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9:00AM-7:00PM
11:30AM
12:00PM-12:45PM
1:00PM-3:15PM
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REGISTRATION OPENS
LUNCH OPENS
OPENING LUNCH PLENARY
Land Bank 101
A two-hour overview of the basics of Ohio county land banks, presented by David Mann, an attorney and 12-year veteran of this work. This session is designed for counties interested in creating a land bank, new land banks just getting started, and existing land banks looking for a refresher. Topics to be explored include basic governance, land bank powers, property acquisition strategies, demolition & renovation, property disposition programs, and best practices across the state.
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1:00PM-3:15PM
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Mobile Tour 1 - TBA
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1:00PM-2:00PM
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You don’t have to read it – we’ve done that for you: The Gus Frangos Act
This session provides a clear, accessible overview of the anticipated House Bill 375, also known as the Gus Frangos Act. Attendees will learn about key reforms to Ohio’s land banking laws, ranging from significant updates to minor adjustments, and how these changes are expected to impact land bank operations. Presenters will break down the reform package by topic area, offering practical insights to help land banks navigate the new regulatory landscape and adapt their practices accordingly.
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1:00PM-2:00PM
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Urban Agriculture: Food Security, Hidden Hungry
Food security is essential for ensuring all individuals have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to support an active, healthy life. This session explores the wide-ranging benefits of secure food access, including economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, trade opportunities, global stability, and improved health outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into how addressing food security can strengthen communities, drive economic development, and enhance overall quality of life.
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2:15PM-3:15PM
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Inventory in Action: Laying the Groundwork for Brownfield Success
Learn how to develop and maintain a comprehensive brownfield inventory to kickstart or enhance your community's brownfield program. This session covers the fundamentals of identifying contaminated properties, leveraging tools and resources to document and track sites, and ensuring the inventory remains accurate and sustainable over time. Discover strategies to overcome capacity challenges, prioritize properties, and access funding for remediation and redevelopment. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to create or advance their inventory and maximize its impact, equipping their community for long-term success in brownfield revitalization efforts.
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2:15PM-3:15PM
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TBA
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3:30PM-4:45PM
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Legislative Landscape
Stay informed on the latest policy and legislative changes impacting land banks in Ohio. This session will provide an in-depth overview of recent and upcoming legislative developments, including key bills, and regulatory updates. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these changes affect community revitalization efforts, funding opportunities, and compliance requirements. Whether you’re looking to adapt to new regulations or advocate for land bank priorities, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving legislative landscape effectively
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4:45PM-6:45PM
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WELCOME RECEPTION |
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8:00AM-5:00PM
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REGISTRATION OPENS
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7:30AM
8:00AM-8:45AM
9:00AM-11:30AM
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BREAKFAST OPENS
BREAKFAST PLENARY
Neighborhood Impact (Mobile Tour 2)
Join us for a special look at how this once bustling factory town has transformed in recent times. You’ll see the impacts being made on neighborhoods and beyond!
*NOTE: There is a lot of walking on this tour |
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9:00AM-10:00AM
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Reimagining Public Spaces: The Power of Placemaking
Discover the transformative power of placemaking! This in-depth exploration reveals how placemaking brings residents, designers, and stakeholders together to reimagine and revitalize public spaces. Learn how this collaborative process fosters stronger communities, promotes inclusivity, drives economic growth, and turns underutilized areas into thriving destinations that reflect the unique character and aspirations of your community.
Room: Omnova Solutions Presenters: Katie Beck, Tyron Hoisten, Lisa King, Mac Love, Tim Tompkins, Brent Wesley |
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9:00AM-10:00AM
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Demolition by Design: Navigating Commercial Property Demolition
Navigate the complexities of commercial demolition from cost estimation to compliance in this insightful session. Learn about initial assessments, accurate budgeting, and strategic planning. Gain expertise on regulatory navigation and best practices for efficient, responsible demolitions. Ideal for professionals handling demolition processes, this workshop provides a blueprint for effective project management and execution.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Jim Maher, Adam Stadler 
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9:00AM-10:00AM
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Affordable Housing Insights: Diverse Perspectives Unite
Join a unique session featuring experts from Habitat for Humanity, for-profit developers, and home builders, as they discuss the intricacies of affordable housing development. Gain diverse insights on challenges, strategies, and collaboration opportunities from each sector's viewpoint. Learn about balancing cost, quality, and community needs to create impactful housing solutions. This session is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of affordable housing dynamics from varied industry perspectives.
