Day 1
Thursday
September 18
On day one, we will deepen understanding of small cities through narrative exercises that highlight the shared and unique experiences of different communities, identify patterns, and create provisional typologies.
Morning
8:00
Breakfast
9:00
Collaborative Session: Small Cities Stories
Lightning Keynotes: Small Cities Stories
Small cities take many forms–each defined by their own cultures, industries, size, resources, and physical conditions. To recognize this variety, five people will share 2-minute stories or reflections about a small city close to them.
9:45
Roundtable Discussions
Through a story-based methodology small groups will surface different perspectives and realities related to small cities in order to create a deeper understanding of their variety.
10:30
Break
10:45
Cross-Sector Perspectives
Through a series of interactive exercises we will collectively map the perspectives and sectors represented in the room. Participants will share their ideas and insights about the challenges and opportunities that exist in small cities.
Afternoon
12:00
Working Lunch: Sector Affinity Groups
Working Lunch: Conversations and Co-Creation
In curated tables, participants will take a deep dive into conversations relevant to their particular sector, or disciplinary perspective, including:
- Reflections on learnings and curiosities.
- Identify the affinity group's known superpowers, frameworks, resources, etc., that contribute to small cities.
- Co-create a presentation highlighting the strengths of this discipline.
2:15
Affinity Group Presentations
Each group will share key information that they want other sectors to be know about their strengths, challenges, and assets they have for addressing small city challenges.
3:15
Break
3:30
Collaborative Session: Small City Portraits
Identifying Small City Types, Challenges, and Opportunities
Individuals and small groups will create "Small City Portraits," discussing different types of small cities and what knowledge and resource gaps exist.
4:45
Closing
5:00
Shuttle leaves for ArtsQuest
5:00-7:00
South Bethlehem Happy Hour @ ArtsQuest
Day 2
Friday
September 19
On day two, we will imagine ways to shape future change through skills-building workshops, talks, interactive sections that highlight ongoing cross-sector projects, best practices, and more. We will end the day building relationships and an agenda for action.
Morning
8:00
Breakfast and Networking
8:30
Welcome
Reflections from first day
9:00
Small Cities Lab: Cross-sector Projects
Presentations from two cross-sector projects that highlight the importance of partnerships in addressing complex urban challenges.
- Designing Inclusive Cities: Enhancing Social Connection and Well-Being for Disabled Communities in Small Cities; Christina Zhang, Jiin Jung, Austin Duncan, and Samantha Fox.
- The Alley House Program; Wes Hiatt, Karen Beck Pooley
9:30
Methods for Action I: Workshares
Participants can choose from concurrent panels:
University-based Community Design Centers: Scale, Scope, and Geography; Observation Tower, IA SOT
- Joseph Hang, Design and Research Fellow, University of Minnesota Design Center
- Alan Plattus, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, Yale University; Co-Director, Yale Urban Design Workshop
- Ellie Abrons, Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Michigan; Collective for Equitable Housing
Housing Policy Across Scales: Strategies and Implementation and ADU Case Study; Wood Dining Room
- Seva Rodnyansky, Research Manager, Housing Policy Initiative, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Trevor Tormann, Sr. Planner, Bureau of Planning & Zoning, City of Allentown
- Jennifer Gomez, Planning and Zoning Director, Bureau of Planning & Zoning, City of Allentown
- Karen Beck-Pooley, Professor of Practice, Lehigh University; Co-Director, Small Cities Lab
Navigating Change in Small Cities: Strategies Across Scales; Governor's Suite, IA GS
- Anna Smith, Director, Community Action Development Bethlehem
- Kathy Wyrosdic, Executive Director, The Governor's Center for Local Government Services
- David Kooris, Executive Director, Connecticut Municipal Development Authority
Oral Histories and Community Stories: Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble; Conference Room C002
- Laurie McCants, Emeritus Ensemble Member, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
10:45
Break
11:00
Methods for Action II: Workshops
Participants will learn tools, frameworks, and resources:
Facilitation Training; Observation Tower, IA SOT
- ashley sparks and Mark Valdez, Mark-n-Sparks
Grant-seeking and Project Coalition Building; Governor's Suite, IA GS
- Natasha de Luna, Associate Dean of Development, Lehigh University College of Arts and Sciences
Green Building Techniques; Wood Dining Room
- Ray Demers, Senior Director, National Programs, Enterprise Community Partners
Afternoon
12:15
Lunch + Lehigh Open-house @ Small Cities Lab, Highbay C2, Building C
A showcase of Small Cities Lab projects developed through collaborations between faculty, students, and community partners. Welcome remarks by Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble.
1:30
Project Possibilities
The research team will share insights and recommendations based on participant input.
2:00
The Near Future: Action Plans and Proposals
Based on emerging questions, identified research gaps, and typologies, small groups will identify possible projects, future learning communities, and research priorities. Participants will step outside their usual roles to ideate priority projects.
3:15
Break
3:30
Shark Tank: Project Proposals
Each group makes a pitch to the room for their proposal. Participants can sign-up to be a part of projects in the near future
4:30
Synthesis and Next Steps
5:00
Closing
5:30
Optional "Here and Now" Centennial Exhibition Kickoff Party
@ Lehigh University Art Galleries: Main and Lower Galleries, Zoellner Arts Center
Here & Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists!
Following a Welcome Reception in LUAG's Main Gallery, the energy will turn up with a live DJ, hands-on "make-it-take-it" artmaking experiences, delicious food and drink, and delights sprinkled throughout the night, both inside LUAG and throughout the spaces of Zoellner Arts Center.