Mitchell Silver, “Planning in the 21st Century: Whats Next?”

What are the emerging trends and challenges in the 21st century and how can planners be best positioned to lead and innovate as we move forward to prepare our communities for growth and change? With changing demographics, fluctuating political landscape, shifting consumer preferences, outdated governance structures and new demands for water and energy what’s the new role for the planning profession? This lecture will offer insights into these challenges and ideas as to what planners should do next.

Mitchell J. Silver, AICP, is president of the American Planning Association (APA). Mr. Silver is also the Chief Planning & Development Officer and Planning Director for Raleigh, North Carolina, and an award-winning planner with over 27 years of experience in the public and private sectors in New York City, Washington, D.C and Raleigh. He is internationally recognized for his leadership in the planning profession and his contributions to contemporary planning issues.

Known to his colleagues as a creative thinker, problem-solver and visionary leader, Mitchell has been at the center of  cutting edge trends, innovative solutions, and visionary plans. As planning director in Raleigh, he led the comprehensive plan update process to create a vibrant 21st-century city with a modern transit system, great streets, great places and great neighborhoods. He is now overseeing a rewrite of the City’s Development Code.

Mr. Silver is a contributing editor and author of ICMA’s “Local Planning: Contemporary Principles and Practice.” Mr. Silver’s work and commentary has been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Atlantic Cities, Planning Magazine, the Triangle Business Journal, the Urban Times, Crain’s Business Journal, BBC World News, and National Public Radio (NPR).

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Public Programs Office at (617) 496-2414 or [email protected] in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that the University will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.

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