Room: Foundations Presenters: William Basil, Kim Graziani, Terry Schulz, Gina Wilt
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10:15AM-11:30AM
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Leading the Way: Empowering Your Leaders
This session is designed to cultivate leadership skills essential for managing staff within land banks effectively. Participants will learn about fostering a positive work culture, enhancing team performance, and driving organizational success through proven leadership strategies. Engage with expert advice on mentorship, communication, and team motivation to build a thriving workplace. Perfect for current and aspiring leaders aiming to inspire and guide their teams to new heights.
Room: Omnova Solutions Presenters: Justin Hilton, Ricardo León, Jill Oldham, Brittany Grimes Zaehringer |
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10:15AM-11:30AM
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Collecting Data, Showing Impact
This panel will discuss *why* it is important to collect data to describe land banks' impact in their local communities and *what* data points and indicators land banks might collect on top of information required by current programs. Panelists will discuss the benefits of Impact Reports and infographics in educating local stakeholders about land bank investments. Panelists will also provide concrete lists of recommended information and data landbanks should collect on themselves and from their vendors to create people-centered stories of positive change.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Alison Goebel, Amy Hamrick, Curtiss Williams, Kara Van Zant
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10:15AM-11:30AM
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Blueprints for Tomorrow: Innovating Housing Solutions
Explore modern construction technologies transforming affordable housing at this session. Delve into modular housing, panelized housing, and energy efficient building techniques, uncovering how these methods streamline building processes, cut costs, and offer innovative solutions to the housing crisis. Learn practical implementation strategies and anticipate future industry shifts. This concise overview is vital for anyone addressing housing affordability, providing actionable insights and a forward-thinking approach to development.
Room: Foundations Presenters: Andrew Dodson, Ryan Kelly, Thomas Voutsos 
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11:30AM
12:00PM-12:45PM
1:00PM-3:45PM
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LUNCH OPENS
LUNCH PLENARY
Downtown Revitalization (Mobile Tour 3)
Find out why Akron’s downtown is on the upswing as spaces and buildings are being revitalized. Get an exclusive sneak peek at the soon-to-be-revealed Sojourner Truth Plaza, the historic site of the iconic "Ain't I A Woman" speech.
*NOTE: There is a lot of walking on this tour |
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1:00PM-2:00PM
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Collaborative Strategies: Bridging the Gap between Prosecutors and Land Banks
Explore the crucial partnership between prosecutors and land banks in this session focused on collaboration for community impact. Gain insights on overcoming challenges and aligning roles through case studies and expert discussions. Ideal for enhancing inter-agency cooperation and the revitalization process.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Suzanne Mandros, David Mann, Adam Jutte, Doug Sawyer |
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1:00PM-2:00PM
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We Can Do It! Land Bank Successes with Brownfields Projects
Discover land banks' critical role in brownfield site remediation and redevelopment, focusing on risk management, liability, and strategic control. Learn from case studies of successful projects, emphasizing planning, financing, and partnerships. This session provides insights into effective brownfield transformation with the aid of technical assistance.
Room: Omnova Solutions Presenters: Taylor Abbott, Shantae Brownlee, Aaron Clapper, Ashley Yuhasz
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1:00PM-2:00PM
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Strategic Decision-Making: Acquisition and “Land Banking” Property
This session presenting strategic insights on property acquisition and retention for land banks, including creative methods suitable for complex markets. It offers guidance on when to acquire or hold properties, balancing costs with community development potential. Attendees will learn from real-world examples to enhance asset management and strategic growth within their land banks.
Room: Foundations
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2:15PM-3:30PM
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Market Like a Maestro: Land Bank Marketing 101
Learn essential marketing tools and strategies to amplify your land bank's presence in this workshop. Learn to craft engaging stories, maximize social media, and attract stakeholders with targeted tactics. Simplify marketing concepts into actionable steps for impactful outreach. Perfect for land bank staff seeking to enhance public engagement and refine marketing efforts, leave with a playbook to elevate your mission in the marketplace.
