Events

New York State’s regulations, and specifically those that allocate local authority are constantly evolving. How can planning boards, zoning boards, and local development staff address the growing popularity of solar energy solutions, while protecting the quality of life of your community?

Wetlands are among the most critical ecological assets in any community. New York State has taken a proactive stance on regulating development impacts that could threaten the environmental value of these key areas.

Area variances vs. use variances. Statutory tests. Public Hearings. There are so many nuts and bolts to zoning boards’ roles and responsibilities. In your time on the board, you’ll see a wide variety of projects, and be asked to take action in lots of different ways.

A recent survey of nationwide developers and investors cited the local regulatory landscape as the number one risk when considering new investments. Communities must clearly define the types of development you are seeking, and shape your regulations to accelerate the development review process if you hope to attract investment.

Of the many threats to water quality in a community, stormwater runoff is among the highest risks. State and local regulations, and the review approach of planning/zoning boards and local staff can be your best defense for stormwater pollution.

Local leaders should always be focused on maximizing resources for your community priorities. Federal and state grant programs are vast, and getting more diverse every year. From planning and community development initiatives to large scale infrastructure projects, there’s a grant resource for almost any program or project imaginable.

We’ll close out the year with a fun session on who got it really right and who might have missed the boat in 2026. We’ll provide case studies on the best examples of great development review, and a few pitfalls discovered by your neighbors that you should avoid going into the New Year.