Steven G. Mlenak, Co-Chair of the firm’s Redevelopment & Land Use Department, will be a presenter at the 2024 New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference. The popular annual event, hosted by New Jersey Future and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association will be presented virtually on June 5–6, 2024 and in person on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

Mr. Mlenak will participate in the panel discussion “Are you Blighting our Town? How Municipal Officials Navigate the Politics of Redevelopment” on Friday, June 7 from 2:30 pm – 3:45pm.

In areas historically unfamiliar with redevelopment, elected officials must carefully navigate the political impact of smart growth and redevelopment approaches to affordable housing, sustainability, and placemaking. Convincing an electorate that strategic planning incorporating the tools of redevelopment is a benefit to them can be challenging. This panel of elected officials and municipal professionals will discuss how communication, stakeholder engagement, and addressing community and public benefits can make all the difference when answering questions such as: Why do we need affordable housing? When do PILOTs make sense? And how can they benefit the municipality and the schools alike?

The New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference features a multitude of timely sessions and brings together hundreds of New Jersey professionals, elected officials, and community activists who share a passion and commitment to the Garden State. The firm is proud to be an annual sponsor of this important event.

More information and registration details on the Conference website.