11th Sustainability Conference: Building and Planning for an Equitable and Healthy Future

Posted on by Kelsy Black

11th Sustainability Conference 

Building and Planning for an Equitable and Healthy Future

Thursday May 6, 2021 – Friday May 7, 2021

 

View Day 1 Recording

View Day 2 Recording

 

Conference Hosts:

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (Pittsburgh Section)
  • Environmental and Water Resources Institute (Pittsburgh Chapter)
  • Sustainable Pittsburgh 

In Partnership With:

  • American Public Works Association
  • City of Pittsburgh
  • Local Government Academy

Join the American Society of Civil Engineers (Pittsburgh Section), the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (Pittsburgh Chapter) and Sustainable Pittsburgh for the 11th Sustainability Conference. During this two-day event, national and local experts will present current challenges, opportunities, and strategies for how the Pittsburgh region can ensure a healthy and safe environment for all of its residents and future generations. The conference will be a mix of invited speaker presentations, interactive break out discussions, and expert panel discussions.

Topics to be explored:

  • The economy and government operations post COVID-19 
  • Tackling climate change at the local level for large and small communities
  • The power of local governments to ensure the future of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s public health and ensuring clean water, air, and soil for all residents
  • Creating collaborative networks for solving difficult challenges
  • Risk, climate change and resilience

Who Should Attend: Municipal and State Elected Officials and Staff, Engineers, Nonprofit and Community Leaders, Planners, and Architects serving Southwestern PA

 

View Speaker Bios

 

View Program Agenda

 

[CONFERENCE DAY 1] 

Featured Keynote: Carolyn Kousky, Ph.D. – Executive Director – Wharton Risk Center, University of Pennsylvania

  • An Open Conversation about Challenges Facing Your Community – Led by Adam Welchel, Ph.D. – Director of Science – The Nature Conservancy
  • Understanding Community Challenges and Fostering Resilience 
    • Allison Acevedo, J.D. – Director of the Office of Environmental Justice – Department of Environmental Protection
    • Majestic Lane – Chief Equity Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff – City of Pittsburgh
    • Jamil Bey, Ph.D. – Executive Director – UrbanKind Institute
    • Noble A-W Maseru, Ph.D. – Director Center of Health Equity – University of Pittsburgh

[CONFERENCE DAY 2]

Featured Keynote: Carol Haddock MPA, PE – Public Works Director – City of Houston

  • Grant Ervin, MPIA – Chief Resilience Officer and Assistant Director for the Department of City Planning – City of Pittsburgh
  • Climate Resilience Analysis and Planning 
    • Marissa Aho, AICP – Resilience Officer – City of Houston
    • Dave Rosenblatt, MAT – State Chief Resilience Officer – State of New Jersey
    • Alex Kaplan – Executive Vice President of Alternative Risk for Amwins Group
  • A Conversation of Public Health and Equity 
    • Moderator – Joylette Portlock, Ph.D. – Executive Director – Sustainable Pittsburgh
    • Will Pickering – Executive Director of Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
    • Jim Kelly, MS ES&P- Deputy Director – Environmental Health Bureau, Allegheny County Health Department
    • Megan Zeigler MLA – Vice President of Planning and Policy – Green Building Alliance
    • Ariam Ford, MCP – Executive Director – Grounded
  • Howard M. Neukrug, PE – Executive Director – The Water Center, University of Pennsylvania