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Local government workshops
In an effort to support local government training and education, G/FLRPC along with many co-sponsors has presented the Regional Local Government Workshop series twice a year beginning back in 1996. For more information about a current or recent workshop, please click on the corresponding link below.
Spring Local Government Workshop – April 13 through May 18, 2021.
G/FLRPC will be hosting the Spring 2021 Local Government Workshop online. Sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting April 13 and concluding May 18. All sessions start at 11:30AM and run between one and two hours unless otherwise noted. Topics include Planning Board Overview, Clean Energy Communities, Solar Energy Facility Planning and Siting, Invasive Plants, Recognizing Indigenous People in Planning and Land Use, New York’s Quirky System of Local Government, Hot Topics in Planning, and others. Scroll down for more information.
Many thanks to our partners: Native American Cultural Center, the National Park Service, New York State Department of State, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Wendel, and Barton and Loguidice
Session Schedule (click for printable schedule)
Session Descriptions and Details (click for printable details)
1. Clean Energy Communities (CEC) 2.0
April 13 11:30-12:30
Across the State, local governments are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment by investing in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community, while at the same time facing unprecedented societal and financial challenges. Since 2016, NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities Program has provided guidance and resources to help municipalities achieve their sustainability goals. Released January 26, 2021, CEC 2.0 provides municipalities more opportunities to improve their communities, access increased grant funding, and earn recognition. Join our CEC Team of Coordinator Rob Richardson and Jenny Loewenstein to learn about the new program and how they can offer support and guidance for implementing high-impact clean energy actions and create a clear path to building community-wide resiliency and economic opportunity.
Presenters: Rob Richardson, Clean Energy Communities Coordinator, and Jenny Loewenstein, Planner, G/FLRPC
2. Here Comes the Sun: Solar, Zoning, and Comprehensive Plans
April 20 11:30-1
Large-scale solar energy projects are being proposed in every corner of New York, and they will continue to be a major topic of discussion as the state strives to achieve its renewable energy production goals. Unfortunately, many local comprehensive plans—which are the basis for zoning laws—do not address large-scale solar projects and their impact on land use in the community. This is a missed opportunity because state-level decision-makers, be they authorities, agencies, or siting boards, must consider local comprehensive planning efforts in making their determinations. This presentation will discuss strategies for updating comprehensive plans so communities can address these burgeoning solar projects, as well as create more supportable solar zoning ordinances.
Presenter: Andrew C. Reilly, AICP, Director of Planning & Environmental Services, Wendel
3. From Dutch charters to village dissolutions: A discussion of New York's quirky system of local government
April 22 11:30-1
Have you've ever been curious about the differences between hamlets, villages, towns, and cities (and that rare creature of local government- the "town-village')? Confused as to why mailing addresses often don’t align with the town or village you’re in? Wondering why school district geography has very little relationship to municipal boundaries? This session will be an informal presentation and chat as Jason shares his observations, knowledge, and trivia acquired in almost 20 years of working with and for local government in New York State. He might even read some "oude documenten in het Nederlands" (old documents in Dutch)
Presenter: Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
4. Finger Lakes National Heritage Area
April 27 11:30-12:30
When Congress considers the creation of new National Heritage Areas or new units of the national park system, the National Park Service is tasked with conducting specialized planning studies. Park Planning and Special Studies division staff are mid-way through a 'special resource study' evaluating resources and themes in 14 central New York State counties using the NPS National Heritage Area Feasibility Study criteria. NPS staff from the Northeast Regional Office in Philadelphia and the Denver Service Center will: 1) describe the unusual study criteria NPS planners use; 2) summarize multi-layered strategies to conduct research and solicit public comment across hundreds of municipalities in 14 counties during COVID-19 travel restrictions; and 3) walk participants through the public outreach materials including an interactive online Story Map and draft narrative summary of research thus far. Participants will be invited to share the 90 day public comment phase materials widely within their networks before the June 1 closing date. More information about the study is available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FingerLakes
Presenters: Martha Droge, AICP, Community Planner, and Chuck Lawson, Project Manager, National Park Service
5. On Haudenosaunee Land: Recognizing Indigenous People, History and Geography in Local Planning in Our Region
April 29 11:30-1
Local land use planning efforts and planning documents often include an account or celebration of local history and 'sense of place'. Far too often, these local histories begin with the first European American to arrive in the community. A sense of place is not complete without recognition and respect for the original inhabitants. As the nation reckons with past injustices and violence towards marginalized people, learn how local governments can begin to do that. From Indigenous Land Acknowledgments at public buildings and public meetings, to an assessment of the placement and content of historical markers in your community, this session will help raise awareness of Indigenous history and culture in our region.
