Breakout Session Tracks
Energy Efficiency Track
Energy Star
The Energy Star program has been around for many years and has become an integral part of the push towards greater energy efficiencies. Learn the latest on this evolving program and how it can assist in marketing your neighborhoods and homes. You’ll also learn about newer programs such as “Homestar” and what they mean for the future.
Moderator: Glenda Abney, Earthways Center
Panelists: Ken Riead, Hathmore Technologies; Terry Freeman, City of Columbia, Mo., Public Works; Craig Berstein, Environmental Protection Agency
Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), a program of the U.S. Department of Energy, has provided billions of dollars across the nation for projects that demonstrate greater energy efficiencies. This session will review some of this program’s success and will highlight proposed programs and projects throughout the region.
Moderator: Marlene Nagel, Mid-America Regional Council
Panelists: Jerry Schechter, City of Kansas City, Mo.; Catherine Werner, City of St. Louis, Mo.; Bob Housh, Metropolitan Energy Center
New Technologies
As the energy efficiency field continues to expand and grow, everyone wants to know what’s next? Learn about cutting-edge programs and projects that are currently being developed and implemented.
Moderator: Roland Maliwat, KCP&L Smart Grid
Panelists: Corey McDonald, Paveguard; Ryan Warman, Davison Architecture; Rebecca Buford, Lawrence Community Housing Trust Fund
Healthy Homes Track
Lead-Based Paint, Asbestos and Household Hazards
Learn ways to make homes a safe haven from hidden dangers and health risks and find out about grant funding opportunities through the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazards Control. This session will cover the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. As of April 22, 2010, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Moderator: Eileen Carroll, HUD Healthy Homes
Panelists: Erica Forrest, Children’s Mercy Hospital; Luke Gard, Children’s Mercy Hospital; Maria Morey, Environmental Protection Agency
- Download presentation from this session.
- Up-to-date information on the RRP rule can be found at www.epa.gov/getleadsafe
Indoor Air Quality
Awareness of indoor air quality has become increasingly prevalent among local governments and nonprofit agencies in their efforts to address the environmental conditions in their facilities. This session will focus on proactive ways to prevent and/or improve poor indoor air quality.
Moderator: Kevin Kennedy, Children’s Mercy Hospital
Panelists: Greg Grable, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Dr. Georgi Popov, University of Central Missouri; Kevin Enyeart, Union Bank
Designing for Healthy Homes
A healthy home nurtures and protects its occupants and is designed with the environment in mind. It is energy-efficient, economical, sustainable and non-polluting. This panel — made up of industry professionals who are dedicated to building healthy and environmentally safe homes — will provide examples of how to design an affordable and healthy home.
Moderator: Craig Scranton, BNIM
Panelists: Robert McLaughlin, McLaughlin Design Associates; Dustin Jensen, Metropolitan Energy Center’s Project Living Proof; Dominique Davison, Davison Architecture
Homebuilder and Developer Track
Working in Urban Environments: CDBG, HOME, EECBG and Other Benefits
Historically, many cities and counties have struggled to rebuild their aging core neighborhoods. These areas present an excellent opportunity for homebuilders and developers, but to some the government processes and programs can seem daunting. Hear from government officials about why it’s a great time for builders and developers to work in urban communities.
Moderator: Theresa Porter, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Panelists: Vince Lintz, Boulevard Community Advisors, LLC; Randy Speaker, City of Topeka, Kan.; Jennifer Clark, City of Independence
Financing Tools in Tough Times
Currently, it is very difficult to access the financing necessary to develop and build housing throughout country. This session will take a closer look at financing challenges, and will highlight a few tools that can assist in leveraging private capital dollars.
Moderator: Bill Dana, Central Bank
Panelists: Pat Compton, Nebraska Housing Trust Fund; Stephanie Nichols, Housing Assistance Council; Mark Ward, Federal Home Loan Bank, Topeka, Kan.; Luke Harry, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Working with Nonprofits — Finding a Way to Make it Work
Nonprofit community development corporations (CDCs) rebuild core areas. Many have been in existence for more than 30 years; however, few builders and developers have accessed this valuable resource. Learn the advantages of working in partnership with the private market and nonprofit CDCs.
Moderator: Michael Snodgrass, Builders Development Corporation
Panelists: Tom Woods, T.E. Woods Homes; Ann Brandau-Murguia, Argentine Neighborhood Development Association; Mark Stallsworth, Neighborhood Housing Services
Sustainable Neighborhoods Track
Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a fast growing trend and method to effectively handle traffic congestion while protecting the environment. Hear about local and national TODs that are creating vibrant, livable communities centered around transit.
Moderator: Tom Gerend, Mid-America Regional Council
Panelists: Thomas R. Shrout, Jr., Executive Director, Citizens for Modern Transit in St. Louis; Jason Beske, Overland Park, Kan.; Wayne Feuerborn, HNTB
HUD-DOT-EPA Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities — How It Will Benefit Local Governments and Communities
Learn how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation propose to make planning grants available to metropolitan areas and create mechanisms to ensure those plans are carried through to localities. Some of the coordination efforts among the agencies include providing more transportation choices, promoting equitable and affordable housing and increasing economic competitiveness.
Panelists: Wendy Lubbe, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Cindy Terwilliger, Federal Transit Administration; Laurie Bedlington, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Roadblocks and Solutions to Creating Sustainable Development
Learn from industry representatives who are currently experiencing uphill battles while trying to create sustainable communities and what organizations have done to work with policy makers to overcome obstacles. Hear success stories and learn best practices of sustainable development throughout the region.
Moderator: Marlene Nagel, Mid-America Regional Council
Panelists: Luke Harry, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Anita Maltbia, Green Impact Zone of Missouri; Julie Porter, Local Initiative Support Corporation
