UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar will focus on the adaption-innovation theory, which examines individual and collective problem-solving approaches. Participants can gain insights into the diverse problem-solving styles within their communities and learn how to harness this diversity to drive innovation and create resilient, adaptable solutions.
Matt Spindler, evaluation specialist with Penn State Extension, and Michael Lombardo, mayor of Pittston, Pennsylvania, will present the webinar at noon on Sept. 21.
The session is aimed at empowering community leaders, planners and developers with knowledge and skills to foster sustainable development and address the evolving needs of their communities. Attendees will delve into the practical application of the adaption-innovation theory in the context of community planning and development. They will explore strategies for effectively engaging community members, fostering collaboration and incorporating diverse perspectives into the decision-making process.
By applying adaption-innovation theory principles, participants can foster vibrant, resilient and forward-thinking communities capable of adapting to change and driving sustainable growth, according to organizers.
Thanks to decades of collaboration, hard work and innovative thinking, the city of Pittston has gone from a post-industrial community struggling with disinvestment and blight to a model for downtown and community revitalization, organizers noted. Mayor Lombardo will discuss the placemaking strategy that embraces Pittston’s rich history while looking toward the future. He also will discuss actions taken by the city of Pittston to leverage existing community assets with the private, public and community partnerships that make it the vibrant place it is today.
“Adaption-Innovation Theory and Community Planning” is the third webinar in Penn State Extension’s Summer/Fall 2023 Land-Use Webinar Series, which runs monthly until Nov. 15. The series is aimed at informing municipal elected and appointed officials, planners, landowners, farmers, and community organizations about land-use issues and decisions in their communities.
All webinars are recorded and available for future viewing. Other programs in the series include:
- July 19 (recorded): “Using Cargo Shipping Containers to Create Housing”
- Aug. 16 (recorded): “Pennsylvania WalkWorks: Pennsylvania Department of Health Funding for Walking, Biking and Accessibility”
- Oct. 18: “Accessory Dwelling Units: Removing Barriers and Encouraging Construction From the Ground Up”
- Nov. 15: “Planner’s Use of Social Media”
The cost of the webinar series is $50 for all five sessions, or $95 for all five sessions for those who want to receive AICP certification-maintenance credits from the American Planning Association. The cost also is $95 for all five sessions for professional engineers needing PDH credits. In addition, registered landscape architects can receive continuing-education credits for a fee of $65.
For anyone interested in a particular topic from the series, individual session registration is available for a fee of $15 per session.
For more information, contact Peter Wulfhorst at 570-296-3400 or by email at ptw3@psu.edu. To register for the webinars, visit the Penn State Extension website.