East Tennessee Quality Growth will host economic development and planning officials as well as elected leaders and infrastructure-related industry suppliers for the third “Plain Talk” Conference (#PlainTalk16),  focusing on important issues in a 16-county region, Thurs., April 28, 2016, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the  Airport Hilton in Alcoa, Tenn. 

 

With a focus on helping local East Tennessee communities position themselves for competitive opportunities in service to their citizens, local governments and business communities, this professional development event will help attendees learn from national thought leaders about projects that can expand regional connectivity and economic development.   

 

Featured speakers and panelists will explore best practices and practical case studies for place-making, broadband expansion, community sustainability, green spaces and roads.

 

 “In past decades, the ‘road’ to economic prosperity for any community – rural to urban – centered on just that… the development of physically constructed multi-lane roadways,” said ETQG Board Chair Kim Raia.

 

“Today, maintaining traditional infrastructure remains critical, but we must also focus on digital connectivity and a wider view of what sustainable infrastructure entails for communities that will competitively thrive 20, 30 and 50 years or more into the future,” Raia said.  “That’s what #PlainTalk16 is all about uncovering and exploring, in practical terms.”

 

Speakers will include:

  • Whitney Kimball Coe of the Center for Rural Strategies, who will speak to the lack of broadband, a key barrier for most rural communities
  • Robert Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group, who will present new trends and research in creating economic growth and how communities can compete for both employment centers and major population groups as well as integrate better walkability and transportation planning
  • Billy Hattaway of the Florida Department of Transportation, who will present the case for the new transportation paradigm, inclusive of bike/pedestrian safety and “complete streets”
  • Gary Toth of Transportation Initiatives, who will uncover ways to turn transportation planning upside-down, including guidance for how communities can build excitement and public support for projects.

 

Registration is now open, $75 (elected officials and planning commissioners pay only $50), online at tinyurl.com/PlainTalk2016.  Learn more about East Tennessee Quality Growth at etqualitygrowth.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter (@ETQualityGrowth). Elected and appointed local government officials, including planners and planning commission members, are eligible for 4 hours of continuing education credits.

 

Sponsors include Alcoa Inc., City of Alcoa, City of Knoxville, City of Maryville, City of Oak Ridge, Clayton Homes, DENSO, East Tennessee Foundation, Gresham Smith & Partners, Knoxville TPO, Mary Beth West Communications, S&ME and Tennova.

 

“Together, we can build healthy and livable communities by coordinating infrastructure, land-use and transportation projects and by connecting our region through modern communication technologies,” Raia said.  

 

Founded in 2009, East Tennessee Quality Growth seeks to cultivate regional dialogue at local levels in East Tennessee to build understanding about quality growth and desired actions; to form a regional network of technical support resources for local decision-makers and citizens; and to ensure access, participation and equitable benefit for everyone.  http://etqualitygrowth.org/