{
	"event_id": "1107317",
	"eventinstance_id": "4105991",
	"calendar": {
		"id": 110,
		"title": "TRiO Center",
		"slug": "trio-center",
		"url": "https://events.ucf.edu/calendar/110/trio-center/"
	},
	"id": "4105991",
	"title": "Distinguished Lecture Series: Fundamentals of Community Building featuring Nilsa Zacarias",
	"subtitle": null,
	"description": "\u003Cp\u003ELand planning plays a critical role in shaping communities and guiding their sustainable development. This engaging presentation will explore how land use planners evaluate and design spaces\u0026mdash\u003Bfrom green areas and residential neighborhoods to commercial and industrial sites\u0026mdash\u003Bto align with a community\u0026rsquo\u003Bs values, vision, and long\u002Dterm goals.\u003C/p\u003E\u000A\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFeatured Speaker:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENilsa Zacarias, Director of Planning at Chen Moore and Associates, brings extensive professional experience in land planning and community development.\u003C/p\u003E\u000A\u003Cp\u003EDuring this Distinguished Lecture Series, Ms. Zacarias will highlight three key elements that serve as the foundation of effective community building:\u003C/p\u003E\u000A\u003Cul\u003E\u000A\u003Cli\u003EProactive Public Participation\u003C/li\u003E\u000A\u003Cli\u003EBuilt and Natural Environment\u003C/li\u003E\u000A\u003Cli\u003EEconomic Growth\u003C/li\u003E\u000A\u003C/ul\u003E\u000A\u003Cp\u003EAttendees will gain insight into how community building integrates vision, regulations, and strategic partnerships to support thoughtful and successful planning efforts. The presentation will also examine how zoning laws and state and federal regulations inform land use decisions while prioritizing the needs and aspirations of communities.\u003C/p\u003E\u000A\u003Cp\u003EDrawing from her professional experience, this visually engaging presentation will feature real\u002Dworld examples, including the development of the City of Westlake in Palm Beach County, the Proactive Public Participation Program (4Ps), and innovative planning approaches such as carbon neutrality and biophilic urbanism.\u003C/p\u003E",
	"location": "Downtown Campus: DPAC 106 (West Tower, 1st floor)",
	"location_url": "https://maps.app.goo.gl/ccNWJoNrLxbbfJzw8",
	"virtual_url": null,
	"registration_link": "https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x1KSNBSildCJuu",
	"registration_info": null,
	"starts": "Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400",
	"ends": "Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0400",
	"ongoing": "False",
	"category": "Speaker/Lecture/Seminar",
	"tags": ["College of Community Innovation \u0026 Education","community building","School of Public Administration","community development","urban and regional planning"],
	"contact_name": "Christopher Hawkins",
	"contact_phone": null,
	"contact_email": "Christopher.Hawkins@ucf.edu",
	"url": "https://events.ucf.edu/event/4105991/distinguished-lecture-series-fundamentals-of-community-building-featuring-nilsa-zacarias/"
}