Building a Better SLO (2024)

06/10/2023

Let’s talk about public art!

On Thursday, October 19th, Holly Shen will discuss the principles of creative placemaking and how they can redefine the relationship between people and the spaces they share, as well as several case studies that illustrate the potential of artistic endeavors to shape public spaces, enhance engagement, and catalyze positive change.

Holly Shen is an independent writer, creative producer, cultural strategist, and fine arts and artists consultant at the intersection of art and technology, currently serving as Director in the U.S office of Lord Cultural Resources. A thought leader in creative-placemaking, public art, and digital strategy, she has diverse experience conceiving of and shepherding innovative program models in the cultural sector that drive audience outreach and foster value aligned community engagement.

Register at: https://buildingabetterslo.org/upcoming-lecture/

18/05/2023

Tonight! The Parking Paradox.
“Meeting our region’s biggest challenges demands new approaches, outside the box ideas and continuous inspiration for local leaders who know our community best,” said Carolyn Berg, CEO
Of Koble Collaborative, Inc. and board member with Building a Better SLO. “Parking is one of those challenges and we are incredibly excited to bring Chad Lynn to SLO to share ideas from other communities and inspire local leaders.”

Building a Better SLO We host expert speakers who share their experiences with our community about ways to have a positive impact on the quality of development and growth in our region. Do you care about the future of SLO and want to be part of shaping it? Are you looking for fresh approaches to…

12/05/2023

The Parking Paradox
How our approach to parking can improve economic, environmental and community health

Even if you never drop a quarter (or swipe a credit card) in a parking meter, there is no such thing as free parking. Space for our cars to wait - on the street, in a structure or at home - is a precious commodity. How we plan for and price parking has significant impacts on equitable access, environmental health and economic vitality now and into the future.

On May 18 from 6-7:30 pm, Building a Better SLO, in partnership with lead sponsor The City of SLO, and supporting sponsors 4Creeks and Greg Wynn Architecture, are proud to bring Chad Lynn, Principal of Strategic Previsors, Inc., to discuss strategies cities can implement now to prepare for future parking trends, common parking myths, and the unexpected connections between parking and economic development.

Register here:

How our approach to parking can improve economic, environmental and community health.

18/10/2022

This Thursday! Details and Registration: https://buildingabetterslo.org/upcoming-lecture/

12/10/2022

https://buildingabetterslo.org/past-events/
Just released! Here’s the video from our summer presentation: Anyeley Hallova, speaking on Equity in Practice: How to Approach Development Projects to Respect the Natural Environment and Build Inclusive Communities

Anyeley Hallova, founder of Adre, an equity-centered real estate development company based in Portland, Oregon, presented on how equity, sustainability, and diversity can and should be the cornerstone of building development projects.

(And while you're at the website, be sure to get your tickets to the Oct. 20 event - A Boulder (CO) approach to transportation!)

Anyeley Hallova: Equity In Practice: How to Approach Development Projects to Respect The Natural Environment and Build Inclusive Communities June 21, 2022 On June 21st, Anyeley Hallova, founder of …

03/10/2022

As Interim Director of Transportation & Mobility for Boulder, CO. - and a Cal Poly grad - Natalie Stiffler has a unique perspective on how we get around two of the more idyllic communities in the United States. We’ve invited her to share ways that Boulder plans for and delivers integrated transportation and mobility services (think transit, biking, walking and driving) as well as case studies from communities around the word that inspire her work.
https://buildingabetterslo.org/

30/07/2022

Equity centered development is possible! A big thank you to Anyeley Hallova for sharing her journey. Some of the DEI tools she uses at her company can be utilized in our community. Check out the Meyer Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Spectrum Tool to help organizations assess where they are on their DEI journey.

14/07/2022

What does it look like when a community prioritizes inclusivity?

On July 27, from 6- 7:30 p.m., Anyeley Hallová, founder of Adre, an equity-centered real estate development company, will present on how to prioritize inclusivity and sustainability in building development projects.

Hallová will share her experience delivering innovative and equity-centered development projects, discuss how to create tangible advancements in the built environment, and what inclusive, sustainable development looks like, from start to finish.

