Flavor of Community As Told by the People

CM credit hours for mobile workshops are awarded based on the planned dedicated instructional time. Adjustments to CM hours will not be made after the live event.

Unintentionally, planners shape communities without fully hearing from those most affected by changes. Small business owners - community lifelines - are too busy running daily operations to attend meetings or provide input. This tour flips the script by offering planners an opportunity to listen, not lead. During this multi-stop food tour and storytelling experience, restaurant owners share how they got started, what challenges they face, and what belonging to a community truly means.

This tour bridges the gap between planning processes and local entrepreneurs' lived experiences. Their input helps you develop planning tools to better support local businesses, by shaping zoning reforms, tailoring business assistance, and applying strategic placemaking strategies.

Gain insights on how to approach economic and community development and long-term neighborhood vitality. This tour stresses the importance of proactive engagement by meeting people where they are. Use your senses to shape equitable policies centered on those who shape communities.