EVENTS
AI and Data Science Methods for Urban Planning
How can artificial intelligence and data science better inform urban planning? Join our webinar, AI and Data Science Methods for Urban Planning, on Tuesday, January 27 at 9am EST. Presentations from our panel of experts will provide new insights followed by a moderated panel discussion with our audience. Approved for AICP 1.5 CM credits #9326910
EVACUATION PLANNING STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS FEMA TRAINING
On Friday, August 15, 2025, the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) supported the FEMA training course Evacuation Planning Strategies and Solutions (MGT-461), developed by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and taught by Dr. John L. Renne.
The course focused on the complexities of large-scale evacuations and the importance of planning to ensure they can be executed swiftly, safely, and in an orderly manner. Participants examined hazard conditions where evacuations may be necessary and explored strategies to improve preparedness. Approved for 6.5 APA Certification Maintenance (CM) credits, the training emphasized practical applications, including the use of current tools, data, modeling resources, and simulations that help inform and implement evacuation plans. Participants gained insights into best practices for instituting evacuation strategies and ensuring effective emergency response.
RISING LEADERS IN TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR SERIES
Organized by the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) in partnership with Transportation Choices for Sustainable Communities, the World Transport Policy and Practice Journal, and Tulane University, the Rising Leaders in Sustainable Transportation Webinar Series connected early-career professionals with leading experts in sustainable urban transportation. The three-part international webinar series promoted innovative thinking and supported continuing education for planning professionals. Each webinar was approved for AICP Certification Maintenance (CM) credits.
April 1, 2025:
The first webinar in the Rising Leaders Series featured keynote speaker Professor Peter Newman, an internationally recognized expert on sustainable urban development and transportation. The session focused on building resilient and adaptable transportation systems in response to climate, economic, and technological disruptions. Professor Newman shared insights from global case studies and his recent work with the UN IPCC Transport Report. The webinar included interactive breakout discussions, enabling participants to explore strategies for enhancing system efficiency, strengthening resilience, and engaging decision-makers. Approved for 1.5 AICP CM credits.
May 20, 2025:
The second session in the series featured a panel discussion on transforming urban areas into walkable, transit-accessible communities. Speakers included Dr. Michelle Thompson, Dr. John Renne, and Dr. Kim DeLaney, who presented new data and case studies on transit-oriented development (TOD), spatial equity, and local policy implementation. The agenda covered defining and measuring TOD progress, adapting international models like the “15-minute city,” and regional planning strategies. The session concluded with a moderated Q&A offering participants a chance to engage directly with experts. Approved for 1.5 AICP CM credits
June 10, 2025:
The final webinar in the series examined how improved coordination among regional transit agencies can enhance public transportation outcomes. Panelists included Dr. Ralph Buehler, Dr. Gregory Newmark, and Dr. Michelle DeRobertis, who discussed best practices from European systems, recent U.S. research, and applied strategies from the Phoenix region. The session provided comparative insights and practical frameworks for integrated transit planning. A panel discussion followed, offering attendees the opportunity to reflect on how regional coordination can advance accessibility, reliability, and ridership. Approved for 1.5 AICP CM credits.
Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: Lessons from Global Cities
Videos available. On April 19, 2024, four panels and dialogs explored fresh resilience approaches in local and international cities and how planners may meet related challenges. Learn how policy and planning for resilience can transform urban spaces and what legal and ethical dilemmas may arise.
Leveraging Virtual Reality for Community Engagement in Urban Planning
1.5 AICP CM CREDITS / 1.0 Resilience & Sustainability Credits (RS)
The seminar focusedon the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to enhance public involvement in long range planning and environmental resilience. This seminar explored how urban planners and policymakers can utilize VR technology to visually communicate and educate communities about the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise and storm surges. Drawing inspiration from successful projects like the one implemented in West Palm Beach by the FAU Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, developed with Virtual Planet Technologies, the seminar delved into the practicalities of creating immersive VR experiences.
CUES 50th Anniversary Reception
CUES celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 17, 2023, in West Palm Beach. Current and alumni CUES and Joint Center faculty and staff welcomed planning professionals and friends to celebrate the Center's legacy and bright plans for the future. See photos, videos, and more.
