The advent of the holidays and our recent Smart Growth Summit provided an opportunity for me to reflect on the role planners play in discussions about community self-determination, and the difficulties of tackling tough subjects on a large scale.

As families across Louisiana gather to celebrate all for which we are thankful, I realize how fortunate we are our to live in a society in which communities and citizens can chart a course for their own futures. I also think about the critical role planning will play in realizing those envisioned futures.

This year’s conference -- the 14th annual Smart Growth Summit  presented by the Center for Planning Excellence -- brought global experts and hundreds of Louisiana citizen leaders together in Baton Rouge for thought-provoking discussions on economic development, real estate, market trends, placemaking, green infrastructure, public health, equity, and adaptation to climate change and growing flood risk.

The agenda was designed to promote discussion on preparing and adapting our communities for the future in the face of today’s very real environmental and economic challenges.

Much of the day’s discussion centered on the challenge of building resilient communities in a manner that is informed by the complexity and interconnectedness of climate change, health and equity  -- areas of concern that think tanks and philanthropic institutions have dubbed the “Big Three” in recognition that these three issues present the most pressing challenges of our era. Many of the facts presented were alarming.

“People find that these topics are often uncomfortable to discuss because they can seem so intractable and daunting,” said Calvin Gladney, President and CEO of Smart Growth America.  “But this is the reality: those communities that can navigate these challenges are communities that will thrive in the years to come.”

Throughout the day, conferees heeded the call to consider what they heard through the lens of opportunity, and to learn from other leaders who are already bringing bold initiatives to their communities.

Participants networked in a day jam-packed with compelling sessions, including an examination of the connection between where people live and their health and longevity, and the stark disparities that can exist from place to place within the same community. This proves to be true in Baton Rouge and communities throughout our state. One panel described the renaissance in green infrastructure projects and how cities large and small are harnessing natural processes to reduce flood risk and improve quality of life for their citizens. Another session presented case studies showing how communities employing complete street strategies can engage and empower citizens and actually improve public health and drive economic development through placemaking.

I was not surprised when some of the 400 attendees confided to me that they found some of the information on the growing risks presented by climate change to be “depressing” or “discouraging.” I certainly understand their concern and even discomfort about the challenges facing Louisiana’s fragile environmental, economic, and social systems. That is why we designed this year’s Summit to not just provide the most up-to-date science and projections related to climate change impacts, but to engage participants in conversations about the opportunities that are inherent in these changes and ways that smart planning can chart a way forward that addresses these challenges and creates new possibilities within our changing environment.

CPEX’s commitment to our state, residents, governments, and members is to remain vigilant in ensuring that these hard conversations come to the forefront in all of our work. We will continue to promote the opportunities that we glean from our own experience and that of others that we work with across the globe. Above all, we love this state and want it to be the best it can be for us all. It’s our hope that decision-makers will acknowledge the realities around us and work with us to meet the challenges they present.

Finally, I want to express thanks to the active participation of community leaders from across our state, and the dedication of the incredible CPEX staff. Many thanks to all who came and made it such a success. Information and highlights from the summit can be found at CPEX.org.

Happy holiday season to all.