Presentations and Workshops by Eben Fodor
Hello,
I have provided keynote presentations and professional speaking engagements and workshops on urban growth topics all across the country. Based on my book, Better, Not Bigger: How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community, a popular presentation has been "Taking Charge of Urban Growth," which addresses the why's and how's of urban growth management.
Another popular presentation is "Re-Framing the Growth Debate," which focuses on critically evaluating the common mythology that "growth is good," and the associated beliefs that are often treated as facts in planning and land use matters. It covers a range of topics and challenges people to think more critically and constructively about growth issues. Since people seem to really appreciate getting good facts, I try to use the best available information and data sources and avoid too much commentary.
A third popular topic is "The Cost of Growth," which examines the fiscal impacts, growth subsidies, and use of development impact fees. Some of this topic is usually included in the above presentation as well.
Alternatively, there are a number of interesting issues/topics I have presented -- individually or in combination. They include:
- The Economics And Politics of Growth (the Urban Growth Machine)
- The Imbalance in Land Use Decision-Making (related to above)
- Planning in a Finite World/Sustainable Community Planning (principals for long-term, ecological planning, practical steps toward sustainability)
- Re-thinking Urban Growth (public opinion and education)
- Taking Charge of Urban Growth - What Works? (growth-neutral policies, slow-growth policies, positive change policies, etc.)
- Valuing Open Space (public opinions about open space, values of open space and resources and strategies for land conservation)
Availability and Cost
My book, Better, Not Bigger, is doing very well, however book sales don't cover speaking or travel expenses. My income comes entirely from my consulting business. Thus, each engagement must cover expenses and provide some compensation. My speaking fee depends largely on what the program looks like (i.e., number of activities and days), the total travel time, and number of layover nights involved. In addition to preparation, each event also requires a significant amount of planning, coordination and logistical time. Please contact me through my business to inquire about availability and cost. Email inquiries generally work best.
Best regards!
Eben Fodor
Bio and Photos for Eben Fodor, Principal, Fodor & Associates