the word "density" create fear and cause concern in our public conversations about housing?

Join Forecast Public Art's FORWARD series for a panel conversation about how artists are helping to address the housing crisis. Panelists include:

• Dr. Lisa Yun Lee of the National Public Housing Museum and co-lead essayist for FORWARD 5

• Tiff Beattyof the National Public Housing Museum and co-lead essayist for FORWARD 5

• Artist Mark Valdez who is also the co-creator of The Most Beautiful Home... Maybe

• Jennifer Lamb of Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, who helped create the play and podcast, A Prairie Homeless Companion

• M oderated by Paul Singh, vice president of Community Initiatives at NeighborWorks America

Amidst a national housing crisis, artists continue to push for bold solutions that aim at alleviating the root causes of housing instability and inequity. Learn how artists are partnering with housing organizations and others to make changes to help bring about housing justice.

This is part of our conversation series for our new digital publication, FORWARD. FORWARD issue #5 focuses on housing. Forecast Public Art is a nonprofit organization. The event is free but donations help us cover the cost.

Read the FORWARD publications:

• Read FORWARD issue #4: Redefining Sustainable Design in Indian Country

• Read FORWARD issue #3: Community Safety

• Read FORWARD issue # 2: Transportation

• Read FORWARD issue #1: Public Health

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This event is hosted by Forecast Public Art.

Forecast Public Art is a non-profit arts organization founded in 1978 by and for artists working in public space. Forecast activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity.

www.forecastpublicart.org

Follow Forecast on social media:

Instagram: @forecastpublicart

Twitter: @4castpublicart

Facebook: Forecast Public Art

On Thursday, November 3, 2022, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will host an in-person event centered on investments in affordable housing by healthcare systems and health insurers. Speakers will explore how partnerships between community development organizations and healthcare systems are building and maintaining affordable housing to improve population health outcomes and address health inequities.

Leveraging the housing supply action to promote housing equity and community resilience.

Columbus REALTORS® Sustainability Forum and the Housing Affordability & Community Partnership Committee are co-hosting a discussion of tiny homes as an alternative, affordable and energy efficient housing choice for prospective buyers who may be priced out of traditional housing. We will tackle the affordability crisis one tiny home at a time.

This event will feature a panel of experts and will take place at Columbus REALTORS®. Attendees will get a glimpse into the tiny home lifestyle -- what it is, how they are designed, who they are for, financing and much more. We will also have a tiny home built by MODERN TINY LIVING on site to visit as well.

Speakers include Emmanuel Remy, Columbus City Council; Bob Weiler, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus, and Franklin County; Juan Perez, a Columbus Attorney with Perez & Morris LLC, and a Partner in the Vista Village Tiny Home project; Mike Evans, First Financial Bank Financing; and Bruce Faris, Architect and Co-Founder of Modern Tiny Living.

The cost of this event is a $10 donation. All proceeds will go to the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation whose mission is to support real estate-related programs and qualified entities whose goals are to improve the overall real estate environment in central Ohio. Register today, as seating is limited!

On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will host a virtual forum, as part of its Economic Inequality Policy Series, on the disparate impacts of inflation on different racial and ethnic groups.

The forum will highlight recent New York Fed research on economic inequality and disparities in inflation rates experienced by different racial and ethnic groups during 2021-2022. Community development leaders and policy influencers will also discuss insights related to price stability and racial equity.

What exactly is affordable housing and, more importantly, how do we create housing that is truly affordable? In the first session of OCDCA’s six-part Affordable Housing 101 Series, Roy Lowenstein of Lowenstein Development will dive into definitions and strategies that will lay groundwork for future sessions in the series.

Tuesday, October 18th

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Cost:

OCDCA Members: Free

Non-Members: $10

Ohio has weathered incredible uncertainty since March 2020. As our cities and regions work to emerge stronger than ever, now is the time to thoughtfully reflect on the past months, refocus long-standing priorities, and work towards revitalized, resilient communities.   

The Greater Ohio 2022 Summit will feature inspiring models of equitable development, innovations in neighborhood and economic recovery necessitated by the pandemic, practical advice for comprehensive community revitalization through modern zoning and infrastructure decisions, and passionate leaders committed to building a stronger Ohio.

Summit panelists and attendees will include: civic, business, philanthropic, non-profit, and political leaders, including bankers, developers, and practitioners from across the state. This one-day conference is for anyone interested in the development and redevelopment of Ohio’s neighborhoods and metropolitan areas.

The Summit will also include the Greater Ohio Sustainable Development Awards, which recognize individuals and entities working to create vibrant and sustainable communities, cities, and regions in Ohio.