Research Showcase for Abacoa Projects funded by the MacArthur Foundation
On May 12, 2022 at the FAU Boca Raton Campus, researcherspresented their work.
- COVID-19: Disaster Readiness and Resilience of Older Adults in Southeast Թ
Alka Sapat, PhD & Diana Mitsova, PhD
Read the researchSapat Mitsova Disaster Resilience of Older Adults in S. Թ 11-18-2020 - South Թ Property Values Studies: Sea Level Rise and Walkability
Steven Bourassa, PhD - South Թ Community Satisfaction Survey
Yanmei Li, PhD, AICP; John Renne, PhD, AICP; Serena Hoermann, PhD Candidate
Read the research
The Future of Smart Cities: Clarence Anthony, MPA
April 21, 2022 Webinar co-hosted with FAU School of Public Administration and ICMA Student Chapter
Professor Reid Ewing: Best Development Practices
As CUES celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, we are happy to welcome Professor Reid Ewing, one of the most highly cited urban planning scholars in the world, to reflect on his time when he worked at our center in the 1990s.
Following the lecture, enjoy a panel discussion with Jim Murley, Chief Resilience Officer, Miami-Dade County; Susan Coughanour, FAICP; Reid Ewing, PhD; moderated by John Renne, Ph.D., AICP, Professor and Director of CUES.
When You Move, I Move: Climate Gentrification Workshop
Black and Brown communities face climate gentrification in Miami, perpetuating patterns of social inequity through spatial and economic instability (Hoermann, 2021). Storytelling within communities can create transformational spaces, build more meaningful relationships, and empower people experiencing racial marginalization by providing a coping mechanism and affirmation of lived experiences (Rodriguez, 2010). This project aims to center the voices of an ethnic enclave facing displacement pressures. On March 27, 2022, a workshop in Little Haiti, Miami invited a community conversation.
The Future of Smart Cities
In building resilience and sustainability, what challenges are Smart Cities facing? What security and privacy concerns must local governments address? Join an interactive conversation with Clarence Anthony, MPA, who draws upon his career in public service as the Mayor of South Bay, FL, for 24 years. Mr. Anthony has been on the forefront of politics in the United States and internationally for the past 20 years, culminating with productive presidencies of the Թ League of Cities and the National League of Cities (NLC), respectively. APPROVED FOR 0.75 AICP CM CREDITS - APA FL Broward Section
Equity in Transportation Planning Webinar
Historically, transportation infrastructure has divided communities. On March 31, 2022 at 12:00-1:30 pm, join our brown bag webinar, Equity in Transportation Planning. Our speakers will discuss ways infrastructure can reconnect people across these divisions. Convened by the FAU Department of Urban and Regional Planning DEI Committee. 1.5 AICP CM CREDITS; 1.0 Equity credits
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Sunbelt Blues: The Failure of American Housing
Join CUES for a guest lecture with Andrew Ross, a social activist and professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at NYU. Through visceral, frontline reporting from the motels and encampments dotting central Թ, renowned social analyst Andrew Ross exposes the overlooked housing crisis sweeping America’s suburbs and rural areas, where residents suffer ongoing trauma, poverty, and nihilism. AICP CM Credits: 1.5 General; 1.0 Equity.
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Transforming Streets to Adapt to Climate Change
Smart city projects can do a lot to ease potential tensions with residents by demonstrating the benefits of the tech and being open and transparent. On December 9, 2021, John Renne, PhD, AICP spoke at the Smart City Expo Miami.
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Pedestrians and Complete Streets
On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, CUES convened a planning webinar, Pedestrians and Complete Streets. The webinar is approved for 1.25 AICP CM credits. Our special guest, Dr. Jeri Muoio, will provide insights from her time as mayor of West Palm Beach, Թ, championing the walkable city. Louis A. Merlin, PhD, AICP, assistant professor at Թ, presented Redrawing the Planner's Circle. Lisa Nisenson, VP of New Mobility and Connected Communities at WGI, presented Flexible, Programmable Streets. John L. Renne, PhD, AICP, professor and director of CUES at Թ moderated.
