Building Optimism

Join CivicCon as we host Coby Lefkowitz for a discussion on how our built environment has taken shape and what we can do to improve it.

From zoning and building codes to small-scale development, we’ll explore why so many places look the same across the country—and how we can foster more unique, thoughtful design. Whether it’s planting a tree or taking on a development project, this talk will highlight practical steps anyone can take to make a difference, including examples of great projects that showcase what’s possible for the future of our communities.

Coby Lefkowitz is the author of "Building Optimism", which explores why American communities look the way they do, and offers a series of concrete reforms to make them more beautiful, desirable and affordable through dozens of project vignettes.

Trained as an Urban Planner at the University of Virginia, his work explores the intersection of development and urban design to promote more walkable, beautiful, dynamic and sustainable communities.

This free event will be held on Monday, April 14, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Wesley Abbey building of First United Methodist Church (2 E. Wright Street).

Host or Publisher CivicCon