High Growth Suburbs: Best Ideas in Policy, Planning, and Practices for Embracing Growth

Session Summary: This panel featured a robust discussion on how magnet suburbs manage increasing population growth, changing demographic profiles, and land use pressures. Stakeholder engagement, planning and entitlement, and design and density strategies were explored by each of the panelists, who brought to life their successful developments. Ms. Kathi Cook shared the evolution of Alpharetta’s growth and transformation, including the emphasis on connectivity and walkability, using small area plans, lane diets and amenities through impact fees. Mr. Tom Walsh walked through the nuts and bolts of Cadia Matthews development in Charlotte, which included the entitlement process and communication strategy to get community buy-in. Mr. Walter Ploskon and moderator, Mr. Richard Gollis, shared other suburban examples from ULI's Suburban Development and Redevelopment Product Council, covering the project approval process, community engagement strategies, partnerships with public agencies to shape zoning policy, and creative density and design solutions.