Speaking at the Transforming and Revitalizing Downtown Summit

Jennifer Keesmaat and Antonio Gomez-Palacio presented at the Strategy Institute's Transforming and Revitalizing Downtown Summit in June 2009.

Antonio presented on Implementing a Downtown Development Vision That Builds Consensus
In 2005, the City of Moncton engaged in a process to generate a development vision collaboratively through a consultative planning process that involved key landowners, city staff, residents, students, and business owners. Throughout the planning process, an emphasis was placed on capacity building, and the creation of an implementable vision that would resonate with both residents and council.

His presentation highlighted:

• Creating a downtown plan that advocates and promotes a sustainable future for your city.
• Ensuring that key stakeholders not only buy into the plan - but also become advocates for it.
• Ensure the implementation of your plan is integrated into your planning approach.

Learn how Moncton created an urban discourse on planning and design in the downtown, and how this plan is being implemented.

View Antonio's presentation, PDF - 14mb.

Jennifer took part in an Urban Design Panel on Place Making and the Necessary Elements to Make Downtowns World-Class Destinations. She gave a presentation entitled Ensuring The Revitalization Starts
Traditionally, downtowns were the city's economic centre. But as cities grew, downtowns commonly became less of a destination, often suffering economically. All towns want to ensure their downtowns remain or become viable.

The panel discussed:

• How and why certain plans work better than others
• What downtowns need to thrive
• What cities can do quickly to ensure revitalization starts

View Jennifer's presentation, PDF - 2mb.

Posted on June 11, 2009