A complimentary networking reception will be held the evening before. More details about the Summit and the networking reception to come.

For more about the Summit, awards, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greaterohio.org/2022-summit

The State of the Region is one of Central Ohio’s most significant events of the year. During the State of the Region, we highlight community accomplishments and showcase upcoming plans for leading our region into the future. It is attended by the region’s top political, business, and civic leaders as the year’s premier event.

The 2022 State of the Region will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on March 16 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. More details about the event will be shared soon.

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the State of the Region, contact Amanda McEldowney at amceldowney@morpc.org.

Featuring Michael Coleman, Partner, Public Affairs and Government Law Group, Ice Miller, and Former Mayor of the City of Columbus, Jeff Edwards, Chairman/President/CEO, Installed Building Products Inc., and Marc Conte, Executive Director, Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts.

JOIN US IN THE ROOM for this discussion on February 23rd, in person audience seating is available. Please make reservations by Tuesday, February 15th. We cannot accommodate walk ins.

You can also still join us on the CMC YouTube Channel to view and participate in the community conversation during this livestream event. We encourage you to register and support CMC by purchasing a virtual seat – different levels of support are available when you register! When you register, you can submit questions in advance.

We also ask you to consider making donations to CMC to support our mission of Connecting People and Ideas Through Community Conversation, even if you are unable to join us for this particular forum.

February 23, 2022Lunch is Served11:30amProgram12:00pmThe Boat House and CMC YouTube Channel679 West Spring StreetColumbus, Ohio43215

Standard TBA

Vegetarian TBA

Employee Handbooks establish the working agreement between nonprofit employees and the organization. They spell out rights, responsibilities, and benefits. This foundational document is an important building block to create equity within an organization. Equity comes into play in a multitude of areas within Employee Handbooks including benefits, conflict resolution, facilities, internal power dynamics, and more.

This interactive session will give participants 45 practical suggestions for nonprofit organizations to make their employee policies more equitable - whether they are drafting their first policies or updating their handbook. Registrants will receive access to an employee handbook self assessment tool after the training.

This session will be facilitated by Jodi Segal of Big Change Consulting. She has supported justice-oriented nonprofit organizations in fundraising and operations for 25 years. She has done extensive research and writing on employee handbooks including on issues of equity, work from home, political activity, PTO, and safety. She’s created flexible and customized procedures for multiple small and mid-sized nonprofits to give them the foundation they need to be successful not only at the early stages but also while they grow.

January 20 , 2:00 Pm EST – 3:00 Pm EST

Join Nonprofit Quarterly in its upcoming event: Remaking the Economy: Advocacy and Community, the Delicate Balance.

Building viable economic alternatives requires both project-based community economic development work and advocacy to access public resources and make changes to laws and regulations that get in the way. In this Remaking the Economy webinar, panelists will discuss how their organizations and the economic justice movements that they support strike a balance these two imperatives. Our panelists are:

• Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director of Inclusive Action in the City, a Los Angeles-based community organization that advocates for street vendors, fights gentrification, and makes micro-loans for immigrant businesses.

• Nia Evans, Executive Director of Boston Ujima Project, a nonprofit committed to building a community-controlled economy through building an ecosystem of grassroots community engaged investment and participatory governance.

• Julia Ho is the Founder of Solidarity Economy St. Louis; co-founder of STL Mutual Aid, a network of over 2,500 neighbors; and a board member of the New Economy Coalition.

This webinar will explore:

• How does a nonprofit advocate for policy change at the City Hall, while remaining responsive to its membership?

• What kind of ecosystem of support is needed to advance economic justice goals? If you don’t have that support, how do you build it?

• What stages are involved in developing a mutual aid network? How do you sustain the work over the long haul?

• What was required to legalize the status of street vendors in Los Angeles? What resistance did the campaign encounter? How was it overcome?

• How was a $5-million, community-controlled loan fund developed in Boston? What were the key steps that made this dream a reality?

• How do you balance project-based work and advocacy with larger visions of community building and economic transformation?

Register to learn how nonprofits and movement activists are advancing strategies to address the economic and social inequalities of our time!

Whether you’re a social movement activist, nonprofit leader, board member, or engaged in community-based organizing, this webinar will provide you with real-life examples and lessons learned that can inform your work in your own community.

The moderator for this webinar is NPQ senior editor and economic justice program director Steve Dubb. Steve has worked with cooperatives and nonprofits for over two decades and has been both a student and practitioner in the field of community economic development.    

You can send your questions to webinar@npqmag.org to have them answered during the web event.

*The recording and slides of this webinar will be available on the NPQ website 2-3 days after the live event. 

