Cultivating Neighborhoods & the Small Scale Development Movement

AIA CE Pending Approval

This initiative is funded by the Panama City CRA and championed by Ward 2 City Commissioner Janice Lucas.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018, Panama City has been steadily working to rebuild. The Category 5 storm left behind a landscape of vacant lots and demolished structures but also opened the door for new opportunities. With resources to rebuild limited, the CRA focuses on connecting developable properties with capable local developers while helping property owners realize the potential of their land.

This project embraces the principles of incremental development - a people-centered, financially sustainable approach to community growth. Instead of relying on large-scale developments that can displace residents and strain public resources, incremental development supports smaller, context-sensitive projects such as duplexes, corner stores, and main street building renovations.

The initiative brings together a broad network of stakeholders committed to strengthening communities through small-scale, thoughtful development:

o        Aspiring Developers gain tools and training to launch neighborhood-sized projects.

o        City Planners and Officials learn how to embed incremental practices into policy and infrastructure planning.

o        Neighborhood Leaders advocate for zoning reforms and community investment that support walkable, people-first places.

o        Foundations and Sponsors invest in local capacity-building with long-term community impact.

o        Policymakers explore reforms that enable more flexible, grassroots development options.

 

Free to Attend

Thursday, September 4

Barbara Nelson Fine Arts Center

1200 Harrison Ave

Panama City, FL 32401

Doors open at 5:30 PM

REGISTER