2024PDC

Track: Roundtable – Program & Project Development

Description: Purdue Extension has a long history of providing land use technical assistance resources and training for Indiana plan commissions. The Purdue Land Use Team collaborators develop and deliver robust information that informs local decision-makers based on a thorough understanding of the alternatives and consequences of land use planning decisions. Additionally, specialists and educators provide various levels of technical assistance. For example, program efforts include convening and coaching local working groups in collaboration with decision-making bodies to support local planning and ordinance development in housing, natural resources conservation, parks and public spaces, renewable energy, and septic systems, among others. Planning programs provide land use education through decision-support tools, facilitated discussions, and resource guides. Emphasis is on providing support for current land use pressures. As a result, Purdue Extension Community Development’s thematic area of Community Planning strongly focuses on renewable energy planning and zoning. Purdue Extension Community Development is leading the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement (R-STEP) program funded through the Department of Energy. This state-wide collaborative supports renewable energy education and technical assistance for planning and siting utility-scale projects. It additionally focuses on building collaborative partnerships, accessible education and training, and engagement experiences to support communities in reaching self-directed resiliency goals.

Presenters: Kara Salazar, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development, Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist; Tamara Ogle, Regional Educator, Community Development; Dan Walker, Regional Educator, Community Development; Kayla Wright, Community Resilience Extension Specialist