Norm Van Eeden Petersman, Strong Towns Director of Movement Building, will be participating in a policy seminar hosted by the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy on February 5, 2025

LOCATION: California Market Center, Rooftop  |  DATE: February 5, 2025  |  TIME: 11:15 a.m. PST

In the midst of a historic catastrophe, Los Angeles and the state of California look to an uncertain future. While the full scope and scale of the destruction is just beginning to be determined, transportation planning will be an important part of the policy discussions about how the region recovers.

Originally organized as a broader conference about transportation planning in California, in light of recent events, the School of Public Policy will be hosting one of the first policy seminars in Los Angeles in the wake of the fires. Welcoming national and local experts in urbanism, transportation, and technology, we will explore a variety of perspectives policy makers might consider as the region rebuilds.

Kicking off with a visionary keynote by acclaimed expert on cities, Richard Florida, the following panels will highlight different aspects of planning policy in the context of the current challenges:

Crisis and Opportunity: How Should We Think About Transportation Planning in Los Angeles and California?

• What's the future of public transportation in the region?

• Can the region serve as an example, or are conditions here unique?

Decision Making: At What Level of Governance Should These Decisions Be Made?

• How do "local issues" impact regional and state considerations?

• Will the crisis force more state and even federal involvement?

Planning 2.0?: What Role Can/Will Technology Have in the Future of Transportation Planning?

Who should attend?

• Municipal Planners

• Transportation Leaders

• Transportation Tech Leaders

• Concerned Citizens