For details and to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-centered-development-tickets-377348719177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

30/06/2022

We are excited to welcome Anyeley Hallová, founder of Adre, an equity-centered real estate development company, to discuss how to center equity, sustainability, and diversity in building development projects.

Hope to see you there!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-centered-development-tickets-377348719177

22/05/2022

This Thursday! Hope you can make it!
Protecting Open Spaces Through Well Planned Cities
Thu, May 26, 2022, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
https://buildingabetterslo.org/

21/04/2022

POSTPONED!
We are sorry to share that our speaker is sick and unable to travel, so we are postponing tonight's event - Protecting Open Spaces Through Well Planned Cities.

While we do not yet have a date identified, we look forward to hosting Moey Newbold and having this important discussion soon.

Thanks for your understanding,
Building a Better SLO Steering Committee

13/04/2022

Protecting Open Spaces Through Well Planned Cities

On April 21 from 6-7:30 pm, Building a Better SLO brings Moey Newbold, formerly with Central Oregon LandWatch, to discuss how Bend, Oregon’s open space advocates lead the successful shift away from sprawl to a more dense, walkable, and vibrant cityscape.

After decades of battling new development projects, the Central Oregon Landwatch shifted their approach and became a champion for smart growth - resulting in a community plan that reduced sprawl by 70% and brought forward a newfound community vision for a vibrant Bend that is true to its environmentalist roots. Come hear this inspiring story and continue the discussion of ideas for our region.

Event details:
Location: The Penny, downtown SLO
$10, includes drink and snacks prior to the event
Doors open at 5:45 for socializing, lecture starts around 6:15, followed by discussion and Q&A.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protecting-open-spaces-through-well-planned-cities-tickets-292745518727

18/03/2022

Check out Building a Better SLO featured on Central Coast Voices yesterday:
https://www.kcbx.org/podcast/central-coast-voices/2022-03-17/building-a-better-slo

"Meeting our region’s biggest challenges demands new approaches, outside-the-box ideas, and continuous inspiration for local leaders who know our community best. This is the impetus behind the newly formed organization Building a Better SLO, created to bring new information, ideas, and inspiration to San Luis Obispo, equipping our community to discuss, debate, and re-imagine our built environment for the future.

Join host Fred Munroe as he speaks with guests on the Steering Committee for Building a Better SLO, Andy Pease, Council Member for the City of San Luis Obispo, and architect and principal at In Balance Green Consulting, and Jim Duffy, President of TEN OVER STUDIO, an architecture, landscape architecture, interior design firm based in San Luis Obispo. Also joining them will be special guest, Moey Newbold, formerly with Central Oregon LandWatch. They will discuss why Building a Better SLO is needed, and their plans to bring outside experts to share their experiences with the public and professionals in our community with a focus on the quality of development and growth in our region."

Thank you Fred Munroe for a great conversation!

Join host Fred Munroe as he speaks with guests on the Steering Committee for Building a Better SLO, Andy Pease, Council Member for the City of San Luis Obispo, and architect and principal at In Balance Green Consulting, and Jim Duffy, President of TEN OVER STUDIO, an architecture, landscape architec...

17/03/2022

On April 21st, Building a Better SLO presents "Protecting Wild Spaces Through Well Planned Cities". Moey Newbold, formerly with Central Oregon LandWatch, will discuss how Bend, Oregon’s open space advocates lead the successful move away from sprawl to a more dense, walkable, and vibrant cityscape.

Newbold will share the story behind her community’s incredible shift, talk about why an environmental organization would champion smart growth, and discuss what cities like SLO can learn from Bend’s story.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/protecting-open-spaces-through-well-planned-cities-tickets-292745518727

22/02/2022

In January, Building a Better SLO hosted Tony Perez of Opticos to present on Missing Middle Housing. It was wonderful to be together as a community, learning about housing options that are an essential tool in improving local affordability.

We're deep into the planning for the next speaker in our quarterly series, so save the date of April 21 and stay tuned for details.

For more on Missing Middle Housing, check out this focused website:
https://missingmiddlehousing.com/

Building a Better SLO