Creating and Providing Health Equity in our Communities
On July 23, 2021, a 90-minute panel of experts organized by the Palm Beach County Planning Congress was hosted by the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) for a Planning Challenges 2021 webinar. Panelists are Laura Cantwell, AARP; Carla Andrews, Deloitte; Janet Moreland and Dr. Jennifer Medard, Palm Beach County Healthcare District; Dr. Joe Smyser, The Public Good Projects; moderated by Serena Hoermann, CUES.
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Adaptation Urbanism
Authors Billy Fields - Texas State University and John L. Renne - Թ outline "adaptation urbanism," a theoretical framework to evaluate resilience projects and policy. Reid Ewing - University of Utah moderates the one-hour webinar with the authors and contributors Liliane Geerling - HZ University of Applied Sciences and Tara Tolford - University of New Orleans. Approved for 1 AICP CM credit.
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Rethinking Streets in Response to the Pandemic
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm
Welcome experts from three C40 cities - Bogotá, London and Rome - to share insights into their city's mobility measures delivered in response to the COVID pandemic.
Safe Streets Summit
Please join us onJanuary 28-29, 2021for the annual Safe Streets Summit’s 1stvirtual conference to learn about the latest local and national initiatives for advancing safe streets for all. The event will include a terrific line up of speakers and plenty of opportunities to get involved, gain visibility as an organization, and connect with hundreds of participants. Theis a Silver Sponsor.
Planning Ocean Cities
Wednesday, November 18th, 2020, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Changing Face of Urban Planning
Tuesday, September 29. 5:30 - 6:30 pm
How does planning policy relate to the needs of diverse communities? What do planners need to know about transportation planning for diversity and inclusion? What steps can planners take to recognize diversity and resilience in their communities?
Join the online discussion with our panel of practitioners and faculty
How Can South Թ's Cities Thrive After Covid-19?
Hear from leading global urbanist Richard Թ on the keys to South Թ's recovery..The current health crisis is a turning point in the trajectory of cities around the globe: some will seize the new opportunities that are presented, while other cities will slide backward. How do we ensure that our South Թ cities move forward in a post-COVID world? Watch this recorded lecture as well as Q&A with Dr. John L. Renne, AICP, from the ULI webinar on August 4, 2020. |Password: *1e9*Svd
Facilitating Historic Preservation through Transit-Oriented Development
Dr. John Renne and Dr. David Listokin present the newly published Guide to Facilitate Historic Preservation through Transit-Oriented Development. Mr. James Amdal and developers Mr. Marcel Wisznia, AIA and Mr. Pres Kabacoff, JD present on lessons from efforts in New Orleans to preserve and revitalize historic buildings and neighborhoods while expanding the streetcar.and view .
Co-sponsored by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the Treasure Coast Section of the Թ Chapter of the American Planning Association, the Transit Oriented Development Institute and the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at Թ.
Internal Capture in Mixed-use Developments (MXDs) & Mode Shares in Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs)
Professor Reid Ewing of the University of Utah discusses his research findings examining mixed-use developments in 13 regions across the United States and mode shares and vehicle trip and parking reductions in five exemplary transit-oriented developments: Rhode Island Row in Washington, D.C., Englewood TOD in Denver, Fruitvale Village in Oakland, Redmond TOD in Seattle, and Wilshire-Vermont in Los Angeles. Viewand .
Methods to Better Account for Land Use in Planning Multimodal Transportation Systems and Sustainable Communities
This webinar provides an introduction to and overview of key databases, tools and methods to support multimodal transportation planning and sustainable community design. EPA and Renaissance share work they have done together in developing the Smart Location Database (SLD), from which EPA has developed various applications to support sustainable land use planning and facility siting. Renaissance then discuss various ways in which they are using the SLD and related accessibility-based methods in state and regional planning and project. Viewand .
Urban Stories Festival
Storytelling to build community and inspiring the next generation of urban planners, the 3rd annual Urban Stories Festival will take place on January 22-26 in West Palm Beach.
Economic Impacts of Historic Preservation
CUES lunchtime panel event explores the aesthetic, environmental and community revitalization benefits of historic preservation, as well as economic and other consequences.
