SILVER SPRING – In response to changing demographics, economics and lifestyles, the Montgomery County Planning Department will host a spring speaker series that focuses on ways to meet the challenges of change as we manage growth to shape great communities.
The Rethink Montgomery speaker series focuses on ways to connect culture, health, food, knowledge, ecology, economy, infrastructure, resources, and energy as part of a re-examination of Montgomery County. Experts will join planners and the public to analyze how such elements should be considered as part of planning to create quality places.
How planners link those elements will define Montgomery County for the next several decades. For example, culture plays a big role in how many residents define themselves, their values and their communities. How we use space can respect culture, and guest speakers exploring “culture” will delve into how good planning can foster sports, music, theater, food or public art.
The speaker series runs April 8 through June 3. All sessions will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Park and Planning headquarters as part of weekly Planning Board meetings. Some will qualify for continuing education credits for professionals.
On April 8, the series kicks off with a panel featuring five local bloggers: David Alpert (Greater Greater Washington), Cindy Cotte Griffiths (Rockville Central), Dan Reed (Just Up the Pike), Eric Robbins (Thayer Avenue) and Barnaby Zall (Friends of White Flint).
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