Advocacy Roundtable // The Shade Imperative: Street Trees as Critical Public Infrastructure

The Shade Imperative: Street Trees as Critical Public Infrastructure 

Monday, September 28, 12:00-1:30pm; AIA Austin/Center for Architecture, 801 West 12th Street, 78701

As we become hotter and hotter as a region, planting and preserving shade trees along public pathways has become critical on many levels: to improve basic human health, safety and comfort; to improve air and water quality; to extend habitat corridors; and to encourage active transportation modes and transit use. Yet, when projects specify trees in the public ROW – where they are most needed – they are often deleted or denied by public agencies.   

But shade is on the way! Thanks to the efforts of our panelists leading the City’s Green Infrastructure Working Group and the Austin Transit Partnership’s Austin Light Rail Project. Please join us and our colleagues from many different fields at AIA Austin’s Advocacy Commission Roundtable to break down the issues and present and discuss potential solutions.  

Learning Objectives

1. Evaluate how green infrastructure and street tree networks contribute to pedestrian safety, thermal comfort, environmental quality, and public health in the public realm.
2. Understand existing regulatory barriers and practical challenges to creating a broader street tree network.
3. Identify key recommendations developed by the Green Infrastructure Working Group and understand their application to street trees and improved streetscape design for public and private projects.
4. Compare implementation tools and strategies for urban green infrastructure, including utility coordination, capital improvement projects, development incentives, and code-based requirements.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit: 1.5 LU/HSW

$5 CE for AIA Members / $20 CE for non-members / NO CE: free
Registration required. RSVP HERE

Light snacks will be provided.

Panelists:

• Brianna Frey – Division Manager, Strategic Projects, ATPW

• Kevin Howard Oliver – GIWG, Strategic Advisor & Subject Matter Expert

• Robert Infanger – Special Materials Expert, Austin Transit Partnership

This event was previously titled “Shade Trees & Sidewalks: Expanding Austin’s Network”