Over April 2-5, three Planning Division staff members attended the 2016 national conference of the American Planning Association in Phoenix, Arizona - America's fastest-growing big city. Over the course of the four days, planners attended engaging sessions and hands-on workshops on topics including:

• Form based urban design
• Middle density housing
• Changing demographics and housing downsizing needs
• Exciting new simulation and mapping technologies
• Restorative infrastructure
• Energy system transformations
• Environmental justice and planning
• Creative approaches to community outreach

The conference concluded with a sobering keynote presentation by climate change expert John Englander on the impending challenges planners will need to address as sea levels rise and the planet continues to warm.

On a related note, principal planner Deanna Chow and senior civil engineer Azalea Mitch presented at an April 6 community forum on SAFER Bay sponsored by the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County. The focus of the presentation was on Menlo Park's General Plan update and proposed land use changes as well as efforts to incorporate sea level rise into the City's planning program.