The multi-disciplinary program will include over 100 plenaries, breakouts, implementation workshops, and focused trainings, and features cutting-edge policies, programs, and projects, as well as strategies and implementation tools that address the challenges of implementing smart growth development.

Conference sessions will focus on issues such as: financing smart growth and capacity-building; improving local economies and job creation; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; improving transportation systems and land use patterns; improving water quality; improving public health and safety; conserving energy and other natural resources; promoting equitable development and environmental justice; providing affordable housing choices; and creating safer and healthier communities for all.

Accreditation - The LGC is pursuing continuing education accreditation for several sessions for AICP planners, architects, landscape architects, and attorneys.

Tours of Model Projects - The program also includes thirteen exciting optional tours featuring smart growth development projects from around the region - by boat, bus, light rail, and by foot!

Pre-Conference Workshops on February 1st - The LGC, EPA and HUD are coordinating a half-day workshop on February 1st titled Achieving Equity through Planning: Challenges and Opportunities, focused on the challenge of integrating social equity, affordability, economic and workforce development, and environmental justice into local and regional planning. This session will draw on the experiences of HUD's Sustainable Communities Regional Planning and Community Challenge grantees to shed light on the barriers and opportunities related to fair and equitable planning.

The Form-Based Codes Institute is also holding a daylong workshop titled How to Require Walkable, Diverse and Economically Successful Places People Will Love. This intensive daylong workshop will explore the components and process of an FBC and the Smart Growth urban design it can implement. A San Diego field exercise will enable course participants to view, measure and discuss the elements that lead to good urbanism and then draft code elements that would require it.

Hotel Reservations - The deadline to receive the group room rate of $133 (single or double occupancy) at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is January 11, 2012. Make your reservations by calling 1-800-325-3535 and indicate you are attending the New Partners Conference.

Follow us on Facebook - The New Partners for Smart Growth Conference is now on Facebook! Get the latest current event updates and start networking with others planning to attend!

Visit www.NewPartners.org for detailed information on the conference program, tours of model projects, special events, invited speakers, hotel and transportation information, and to REGISTER NOW!