St. Louis Metro Section

April 21, 2021 SLMS Luncheon

Join the Saint Louis Metro Section of the American Planning Association on Wednesday, April 21^st for a presentation on the Tower Grove Connector, an upcoming 1.4 mile cycle track linking Tower Grove Park with Forest Park Southeast. Speakers from Lochmueller Group, SWT Design, and Trailnet will guide us through this innovative project, including:

·         What a cycle track is and where/when they are appropriate solutions

·         The multiple steps of the planning process that identified high priority bicycle corridors in the City of St. Louis and ultimately determined the route of the Tower Grove Connector

·         Innovative funding solutions used to bring the Tower Grove Connector to life

·         Where the Tower Grove Connector is in development and how you can get involved

·         Additional planning factors that impact the success of projects like the Tower Grove Connector

Katy Shackelford is a pioneering accredited urban planning professional with over 9 years of experience. Katy specializes in transportation planning, economic development, and public policy. She has a talent for creating catalytic community impact using infrastructure investment. Prior to joining Lochmueller Group, she spent five years as an urban planner and economic development specialist in Peoria, IL. Her focus areas include economic development in post-industrial communities, sustainable growth and development, and transportation as a community catalyst. Katy earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, with graduate certificates in economic development and public policy. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Ball State University.

Paul Toenjes began his professional career in academia teaching inner-city children at an elementary school in Louisville, KY. Concerned over the lack of natural spaces, environmental justice issues, and the conditions of his student’s neighborhoods he turned to urban planning and landscape architecture at Louisiana State University. Though still a teacher at heart, today Paul is passionate about how good planning and design can help to improve a community and to help its residents fall in love where they live. During his time as both a studio and project manager with SWT Design, Paul has been integral in projects that address many contemporary planning and design challenges, from economic development and transportation, to green infrastructure, placemaking and sustainable site design. He has led projects across a wide variety of scales from small pocket parks to regional bike/pedestrian network plans, always understanding that good planning is critical to realizing a successful built work.

Taylor March directs Trailnet’s walking, biking and transit advocacy campaigns and educational programs. His work centers on community outreach and engagement as the key to successful planning and advocacy. Taylor believes that infrastructure solutions are the most effective and equitable way to eliminate traffic fatalities on our streets. In his role at Trailnet, Taylor has worked with the City of St. Louis to bring over $7.5 Million in outside investments for active transportation infrastructure projects. These projects were identified by community outreach and represent more than $11 million of infrastructure spending for people walking, biking, and taking the bus. Before joining Trailnet, Taylor worked as a photovoltaic solar designer and project manager, and his passion for engineering, infrastructure, and the environment informs his advocacy for streets. Taylor is a full time bicycling, MetroBus, and walking commuter and a League of American Bicyclists Certified Cycling Instructor.

Reminder: Luncheon Next Wednesday

March 17th "Virtual Luncheon":
Neighborhood Anchors

 Join the St. Louis Metro Section for a virtual luncheon on the topic "Neighborhood Anchors: Maintaining Community Throughout a School's Lifecycle" with experts Danny Wicentowski and Carrie Collins.

When?
March 17, 2021
11:30am - 1pm

Where?
Online, via zoom. To get the link, sign up on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neighborhood-anchors-maintaining-community-throughout-a-schools-lifecycle-tickets-145148385729 

All attendees must sign up via Eventbrite!

Cost?
Free for members and non-members. Please forward this email to anyone who would be interested.

Description of the program

Schools are community assets that go beyond the four walls of the classroom and their outcomes are entwined with the surrounding neighborhoods they serve. Join the APA St. Louis chapter for a panel discussion to jumpstart conversations about how urban planners and community developers can partner with school districts, whether in collaboration with active community schools or planning for equitable re-use of vacant school buildings. We will be joined by Danny Wicentowski from the Riverfront Times and Carrie Collins, Director of Education for Beyond Housing.

About the Presenters: 
 
Danny Wicentowski is a staff reporter with The Riverfront Times who covered the recent wave of SLPS school closures and the redevelopment of vacant buildings.
 

Carrie Collins is the Director of Education for Beyond Housing. Through her role, Carrie develops relationships between the Normandy School District, organizational partners, and the surrounding community. This includes the Family Engagement Liaisons program that builds more bridges between home and school. In addition to her role with Beyond Housing, Carrie has extensive experience as a school principal and educator in St. Louis-area schools.

_____________________________________________________________

APA Section Awards

Presented at the December Luncheon on December 16, 2020. Congratulations to all our Planning Award recipients. 

The Dwight F. Davis Award for Outstanding Planning Advocate: Dr. Sarah Coffin, Saint Louis University

The Dwight F. Davis Award for Outstanding Planning Advocate: Brian H. Hurd

Outstanding Plan Making: St. Charles County 2030 Master Plan

Outstanding Planning Practice: Gravois-Jefferson Aligned

President's Award: Martin L. Mathews, Mathews Dickey's Boys & Girls Club

Planning Champion: Beth Letscher

---

December 2020 Virtual Luncheon

Title: St. Louis Architectural Tour
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2020
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Speaker: Amanda Clark
Location: Zoom Meeting  (Register For link)

Mark your calendars for this FREE and virtual luncheon where Amanda Clark takes us on a virtual walk to some of her favorite hidden architectural history treasures. 

View the St. Louis Metro Section Strategic Plan.