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Speaker Series

The Liveable City Speaker Series provides a forum for informed analysis, thoughtful discourse, and fresh ideas about key issues facing Austin.

The LC Speaker Series has included:

  • The Greening of Urbanism – Hank Dittmar

    Hank Dittmar is internationally recognized for a distinguished career in urban design and transportation, including service as President & CEO of Reconnecting America and as an appointee to the President’s Council on Sustainable Development. Since 2005, he has served as Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment in the United Kingdom. He currently chairs the Congress for the New Urbanism, an international membership organization that promotes the creation and restoration of compact, walkable, mixed-use cities, towns, and neighborhoods. His Liveable City address focuses on the Greening of Urbanism across the international community.

  • Do Public Economic Incentives Work for Austin? – Dr. Michael Oden with Panel Discussion

    "Building a More Sustainable Economy: Economic Development Strategy and Public Incentives in Austin," a report authored by economist Dr. Michael Oden, forms the basis for a lively panel discussion about Austin’s controversial economic incentives. Key questions included: where does our economic development strategy come from, how is it implemented, and what institutions shape our local economic policies and programs? Panelists: Dr. Michael Oden, Associate Professor, University of Texas; Robin Rather, CEO of Collective Strength; Sean Garretson, principal of Pegasus Planning; and others.

  • Comp Plan 101 – Garner Stoll and LC Board Members

    Garner Stoll, Assistant Director of the city’s Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department, joined Liveable City board and advisory members John-Michael Cortez, Mark Yznaga, and Tara Kirkland for a preview of the Comprehensive Plan process, Austin’s most important planning effort in decades.