Implementing Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania

The Center for Conservation and Development works to draw from the ideas in the Better Models for Development series of publications. In Pennsylvania it is putting them into practice within communities old and new. Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Center is engaged in a range of activities that implement the guiding principles illustrated in the Better Models in Pennsylvania publication.

• Balancing Nature and Commerce for Sustainable Community Development Workshop
  In the beautiful 12-county Pennsylvania Wilds region in north-central Pennsylvania, the Center is working with the Conservation Leadership Network and local partners to design and deliver a workshop on Balancing Nature and Commerce for Sustainable Community Development. The workshop will help teams of community leaders to develop their own workplans based on natural, recreational, and scenic assets that serve to enhance their local economy and maintain the heritage and character of their communities.
• Better Models for Development Workshops
  The Center for Conservation and Development offers one-day workshops on Better Models for Development around the state. The workshop highlights community choices for new development and redevelopment and provides tools and strategies for a more thoughtful win-win approach to these decisions. The workshop also translates the six Better Models for Development principles into practice by providing resources that sharpen awareness of tried-and-true planning tools. It offers communities resources for implementing Better Models and strategies for communicating about development choices. The interactive program includes discussion on solutions to development challenges that ensure a good economic, environmental, and community outcome.
  • Next Scheduled Workshop: Lehigh Valley, January 10-11, 2008.

  Contact Kendra Briechle for additional information on 2008 regional workshops.

• Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania Toolkit
  The Center for Conservation and Development has created a toolkit of resources on Implementing Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania. The toolkit is specifically designed to help community leaders communicate more effectively on growth issues and to help guide implementation of Better Models in Pennsylvania communities. The toolkit includes a database of resources plus a slide show and accompanying script that show specific examples of choices for development.