Missing Middle Housing Forum
A panel presentation and Q&A will discuss policies, incentives, and project examples to address South Թ’s “missing middle” housing gap.
Urban Regeneration and Transit—Lessons from Down Under
Dr. Mike Mouritz reflects on 20 years’ work in urban regeneration and the integration of transit in Perth and Sydney, Australia.
2019 ULI Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Academy
March 15 | Downtown Miami
April 12 | Downtown Fort Lauderdale
May 17 | Downtown West Palm Beach
Recovery and Resilience:Facing Disasters of the Future
Jim Schwab Lecture -February 22, 2019 – Boca Raton, FL.
Climate Adaptation and Risk Management Opportunities for Coastal Cities
Join us for a fascinating presentation and discussion with Josh Sawislak, AICP, an internationally recognized expert on climate and disaster resilience and sustainable development on October 23 in Fort Lauderdale.
2018 ULI Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Academy
To train and educate professionals and community leaders in South Թ about the importance of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) as a tool to promote smart growth and livability, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Թ/Caribbean Chapter and CUES teamed up to present the 2018 TOD Academy. Three half-day workshops incorporated discussions, group activities and walking tours in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach,and Miami.
Automation in Transportation
On April 16, 2018 at the Port of Palm Beach, CUES hosted a discussion on the role of automated and connected vehicles in transportation.
Urban Stories Festival
On January 27-28 in Downtown West Palm Beach, the Urban Stories Festival seeks to build community through storytelling. The Howl at the Moon Stories event explores the theme West Palm Beach–what was, what is, what could be through the lenses of civic engagement, social equity, economic prosperity, environmental justice and safe neighborhoods. Cultural and community partners will join the general public to provide stories. Activities and entertainment include live dance and musical performances, children’s storytimes and hands-on arts and crafts, a bike tour to explore the city’s past, and other activities. The festival is supportedby FAU’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, the Arts & Entertainment District of West Palm Beach, and Blue Planet Writers’ Room. Learn more at
Lessons from Hurricane Irma forIncreasing Resilience
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, stakeholders and decision-makers are responding to and examining the storm’s impacts on Թ.
FAU Incubator for Sustainable & Resilient Communities
The FAU Partnership for Sustainable Communities (previously, the FAU Incubator for Sustainable & Resilient Communities) is a program that provides mayors and municipal leaders in South Թ the opportunity to draw upon experts.
The Future of the Interstate Highway System: Land Use Perspective
On September 12, 2017,CUES Director Dr. John L. Renne presented on the role of land use and transportation planning to the Future Interstate Study panel of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies in Austin, Texas. This committee is preparing a report to the U.S. Congress on the future of the Interstate Highway System.
Robert Cervero Lecture - Active & Smart Mobility
On Tuesday, April 18, 2017,FAU’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES), Department
of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture and the MetroLAB Collaborative presented a lecture with
Professor Emeritus Robert Cervero
, University of California-Berkeley:
Active and Smart Mobility: Can They Co-Exist?
During the lunchtime lecture, Cerveropresented his research on autonomous vehicles’ impacts on walking and cycling, two of the greenest forms of mobility conferring meaningful public health benefits. His work shows that autonomous, connected vehicles and other smart technologies are poised to promote increased automobility, stretching out cityscapes and in doing, may make it more difficult to walk and cycle. This talk drew upon research in the US and abroad on factors influencing active mobility and suggested pathways for increasing non-motorized transport in an era of autonomous technologies and other potentially disruptive megatrends.April 18, 2017 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Events - Participated/Co-Marketed
Governor's Hurricane Conference
May 12-17, 2019 - West Palm Beach, FL
January 14, 2019 - Jupiter, FL
May 17–19, 2017 -West Palm Beach, FL
January 8-12, 2017 - Washington, DC
September 6-9, 2016 - Tampa, FL
May 3-5, 2016 - Los Angeles, CA
Presentations by John Renne
October 14, 2017 -Denver, Colorado
October 26, 2016 - New Orleans
July 20, 2016 - Utah
December 12, 2015 -Transportation and Land Development Committee of the Transportation Research Board