Wes Craiglow
Even though Maine self-identifies as a resourceful and fiscally conservative state, the practice of spreading outward in an inefficient pattern of development has become common practice, despite the financial and social costs. Often, investments in new infrastructure are approved without a clear understanding of the long-term replacement and maintenance liabilities. At the same time, we continue to incentivize development that doesn’t cover the cost of the infrastructure. Wes Craiglow will share insight on how communities can use the full power of the municipality to raise revenue and keep taxes lower through careful land use planning and investment. He will explore “crop yield” as a framework to make decisions that better support local environmental, financial, economic, social, and quality of life goals.
Northwest Arkansas Coordinator | Urban Land Institute
Even though Maine self-identifies as a resourceful and fiscally conservative state, the practice of spreading outward in an inefficient pattern of development has become common practice, despite the financial and social costs. Often, investments in new infrastructure are approved without a clear understanding of the long-term replacement and maintenance liabilities. At the same time, we continue to incentivize development that doesn’t cover the cost of the infrastructure. Wes Craiglow will share insight on how communities can use the full power of the municipality to raise revenue and keep taxes lower through careful land use planning and investment. He will explore “crop yield” as a framework to make decisions that better support local environmental, financial, economic, social, and quality of life goals.
James and Deborah Fallows
America is changing and moving once again toward an era of renewed innovation, compromise, and optimism, using practical solutions to solve the problems of this age. But what makes some communities more successful than others? Jim and Deb Fallows traveled the country to find out exactly that. On the ground, they saw a pattern emerge of American reinvention in the face of economic shocks, political crises, or other serious hardships. Hopping between cities and towns all over the United States by way of small airplane, these two keen observers will share stories and lessons from communities that have galvanized local energy and enthusiasm to make their places thrive.
Our Towns Foundation | Washington, D.c.
America is changing and moving once again toward an era of renewed innovation, compromise, and optimism, using practical solutions to solve the problems of this age. But what makes some communities more successful than others? Jim and Deb Fallows traveled the country to find out exactly that. On the ground, they saw a pattern emerge of American reinvention in the face of economic shocks, political crises, or other serious hardships. Hopping between cities and towns all over the United States by way of small airplane, these two keen observers will share stories and lessons from communities that have galvanized local energy and enthusiasm to make their places thrive.
Dan Parolek
Maine is feeling the housing crunch with less than 30 days of housing inventory on the market, driving up prices to unsustainable levels. In order to protect the parts of Maine we all love most — our open fields, forests, farms, long views, and wild areas — we are going to need to quickly make it easier to develop and redevelop in our village, town, and city centers. Dan Parolek, planner, developer, architect, and author of Missing Middle Housing holds the key to overcoming many of the challenges that have prevented housing development in the hearts of our communities. The answer is in the smaller multi-family building types that form the fabric of our communities and that continue to be a key part of our affordable housing stock in Maine. More information can be found at www.opticosdesign.com and www.missingmiddlehousing.com.
Opticos Design
Maine is feeling the housing crunch with less than 30 days of housing inventory on the market, driving up prices to unsustainable levels. In order to protect the parts of Maine we all love most — our open fields, forests, farms, long views, and wild areas — we are going to need to quickly make it easier to develop and redevelop in our village, town, and city centers. Dan Parolek, planner, developer, architect, and author of Missing Middle Housing holds the key to overcoming many of the challenges that have prevented housing development in the hearts of our communities. The answer is in the smaller multi-family building types that form the fabric of our communities and that continue to be a key part of our affordable housing stock in Maine. More information can be found at www.opticosdesign.com and www.missingmiddlehousing.com.