Staff Coordinator(s): Karen Cilurso
Meeting Frequency: 2-3 times a year
The
Regional Community and Economic Development Forum meets on a periodic
basis to
address current issues in land use, housing, economic development, and
transportation in the Delaware Valley region. The Regional Community and
Economic Development Forum represents a merger of the Land
Use and Housing
Committee (LUHC) and the Land
Use, Transportation, and Economic Development (LUTED)
committee.
The Intersection of Food & Local Economic Development
Growing Greater Philadelphia Webinar Series
In partnership with U.S. EDA Philadelphia and U.S. EPA, Region II and III
This webinar series was developed to help chart pathways within the emerging sector of urban agriculture, between small businesses, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, food industry partners, local downtown improvement districts, and government agencies. Each webinar provided space for participants to share input on the goals and actionable project concepts stemming from the region’s Growing Greater Philadelphia Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The webinars took place over a four-week period in March and April 2021.
Infrastructure: Understanding Where We Are & What We Need
Recording originally recorded March 17, 2021
This event has been approved for 2.0 AICP Credits. APA Event # 9212156
Reliable infrastructure is needed to establish and grow accessible and affordable urban agriculture businesses. Infrastructure needs for urban agriculture include, but are not limited to, acquisition of land and indoor structures, clean water, and environmentally friendly energy sources. This webinar discussed how agencies at all levels of government and the private sector are investing to ensure that infrastructure needs are met.
Expanding Agricultural Opportunities through Facilities and Land Trusts
Recording originally recorded on March 24, 2021
This event has approved for 1.5 AICP CM credits. APA Event # 9212083
Urban gardens and farms are located throughout many cities across the country. They have come into existence primarily to help address food insecurities in our economically distressed communities. The urban agriculture trend has taken hold and is evolving into a new business sector, both large and small. This webinar will bring together private and public sector experts to discuss the current state of urban agriculture, including networks with rural producers, supply chains, indoor versus outdoor facilities, and challenges and successes.
Perfecting Food Cooperative Business Models
Recording originally recorded on March 31, 2021
This event has been approved for 1.5 AICP CM Credits. APA Event # 9212084
Food cooperatives are democratically owned by their members, so success is often measured according to social responsibility principles of these member-owners. Cooperative business models should ensure economic success, but other goals such as sustainability, accessibility, and environmental stewardship are also important. This webinar will allow for participants to learn from replicable food cooperatives about developing and executing successful business models.
From Plan to Implementation: Charting a Course of Action
Recording originally recorded on April 7, 2021
This event has been approved for 1.5 AICP CM Credits. APA Event # 9212158
Building off DVRPC’s Growing Greater Philadelphia CEDS Action Plan, this webinar is the last in the series and will focus on how to develop specific and relevant projects that will connect agriculture practitioners to viable markets for meaningful commerce and trade. Speakers will highlight how to create pathways to ensure the necessary skills and procedures are developed.