Quality of Place Kara Wilbur Quality of Place Kara Wilbur

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.

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Charles Marohn

Municipalities across Maine are dealing with tightening budgets and a growing list of unfunded infrastructure obligations, including routine maintenance and replacement of roads and utilities, creating more strain on local governments and local services. At the same time, more people are moving back to small towns and city service centers, leading to an increase in pressure on roads and rising vehicle-related fatalities. Join Chuck Marohn, national thought-leader and author of “Strong Towns, A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity” to understand why we seem to have lost the American edge on prosperity and what we can do to get it back.

President, Strong Towns | Brainerd, Minnesota

Municipalities across Maine are dealing with tightening budgets and a growing list of unfunded infrastructure obligations, including routine maintenance and replacement of roads and utilities, creating more strain on local governments and local services. At the same time, more people are moving back to small towns and city service centers, leading to an increase in pressure on roads and rising vehicle-related fatalities. Join Chuck Marohn, national thought-leader and author of “Strong Towns, A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity” to understand why we seem to have lost the American edge on prosperity and what we can do to get it back.

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Landing Impactful Public Art

Art sets places apart. Hear from public art professionals on how to cultivate partnerships to realize impactful projects that your community can afford -- plus places to find funding.

Anne Marie Purkey Levine | AMPL Arts Consulting

Julie Horn | Maine Arts Commission

Deborah Greel | Salem Public Art Planner

Caitlin Cameron | City of Portland

Pamela Moulton | Artist

Art sets places apart. Hear from public art professionals on how to cultivate partnerships to realize impactful projects that your community can afford -- plus places to find funding.

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Bo Kennedy

Bo Kennedy, Project Manager & Engineer at Placemaker Partners, LLC, contributes to the 'State of Maine' address at the annual Build Maine 2017 conference, held in June 2017.

Placemaker Partners LLC on Thompson’s Point

Bo Kennedy, Project Manager & Engineer at Placemaker Partners, LLC, contributes to the 'State of Maine' address at the annual Build Maine 2017 conference, held in June 2017.

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Ann Sussman

The car industry has known for years how to predict consumer reaction to vehicle design. Ann will share new research, using eye-tracking technology that proves beauty is in fact biological. Find out how your town or city can use these findings to attract people to your community.

Architect, Author, Researcher

The car industry has known for years how to predict consumer reaction to vehicle design. Ann will share new research, using eye-tracking technology that proves beauty is in fact biological. Find out how your town or city can use these findings to attract people to your community.

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Eric Kronberg

Eric will highlight how small-scale infill can breathe value into downtowns and provide a way for more people to break into the real estate development field. He will also help municipalities understand where zoning and other policies can suppress incremental development.

PRincipal | Kronberg Wall

Eric will highlight how small-scale infill can breathe value into downtowns and provide a way for more people to break into the real estate development field. He will also help municipalities understand where zoning and other policies can suppress incremental development.

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Patrick Kennedy

Patrick will share recent examples of the New York City Department of Transportation’s efforts to shift the use of public space away from vehicles and toward pedestrians, cyclists, and civic space.

Urban Planner | New York City Department of Transportation

Patrick will share recent examples of the New York City Department of Transportation’s efforts to shift the use of public space away from vehicles and toward pedestrians, cyclists, and civic space.

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