As communities grow and change, it is difficult to balance development opportunities while maintaining the distinct character and values of the area. Without proper planning and long term considerations, a community may miss achieving on both goals. This webinar will help participants identify the intrinsic values of their community and its green infrastructure. In addition the discussion will include identifying the benefits that diverse stakeholders can contribute. Key questions include:

• Where do you begin in order to get started and begin community momentum?

• How to frame the discussion and engage all levels of stakeholders?
• How to define local priorities when establishing policies?
• What planning tools are available to support the process?

Webinar Guest Presenter: Karen Firehock directs the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC), which she co-founded in 2006. She directs planning and research projects to map, prioritize, conserve or restore natural resources in both wild and urban landscapes. She has authored numerous  green infrastructure planning guides, case studies, videos and webinars and has worked on GI projects in eight states. She is also a lecturer at the University of Virginia (UVA)'s School of Architecture. Prior to directing the GIC, she spent seven years as a Senior Associate at the UVA Institute for Environmental Negotiation. For the 12 years prior, she was the nation Save Oor Streams Program Director at the Izaak Walton League of America. She has a B.S. in Natural Resources Management from UMD and a M.P. Urban and Environmental Planning from UVA.