Registration open for 2009 Community Development Summit

Registration is open for the 2009 Community Development Summit, scheduled for September 16 and September 17 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, located at 200 E. Market.

Hosted by the City and the Urban Land Institute, this year’s theme, “Creating Great Places: From House to Market” focuses on the importance of housing, infrastructure and commerce in the creation of great places. “Our goal is to give insight and spur best- practices discussion related to sustainable communities and economic development,” said Patrick Howard, assistant director of the Planning and Development Services Department.

“Housing developers, affordable housing providers, engineers, architects, planners, financial lenders, community development organizations, neighborhood associations and the average citizen will work together to ensure a sustainable future for San Antonio,” he added.

Activities include workshops, tours, special events, forums and networking opportunities, including an evening networking event on September 16. On September 17, the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalizations (NCR) Awards Ceremony will honor local business leaders who invest in their communities and create “Stronger Businesses for Stronger Neighborhoods.”

The Summit was also selected as the venue for a Regional Visioning Kick-off event. The ULI Foundation awarded ULI San Antonio a Community Action Grant to study how visioning has helped other Texas communities explore options for growth which create a win-win environment for citizens, developers and the community at-large. As part of this exploration, a panel will present a transit-oriented redevelopment scenario that presents the realities of sustainable development.

Those interested can download the application online at http://2009cdsummit.wordpress.com/.  Early bird registration ends August 31. Cost is $150 for the private sector, $125 for the public sector and $110 for non-profit organization. Meals are included. For more information, e-mail cdsummit@sanantonio.gov.