Webcast Series: A Roadmap to Developing a LID Design Competition

Introduction:

This webcast series has now passed.  Please check the Webcasts page for information on any plans for future offerings.  If you are interested in viewing the webcast recordings, please use the following GoToWebinar links under each individual webcast.  All three webcasts were available at no-charge.

This three-part series presents a ‘nuts & bolts’ look at an innovative approach to driving widespread adoption and implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) on the local level. The key is changing the conversation from “will it work” to “show us it will” by moving the focus from water quality requirements to economic benefits. The information presented will reflect experiences from the Houston LID Design competition, which took place in 2010 and effectively moved LID from a virtually unknown methodology to a rapidly growing mainstream tool in local development. Based on the amazing success of the Houston program, communities around the country are considering or currently planning their own Competitions.

Many of the original professionals involved with the Houston LID Design Competition will provide an in-depth “how to” in this series, sharing information on the inception of the program, how support was gained, what it took to generate strong interest, how to select properties, set goals and run a high-profile event, and also how to keep the momentum going once the competition is completed.  Lastly, two communities currently planning LID Design Competitions of their own will discuss how they’re plans are proceeding and offer their own ‘lessons learned.’ 

Part 1: Laying the Foundation for Your Competition

June 21, 2012   1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern 

The kick-off webcast will focus on background information for the LID competition approach and if/how it can be used for your community to change the view of LID. 

Webcast Recording 

Topics: 

• How can a LID design competition be an important tool in driving widespread adoption, adaptation, and implementation of sustainable development practices in your community?
• What were the results of the HLSWF LID Design Competition in Houston, and why are those results especially significant?
• Setting goals and desired outcomes for your competition
• Important organization considerations and options for your competition
• Costs and economics of your competition
• Selection of project types and recruiting properties

Speakers: 

• Justin Ring, PE, Associate & Senior Project Manager, Edminster Hinshaw Russ & Associates 
• Margaret Robinson, ASLA, RLA, LEED AP, Principal, Asakura Robinson
• David Batts, LEED AP, Director Market Development, Construction EcoServices 
• Robert Adair, President, Convergent Water Technologies

There will be 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) offered for this webcast.

Part 2: Nuts & Bolts of Planning and Executing Your Competition

July 26, 2012   1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern 

The second webcast will address how to implement your LID competition once you’ve decided to move forward with this innovative approach.

Webcast Recording 

Topics: 

• Key decisions in developing the competition program
• Important dos and don'ts
• The critical path - timing and timeframes 
• Publicity and pressure points - driving participation
• Judges, juries and scoring considerations
• Planning for the finals event

Speakers: 

• Larry Coffman, Consultant 
• Nick Russo III, Environmental Team Leader, Harris County Public Infrastructure Department
• Kimberly Hickson, FAIA, FW Education + Culture Practice Area Leader, Gensler
• Robert Adair, President, Convergent Water Technologies

There will be 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) offered for this webcast.

Part 3: Optimizing the Return of Your Competition

August 16, 2012   1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern 

The last webcast will focus on maximize the culmination of the competition effort – the finals event!  Also, a discussion will be presented that lays out how best to ensure that this competition is not the last step, but is rather the first step in your community’s path towards a more progressive approach to stormwater management. 

Webcast Recording 

Topics: 

• Getting the most from the finals event
• Post-competition issues, obstacles, and opportunities - getting to the big payoff
• Learning from the Houston experience
• How to get started

Speakers: 

• John Blount, PE, Director of Architecture & Engineering, Harris County Public Infrastructure Department
• Charlie Penland, PE, LEED AP, Senior Principal & Executive Director - Civil Engineering Services, Walter P Moore 
• Ross Gordon, PE, LEED AP, Project Manager, AECOM 
• Audra Valamides, PE, CFM, Stormwater Engineer, City of Arlington, Texas
• Robert Adair, President, Convergent Water Technologies 

There will be 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) offered for this webcast.

Please check with your state accreditation agency to determine if you qualify for the PDHs being offered for each webcast. Detailed instructions on how to submit to WEF for PDH credit will be provided closer to each webcast date.

Questions about this webcast series should be sent to webcasts@wef.org.