The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted downtowns and urban cores in unforeseen ways that now provide opportunities to revitalize these places to better serve all people. Join national experts and community leaders to explore cutting edge data analysis, innovative techniques, and best practices to reimagine downtowns for our shared prosperity.
The in-person plenary session is full, but you can request a spot on the wait list with the registration link. We hope you will join us for the virtual plenary session.
AICP CM credits pending for those who attend the meeting. Registration is free.
In Person Registration - Waiting List OR Zoom Webinar Registration
Program
9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. | Welcome by PSRC
9:05 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks - Importance of Downtowns
Speaker: Markam McIntyre, Seattle Director, Economic Development
9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Plenary Panel 1 - Health and Recovery of Downtowns
Panelists will share national and regional data that illustrated challenges and opportunities for downtown recovery. Moderated by Brian Lee, Ph.D., PSRC. Speakers: Karen Chapple, Ph.D., University of Toronto; Tracy Hadden Loh, Ph.D., Fellow, Brookings Metro; Cynthia Chen, Ph.D., University of Washington
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Coffee/Discussion Break - Interactive Polling
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Plenary Panel 2 - Reimagining Downtowns: Local Perspectives
Panelists will discuss how to make downtowns attractive for all groups of people, including office workers, residents, and visitors. Panelists will also discuss how the pandemic and recovery is reshaping city visions for downtowns and transit service. Moderated by Andrea Newton, ULI. Speakers: Lyle Bicknell, Urban Designer, City of Seattle; Mason Thompson, Mayor of Bothell; Michelle Allison, General Manager, Metro Transit;Brendan Nelson, Empowering People in Communities
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch at PSRC office
During lunch, Rep. Julia Reed (36th District) will address the importance of our city centers as great places to live, work and visit. (in-person only)