For Cities with Bold Plans, Taming Controversy with Engagement, Outreach (WXY)

On September 7 in Orlando, a panel at the American Planning Association (APA) annual meeting will reveal ways for city planners and officials to successfully navigate polarized opinions and power imbalances that arise when they engage the public on major or controversial initiatives.

With more than 15 years of broad experience in urban design and planning, WXY’s Adam Lubinsky — along with two accomplished colleagues — will discuss “effective, inclusive communications and outreach strategies” that lead to better outcomes for city planning and similar initiatives that impact people and neighborhoods.

“We’ll share our top tips on how to prepare and structure your efforts to engage with diverse audiences,” according to Adam Lubinsky, AICP, Ph.D., managing principal of WXY architecture + urban design, and his copanelists Leticia Solaun, Ph.D. of Jacobs Engineering, and Ali Ankudowich, AICP, of Tampa firm Benesch.

The experts will also illuminate strategies supporting “more equitable planning outcomes through a case study in affordable housing.”

Lubinsky’s in-depth experience in planning and public engagement has resulted in more equitable planning outcomes and successful, large-scale strategic plans and master planning for public and private sector clients. Among the award-winning works he has led with WXY are the Brooklyn Navy Yard Master Plan, the D15 School Diversity Plan, and the East Harlem Neighborhood Plan. Affordable housing projects include the Peninsula in the Bronx, N.Y., which just debuted its first phase.