STEPZ for Planning Professionals

STEPZ is MORPC's professional development event designed to connect planning theory with real‑world decision‑making.
About this Event

Strategic Training for Effective Planning & Zoning (STEPZ)

STEPZ is back! This year’s theme tackles two of the most talked‑about planning issues shaping our communities in the Central Ohio region: data centers and Accessory Dwelling Unit. This workshop will bring together planners, public officials, and experts to explore how these uses shape site planning, policy decisions, and long‑term community resilience, featuring a hands‑on UrbanPlan exercise in partnership with ULI.

Featured Speakers

Charlie Nichols - Director of Planning & Development, Linn County, IA

Alison Goebel, PhD - Executive Director, Greater Ohio Policy Center

Matthew R. Koppitch, Partner, Bricker Graydon Wyatt

Chris Hermann, FAICP - Principal Planner, MKSK

Ashley Solether, AICP - Executive Director, ULI Columbus

AGENDA

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Registration

8:30 AM - Welcome

8:45 AM - Keynote: Planning for Pressure Points

10:15 AM - Ethics & Legalities

10:45 AM - From Intent to Implementation: Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Under Pressure

11:45 AM - Boxed Lunch

12:00 PM - 4:45 PM - UrbanPlan Exercise (ULI)

4:45 PM - Closing Remarks

For questions about the program, please contact Tunazzina Alam, Senior Planner, MORPC at [email protected].