As Rochester continues to grow, how can equitable design and planning strategies be utilized to help communities realize the benefits of improvements that are happening in their communities? This presentation will speak to anti-displacement strategies being utilized in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, MN, through the Reconnect Rondo initiative; equitable engagement strategies in Rochester and El Paso, and the way that culture and context can shape park design in Denton, TX. The presentation is intended to start a conversation about how Rochester can learn from these projects and other initiatives to achieve equitable and restorative development.
OUR PRESENTERS
Zakcq Lockrem, Partner, Mend Collaborative
Zakcq Lockrem, AICP, is an urban planner and designer who loves working in the big picture, understanding how complex systems influence people’s lives, and how policy, programs, and physical projects can work together to sustain lasting impact in communities. He most enjoys working with low- and middle-income working-class communities like the one he grew up in as they navigate urban change, seek to build greater access to resources and opportunities for themselves and their children, and have more say in the changes that their community is experiencing. With more than a decade of experience in developing complex urban strategies, Zakcq’s projects have received more than 30 state APA and ASLA awards, and 3 national APA awards. He has lived in Berlin, Boston, Houston, Ho Chi Minh City, and Austin but is happy to have returned to his roots in south Minneapolis.
Kari Spiegelhalter, Partner, Mend Collaborative
Kari is a registered landscape architect who works on a broad range of parks, ecology, and equity-related planning and design projects that enhance urban ecosystems, public health, and environmental justice. She is especially interested in how participatory design processes build ecological and social resilience in communities. Bringing a background in both science and design, Kari’s work focuses on quantifying the benefits that access to high-quality natural spaces have on community member’s physical and mental health. Kari received her Masters of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and holds a dual B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Lawrence University.
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About the Equity Alliance Equity Series
The Equity Alliance Equity Series is a monthly seminar sponsored by Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester. The purpose is to introduce diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices, build sustainable DEI community strategies, and build advocacy and allyship within the Rochester community. The series is held virtually on the second Wednesday of every month at noon.
Easy Lemon 30 Second by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200078
Artist: incompetech.com/