The newly created Brownfield Remediation Program is an exciting investment in Ohio’s future. This program is sure to sharpen the skills and expertise of local leaders. This panel is for those interested in learning about Ohio’s other brownfields funding and financing opportunities, which can complement or enhance the Brownfield Remediation Program. This webinar will provide participants with an overview of Ohio’s current funding programs available at the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA), the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), and JobsOhio.

Corporate America is facing the question of how to create an actionable plan to achieve the shared goals of the community and company. While it can be challenging to know where to begin or what to do, taking one step at a time both in the company and in the community can initiate a journey of discovery and learning. This Community Conversations event will discuss constructive steps companies can take to begin the work of connection and to build positive relationships within the community.

Moderated by Jerry Revish, Retired News Anchor - WBNS-10TV. Panelists include: Robert “Bo” Chilton, IMPACT Community Action; Denise Robinson, Alvis, Inc.; Devin K. Schaffer, Cardinal Health; Mike LaRocco, State Auto Insurance

This event is free and open to the public.

Columbus Zoning Code Update -

Phase 1 Assessment Presentation Link for October 20

(Columbus – October 13, 2021) – As we work to guide growth and promote equity, the City of Columbus has initiated a review of its Zoning Code. Zoning regulates and influences development through standards that guide how land is used, where residential or commercial buildings may be built, and the density of new developments to be constructed. It can be used to help attract new businesses, encourage the construction of new housing, and protect natural resources.

Looking to the future, it is important that Columbus' Zoning Code be designed to help all neighborhoods thrive.  A third-party Zoning Code Assessment has been conducted, which examines the pitfalls of the existing code and opportunities to make the code more efficient and effective.  The community is invited to view a presentation of the Phase 1 findings and have an opportunity to submit questions.

City of Columbus Zoning Code Update - Phase 1 Assessment Findings

View the live stream presentation on

Option 1: Wednesday, October 20, 2021

3:00 PM Event

Option 2: Wednesday, October 20, 2021

6:00 PM Event

Two sessions are available for scheduling flexibility - the content of each presentation will be the same. If you do not have internet access and would like to view a presentation please contact the email address below for further information. The virtual sessions will also be recorded for later viewing. The Assessment Report will be posted to the city's website prior to the presentation.

Contact us at zoningupdate@columbus.gov with questions.

Please forward this email to others who may be interested.

We hope you join us.

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 Contact: Tony Celebrezze

Department of Building and Zoning Services

614-645-6769 (direct), ajcelebrezze@columbus.gov

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT (11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT) for Racism and the Economy: Focus on the Wealth Divide. This is the ninth installment in our virtual event series, which examines the impact of structural racism on our economy and advances ideas to improve economic outcomes for all Americans.

The ninth installment of our virtual event series focuses on how racialized barriers to wealth accumulation deny families and communities long-term economic mobility and financial resiliency. Wealth is usually defined as the value of one’s assets minus debt, and it serves as a critical component of economic opportunity in the United States. Opening speakers will examine past and present structures and institutions that contribute to persistent wealth disparities. A panel of practitioners, scholars, and community leaders will propose and discuss bold strategies to finally reverse these trends. The Federal Reserve has long studied wealth disparities because equal access to wealth is so important to achieving full employment and an inclusive economy. 

Speakers:

• Mehrsa Baradaran, Professor of Law, University of California Irvine School of Law

• Raphael Bostic, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

• James Bullard, President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

• Charles Evans, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

• Matthew Fletcher, Professor of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center, Michigan State University

• Neel Kashkari, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

• Noel Poyo, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Economic Development, U.S. Treasury Department

• Eric Rosengren, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

More speakers to be added.

The Summit on Sustainability is MORPC’s signature environmental conference, bringing hundreds of community leaders together to explore and share sustainable ideas and solutions, and to celebrate individuals and collaborative sustainability efforts with the Green Region Awards.

The Summit will feature keynote speaker Dana Bourland during the morning plenary session.

Dana Bourland is committed to solving our housing and climate crises in ways that advance racial, economic, and environmental justice. Over her career she has worked at the intersection of systems related to health, poverty, and the environment.

Most recently, Dana led the creation of the environment program at The JPB Foundation, which us one of the largest private foundations in the US. Dana is also the author of Gray to Green Communities.

The conference will include breakout sessions that focus on energy, water quality, materials management, active transportation, land-use development, air quality, social equity, economic development, weatherization, and policy.

During the lunch plenary session hear from local speakers that will provide Pecha Kucha style presentations while sharing real-life solutions and self-sustaining practices that will make our communities better today and tomorrow.

