City to host community development summit

The City today announced plans for the 2008 Community Development Summit, scheduled for September 15 through September 17 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, located at 200 E. Market.

This year’s theme is “Lessons from the Past – Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.” Panel discussions, presentations, tours and training will focus on reinvestment planning, leveraging private sector investment, and coordinating city resources.

“Our goal is to give insight into strategies for community and economic development,” said Patrick Howard, assistant director of the Planning and Community Development Department. “Housing developers, financial lenders, affordable housing providers, community development organizations, neighborhood associations and the average citizen will benefit from this summit,” he added.

Topics include Foreclosure Forecasts; Neighborhood Revitalization; Public-Private Partnership; Coordinating Resources for Master Planning; and Reinvestment and Redevelopment. The City will provide an update on progress made on the draft Strategic Plan for Community Development, and host several work sessions that will provide summit attendees opportunities to discuss and comment on the Strategic Plan. Presenters include local and out-of-state panelists who will discuss current progress as well as new approaches to community development.

Call 210-207-7833 for more information. Downloadable registration forms are available at www.sanantonio.gov/planning/cd_08summit.asp.  Interested persons are encouraged to register early.