Looking for information on MAPC’s official meetings and legal notices? Find it here.
One Year Later:
Reflecting on the Future of Transportation Commission report and what lies ahead for the Commonwealth
We’re postponing… but! In response to the Massachusetts’s Governor’s guidance in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, we’re postponing this event. In the meantime, however, we’re still thinking about these important issues, and know you are, too. We invite you to sign up here to receive occasional emails on this and related topics. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to being in touch!
What can municipal staff working in the areas of planning, open space and recreation, and public arts do to address untold histories, engage with controversy, and leverage the power of public art and public memory in these discussions?
Join the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and New England Foundation for the Arts for a professional development workshop designed for municipal staff on new approaches to public memory and public art in Greater Boston.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about best practices for facilitating dialogue about controversial monuments and memorials in your community, and about inspiring examples of public art and public history projects that are transforming public memories of places around the country. You will also engage in small group discussions where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about lesser-known historic and cultural stories in our region and how those stories and experiences can be actively engaged in place-based planning and programming related to public art, creative placemaking/placekeeping initiatives, and more.
Facilitators and Speakers: To be announced
This event is part of a series organized by the MAPC’s Arts and Culture Department and NEFA’s Public Art Department in conjunction with MAPC’s MetroCommon 2050 planning process. This unique, cross-sector initiative brings together artists and creators, planners, and policymakers to discuss the evolving relationship among public art, public memory, and public policy and to explore how artists can envision and shape more inclusive, thriving spaces and communities in Greater Boston.
Dr. Linda Shi, Assistant Professor at Cornell University, will be sharing her research on the vulnerability of municipal budgets in the Boston metropolitan area to climate change, as well as recommendations for how to develop in ways that promote equity, resilience, and fiscal responsibility. There will be time for questions from participants.
Join to hear Jacqueline Patterson, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice Program at the NAACP, discuss the intersection of climate resiliency and racial justice.
As cities and towns experience more frequent and intense weather events due to climate change, the arts offer opportunities to support climate resilience efforts. Collaborations with artists and creatives can enhance resilience, transform infrastructure, and increase community awareness of preparedness practices and climate risks.
Please join us for a conversation with Sarah Rawbottam, Creative Producer at Arts House in Melbourne, Australia; and Erin Genia, former Boston Artist-in-Residence. They’ll discuss the role of the artist in addressing climate change and building resilience, their experiences building resilience through art, and their advice for working with artists.
You’ll also learn more about “Cool it with Art,” MAPC’s upcoming how-to guide for tackling rising temperatures with art in Massachusetts.
MAPC’s Accelerating Climate Resiliency Series presents a panel of experts from across the United States who will speak about the challenges and opportunities of climate resilience coalitions.
Wednesday, December 15
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us for an informational webinar about the next round of MAPC’s Accelerating Climate Resilience Municipal Grants which is launching the Invitation for Proposals on August 15!
MAPC is launching this next round to help advance strategies that protect people, places, and communities from the impacts of climate change.
Register for the informational webinar
For more information about the ACR grant program, please visit the program webpage.
The Accelerating Climate Resilience 2023 Speaker Series continues on September 7th from 12-1pm. Join us to learn more about microgrids, including what they are, how community-driven microgrids provide resilient energy, how they serve as a community aid disaster response, and about their connection to climate resilience planning. You’ll hear from two leaders who are pursuing a resilient future for their communities.
Open to all, be sure to register for the Zoom event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclduyopzwvG9LLB-ILS62GYWOWBGbx6tno
Speakers:
Sari Kayyali, Microgrid Manager, GreenRoots Inc.
Arturo Massol-Deyá, Executive Director, Casa Pueblo de Adjuntas
Save the date – the Accelerating Climate Resilience 2023 Speaker Series continues in December. Learn about cleantech in your community and stay tuned for more details and featured speakers.
In collaboration with MAPC’s Public Health Department, the Equitable Engagement with Community Liaisons webinar will explore how cities are using community-led planning to broaden and deepen engagement with residents. You will hear about projects in three Massachusetts cities leading with equitable community engagement:
- Shawn Luz, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Framingham
- Emily Sullivan, Climate Change Program Manager, City of Somerville
- Richard Harding, Manager, BIPOC Men’s Health and Community Engagement Cambridge Public Health Department