Introduction to Development Excellence

Learn a little history about how and why the Center of Development Excellence was created and why this initiative is so important in the North Central Texas Region. Learn how the “10 Principles of Development Excellence” are guiding this initiative to address the many issues that will impact the region as its population grows including, but not limited to, transportation, air quality, water supply, and the environment. Also, hear why Development Excellence is so important from an outside of the region perspective and learn about some of the efforts in other areas of the country.

Speakers:
Mike Eastland, Executive Director, NCTCOG
Fernando Costa, Planning Director, City of Fort Worth
Tom Weyandt, Director of Comprehensive Planning, Atlanta Regional Commission

Development Excellence
in Transportation

Transportation Efficiency, one of the “10 Principles of Development Excellence” involves developing land use, building sites, and transportation infrastructure that enhances the efficient movement of people, goods, and services. Hear how several entities in the region are keeping this principle in mind while working to address important transportation issues, such as planning for transit-oriented development.

Speakers:
Mike Sims, Principal Transportation Planner, NCTCOG
Wendy Davis, Council Member, City of Fort Worth
John Webb, Director of Urban Development, City of Carrollton and Cesar Molina, Director of Engineering, City of Carrolton
Terry Watson, Director of Transportation Planning, Jacobs Civil, Inc. and Dennis Wilson, President, Townscape, Inc.

Development Excellence
in Buildings, Site Planning
& Energy Efficiency

Resource Efficiency is also one of the “10 Principles of Development Excellence” which involves providing functional, adaptable, and sustainable building and site designs that use water, energy, and material resources effectively and efficiently. This session will discuss the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program as well as the importance of site design and energy efficiency.

Speakers:
Michael Kawecki, Project Manager, City of Dallas
David Gattis, Assistant City Manager, City of Benbrook
Patrick Kelly, Energy Consultant, EPA Region 6

Development Excellence
in Public Planning & Policy

Find out the importance and impacts of the Development Excellence initiative in Public Planning & Policy in the region. Learn how two entities, including a CLIDE Landmark Award Winner, have made major strides in achieving Development Excellence in their communities and in the region.

Speakers:
Dennis Wilson, President, Townscape, Inc. and
Ron Ragland, Special Projects Manager, City of Lancaster
Fernando Costa, Planning Director, City of Fort Worth

Development Excellence & the Future

This session will wrap up some of the topics discussed throughout the day as well as discuss important issues that will face the North Central Texas region in the road ahead. This session will discuss major regional visioning processes, which attempt to create a consensus on the vision for the future and enable significant change in growth patterns. Learn why Development Excellence is important to sustain environmental excellence into the 21st century.

Speakers:
John Promise, Director of Environment & Development Dept. of NCTCOG
Scott Polikov, Principal, Gateway Planning Group and Prime Strategies, Inc. (Click on Presentations)
Beverly Silas, Executive Director, Envision Central Texas