March 11 – Planning and the Black Community Division – New Data Tools for Supporting Analysis of Equitable Development and Environmental Justice – Speakers: Kevin Olp, Sarah Treuhaft, Carlton Ely. 1.5 CM credits pending.Understanding the challenges and opportunities communities face—economic, social, and environmental—is a prerequisite for making investments that achieve their goals. To respond to   …

Penn State Extension provides research-based practical education you can trust. We help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. http://extension.psu.edu/.Dealing with Conflict Over Natural Resource and Land Use Issues: An Introduction to the Strategies and ToolsUnderstanding the tools and strategies for managing and planning for controversial natural resource and   …

March 18 – Small Towns and Rural Planning Division – The New “Cottage” Industry: Housing, Lodging, and the Sharing Economy – Speakers: Jessica Garrow, Phillip Supino, Brian Duffany.  1.5 CM credits approvedThe new Sharing Economy has enabled the availability of private short-term rental properties like never before. Web-based clearinghouses for short-term rentals, such as VRBO   …

Penn State Extension provides research-based practical education you can trust. We help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. http://extension.psu.edu/.Stabilizing Communities through Vacant & Abandoned Property InitiativesLand banks and conservatorships are new tools for Pennsylvania communities to return vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties to productive use. Land banks   …