Room: Omnova Solutions Presenters: Todd Bertsch, Tyron Hoisten, David Mann, Kat Allen Martuci, Mario Micale, Karen Starr |
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2:15PM-3:30PM
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Legal Aides: Guardians of Housing Rights
Discover the crucial role of legal aides in supporting housing stability in this session. Delve into how legal assistance can empower tenants and buyers of land bank properties. Learn about legal rights, negotiation tactics, and advocacy strategies that aid in navigating complex housing issues. Ideal for those seeking to understand and utilize legal resources to ensure fair and equitable housing transactions and tenancies.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Catherine Donnelly, Michael Loudenslager, Steve McGarrity
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2:15PM-3:30PM
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Pre-approved Building Plans to Promote Infill Development
Communities around the country are adjusting zoning codes, fine-tuning plans review processes, and creating free pre-approved housing plans designed to fit in the infill context. Greater Ohio Policy Center will share a national scan of these trends and best practices. Michigan Association of Land Banks will share details about a state-wide effort in Michigan to reform zoning and provide open-sourced building plans. The Port Authority of Greater Cincinnati will offer an evaluation of how programs like these could be beneficial on the ground in Ohio cities to promote more affordable housing development.
Room: Foundations Presenters: Veronica Cardello, Philip Denning, Karen Knittel, Aaron Clapper
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3:45PM-4:45PM
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Accountability in Action: Auditing for Land Banks
Gain invaluable insights from a State Auditor Representative on best practices in auditing and accounting for land banks. Dive into the essentials of financial oversight, compliance, and transparency that safeguard the integrity of land bank operations. Learn about the latest regulatory requirements, effective financial reporting techniques, and strategies to streamline your land bank's audit process. Ideal for ensuring your land bank's fiscal health and accountability.
Room: Foundations
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3:45PM-4:45PM
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Navigating Policy and Advocacy in Land Banking
Join 'Navigating Policy and Advocacy' to understand the legislative landscape affecting land banks. This session provides insights into current policy trends, advocacy strategies, and the impact of legislation on land banking activities. Learn how to effectively advocate for supportive policies and adapt to regulatory changes. Perfect for land bank leaders aiming to be proactive in shaping and responding to the policy environment.
Room: Omnova Solutions Presenters: Kyle Petty, Brittany Warner, Jason Warner
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3:45PM-4:45PM
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Zoning for Growth: Paving the Path for Infill Housing
Discover innovative solutions to zoning challenges that hinder infill housing in historic Northeast Ohio communities. With over 5,000 vacant lots awaiting development, this session will showcase a unique partnership's efforts to navigate and reform local zoning codes. Learn from the First Suburbs Consortium and Cuyahoga County Land Bank's success, and take away practical tools, including assessment checklists, strategy guides, and design approaches to incentivize and facilitate infill housing in your area.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Patrick Hewitt, Jennifer Kuzma, Jennifer Vazquez-Norman
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6:00PM-10:00PM
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OFFICIAL CONFERENCE RECEPTION |
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8:00AM-10:00AM
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REGISTRATION OPENS
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7:30AM
8:00AM-8:45AM
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BREAKFAST OPENS
BREAKFAST PLENARY
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9:00AM-10:00AM
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Record Retention Strategies for Everybody: Staying Legal with Documents and Meetings
Discover key strategies for navigating sunshine laws and records retention to maintain legal compliance in land bank operations. This session offers expert guidance on document management and transparent meeting conduct, ensuring adherence to public records and open meeting laws. Essential for land bank staff and board members, the insights provided will help uphold organizational integrity and streamline record-keeping practices.
Room: HS Firestone Presenters: Jacqui Knettel, Sarah Norman
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9:00AM-10:00AM
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Cleveland's Urban Renaissance: Insights from the 2023 Property Inventory
Gain insights into the Cleveland Property Inventory's evolution and its strategic role in urban revitalization at this panel. Discover the impact of collaborative data collection, as seen in the comparison of over 163,000 parcels from 2015 to 2023. Learn about new stabilization initiatives and proactive code enforcement, providing a model for effective city planning and development.
Room: Foundations Presenters: Sally Martin O’Toole, Isaac Robb, Matt Zone |
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10:15AM-11:30AM
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UPDATE & Q&A WITH OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT (Closing Session)
Join us for the closing session, featuring updates from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) on pivotal programs shaping the state's future. Dive into the latest on Welcome Home Ohio, the Brownfield Remediation Program, and the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Programs. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from ODOD staff, followed by a Q&A period where attendees can engage, inquire, and gain deeper insights into these transformative initiatives.
Room: Good Year A & B Presenters: Emily Deshaies, Jeff Gerdes, Patrick Smith, Luke Stedke
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