The recently released U.S. Census revealed fascinating facts about the population and shifting demographics of the City of Columbus and Franklin County. Join us to learn where, how and why the Columbus metro area is outperforming the state, region and nation with robust population growth. We'll discuss what the changes mean for our community, and how we can continue to work together to create a stronger, more equitable central Ohio for everyone who lives here.

Join Habitat MidOhio for an open house as we celebrate and elevate the diverse cultures of our partner families by sharing food and fun while recognizing our volunteers and community partners.

Whether you drop in for a few minutes or plan to spend the day with us, we hope you and your family will enjoy learning about the programs and services offered by Habitat MidOhio, meeting our partner families and visiting with other community resources.

Meet Habitat Partner Families that will be providing home -cooked samples of their favorite foods! Food will also be available for purchase from local food trucks.

Shop new, donated and surplus home goods, building materials and home improvement projects at the ReStore which will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Parking is available at the ReStore, with overflow parking at Ramseyer Presbyterian Church.

Every half-hour a speaker will spend a few minutes on the following topics.

11:30 a.m. - Welcome to World Habitat Day

12:00 p.m. - Habitat MidOhio Women Build

12:30 p.m. - Interview with a Habitat Homeowner and Faith Build Partner

1:00 p.m. - Habitat MidOhio Home Repair Program

1:30 p.m. - Affordable Housing 101

2:00 p.m. - ReStore 101

2:30 p.m. - Habitat Young Professionals, Hockey for Habitat and the Playhouse Project

Can't make it but would still like to support World Habitat Day? Donate using the link below, be sure to select World Habitat Day from the dropdown.

http://bit.ly/DonateHabitatMidOhio

The economic shock of the pandemic has taken a financial toll on tenants and landlords, including providers of affordable housing. Many housing providers are facing significant financial pressures, from rising insurance rates to declining collections. Providers of affordable housing are navigating significant stresses on their portfolios while continuing to address the needs of their buildings and tenants. In the long run, the challenges facing providers and tenants alike threaten to destabilize the long-term feasibility of the nation’s housing stock. Join Enterprise and other housing providers to learn how they are balancing financial losses to ensure tenants' long-term housing stability – and the impact on affordable housing preservation.

Speakers will include:
Jacqueline Waggoner, President, Enterprise Community Partners Solutions Division
Maria Torres-Springer, Vice President for US Programs, Ford Foundation
Brian McLaughlin, President, Enterprise Community Development
Michael Butchko, Vice President of Business Intelligence, NeighborWorks
Gayle Filo, President, Enterprise Residential
Dontae Latson, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Communities
Trevor Samios, Senior Vice President of Connected Communities, WinnCompanies

This event is part of a four-part webinar series supported by JPMorgan Chase & Company. Past sessions are on Enterprise Community Partners’ YouTube channel. Our July panel, Eviction Prevention as a Preservation Strategy, examined the link between ensuring residents can remain in their homes and affordable housing preservation. Our August panel, How to Harness the Legal System to Prevent Evictions, considered how the judicial and legal systems can provide an innovative pathway to protect residents from eviction and allow landlords to collect back rent.

*I understand that my registration also subscribes me to future announcements and related content about Enterprise Community Partners.

Access to affordable housing powerfully shapes our shared economic outlook. In Central Ohio, housing opportunities influence where employers locate, how wages are determined, and whether our workforce is engaged and ready for the future. And, as the pandemic made clear, work from home doesn't work for families without a stable home.

Join the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio on September 28th for a community conversation on the intersections between affordable housing and economic growth, and how we can leverage this moment for a more prosperous future.

Read our full infographic report here: https://www.ahaco.org/covid19.

Register on Zoom or rsvp on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/558284078652504.

Come together with the 2019-2021 Enterprise Rose Fellows for through connection and story. In the spirit of John O’Neal and Free Southern Theater’s story circles, the outgoing Rose Fellow class will share stories about community, care, and the future we imagine. We will reflect upon the lessons of COVID, summer 2020 uprisings, and micro community work and how those lessons might help us create the blueprint for a more just and equitable future. ***This is session is warmly open to the public including friends, colleagues and partners ***

September 21, 2021, WOSU Public-Affairs Talk Show (89.7 FM Radio or Online, 10:00-11:00 am)

Host: Ann Fisher

National Speaker: Rick Kahlenberg, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation

Panelists:
Rick Kahlenberg, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation
Amy Klaben, esq., affordable housing expert and Move to PROSPER project facilitator
Tehani Morales, Move to PROSPER parent
Gina Smith, Move to PROSPER coach

The program will be rebroadcast from 8:00-9:00pm