Learn how strategic public investment in innovative urban infrastructure is tackling big urban issues and strengthening communities in Bethlehem, Boston, and New Orleans.
Visionary urban planning and public investment in infrastructure has long been a hallmark of progressive communities. The five 2017 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence (RBA) medalists provide powerful examples of how government investment in urban places builds and strengthens communities, catalyzes economic development, and inspires civic pride, ensuring equitable, healthy, and socio-economically vibrant cities.
While very different in scale and use, all five medalists offer inspiring models of how municipalities tapped local, state, and federal programs to make investments in urban infrastructure. They created places that bring people together, promote inclusivity and access, foster creativity and innovation, and lift the human spirit. Collectively, they illustrate how government investment in physical places builds and strengthens communities, catalyzes economic development, and inspires civic pride.
This session will examine the planning and development of three projects that received the 2017 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence: SteelStacks Arts & Cultural Campus, the transformation of an abandoned steel plant into a mixed-use cultural and entertainment district in Bethlehem (PA); the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, a community-oriented mixed-use development integrating public school headquarters, public meeting space, and transit in Boston; and Iberville Offsite Rehabs, the rehabilitation of 26 scattered-site historic houses into 46 homes for low-income families in New Orleans. It will utilize detailed case studies developed by the Bruner Foundation that document the development and impact of the projects in their communities.
Anne-Marie Lubenau, FAIA, will provide a brief overview of the award and the 2017 medalists. Scot Spencer, Associate Director for Advocacy and Influence at The Annie E. Casey Foundation and 2017 Rudy Bruner Award selection committee member, will discuss the observations and themes that emerged from selection committee discussions, including the critical role of public leadership and investment in affordable housing, arts and culture, and community development.
Earn 1 HSW
Learning objectives:
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understand and describe how public investment in urban development can address community welfare including significant challenges like affordable housing, education, and the regeneration of communities, and affect economic, environmental, and social change
- discuss how integrating new development into a broader, sustainable vision that taps into and leverages community resources improves quality of life for residents AND the surrounding community
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demonstrate the value of engaging in collaborative, public/private partnerships in the planning, design, and development of public buildings and housing
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describe how design and development address environmental objectives
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Anne-Marie Lubenau, FAIA
Anne-Marie is dedicated to engaging people in the process of design and increasing understanding of the built environment and its impact on our lives. She is director of the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence, a national design award that recognizes transformative urban places distinguished by their economic and social contributions to America’s cities.
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Scot Spencer
As Associate Director for Advocacy and Influence, Scot leads The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s work in advancing community-focused policies, practices and strategies that increase opportunities for children, families and the places where they live and foster their success. Scot holds degrees in Architecture and Urban and Environmental Studies.
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