Presenter: Ronalyn Pollack, Native American Cultural Center, Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
6. Planning Board Overview
May 4 11:30-2
This basic course addresses the powers and duties of town, village, and city planning boards and commissions. The administrative and regulatory roles of the planning board, including its review of site plans, special use permits, and subdivision plats are discussed, along with the planning board’s role in the municipal comprehensive plan. The importance of board procedures, referral to the county planning agency, and making findings are also covered.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
7. Intermunicipal Planning for Local Efficiency
May 6 11:30-1
Sharing the cost of projects and programs with a neighboring municipality that has common goals and challenges can result in higher quality services at a lower cost. Such collaboration between local governments brings together a variety of stakeholders with different perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions and often a unifying vision that can address regional challenges. This course provides an overview of the statutory ability of local governments to share services and combine efforts, case studies from across New York, and an opportunity to exchange ideas for planning and management on an intermunicipal level.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
8. Intermunicipal Cooperation: Building Code Enforcement
May 11 11:30-12:30
Local governments are required to enforce the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Energy Conservation Construction Code. By working together, neighboring municipalities may easily provide effective code enforcement while controlling costs. An overview of what is required for intermunicipal code enforcement is provided, including successful examples of countywide code enforcement and multiple local governments sharing the costs of administering a code enforcement program.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
*NEW SESSION* 8.5 Marijuana Regulation for Local Governments
May 11th 1-1:30
With New York State's recent passage of S.854-A/A.1248-A legalizing adult-use cannabis, there are many questions for local governments. This short presentation will include the latest information from NYS Department of State on this very new and still developing issue.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
9. Ouch! This plant hurts: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Giant Hogweed Control Program
May 13 11:30-1
Giant hogweed is a very large invasive plant that can cause painful burns and permanent scarring. NYSDEC staff have been controlling and surveying for these noxious plants across NY State for 14 years; primarily in Central and Western NY. Learn about this successful program, how to identify giant hogweed, what to do if it is present in your community, and how you can help.
Presenters: Naja Kraus, NYSDEC Forest Health Scientist & Giant Hogweed Program Coordinator and Meaghan Schwartz, NYSDEC Invasive Species Technician
10. Hot Topics in Planning: from A[ccessory Dwellings] to Z[oom Towns]
May 18 11:30-1
Planning and land use regulation, like our larger communities, is always evolving and changing. The past year, however, has brought on a lot of quick and potentially very substantive changes. But there are also seemingly small details, like parking regulations for curb side pick up, that can improve the lives of residents, customers, and businesses. This session will bring the collective and diverse experiences of two planners to share their observations on what is happening in the planning world and how it might apply to the communities in our region. This is planned as a conversation, so attendees should bring their questions!
Presenter: Molly Gaudioso, AICP, Senior Community Planner, Barton & Loguidice and Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
Previous Workshops
Spring Local Government Workshop – April 13 through May 18, 2021.
G/FLRPC will be hosting the Spring 2021 Local Government Workshop online. Sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting April 13 and concluding May 18. All sessions start at 11:30AM and run between one and two hours unless otherwise noted. Topics include Planning Board Overview, Clean Energy Communities, Solar Energy Facility Planning and Siting, Invasive Plants, Recognizing Indigenous People in Planning and Land Use, New York’s Quirky System of Local Government, Hot Topics in Planning, and others. Scroll down for more information.
- All sessions take place online via video conference (Zoom)
- Sessions are free but registration is required
- Register through Eventbrite by clicking this link > https://www.eventbrite.com/e/145079499689
- Each session is individually ticketed. You will need to sign up for each session you wish to attend
- All sessions start at 11:30AM unless otherwise noted. Session length ranges from one and two and half hours; please note the schedule.
- Questions? Email Jason Haremza at jharemza@gflrpc.org or text/call 585-295-3820
Many thanks to our partners: Native American Cultural Center, the National Park Service, New York State Department of State, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Wendel, and Barton and Loguidice
Session Schedule (click for printable schedule)
| Tuesdays | Thursdays |
| 1. April 13 11:30-12:30 Clean Energy Communities 2.0 (G/FLRPC, Rob Richardson & Jenny Loewenstein) Presentation (PDF with live links to resources) |
|
| 2. April 20 11:30-1 Here Comes the Sun: Solar, Zoning, and Comprehensive Plans (Wendel, Drew Reilly) Presentation available |
3. April 22 11:30-1 From Dutch charters to village dissolutions: A discussion of New York's quirky system of local government (G/FLRPC, Jason Haremza) Presentation available |
| 4. April 27 11:30-12:30 Finger Lakes National Heritage Area (National Park Service, Martha Droge and Chuck Lawson) Presentation available |
5. April 29 11:30-1 On Haudenosaunee Land: Recognizing Indigenous People, History and Geography in Local Planning in Our Region (Native American Cultural Center, Ronalyn Pollack & G/FLRPC, Jason Haremza) One of Two Presentations Available Two of Two Presentation Available |
| 6. May 4 11:30-2 Planning Board Overview (NYS Department of State) Presentation available |
7. May 6 11:30-1 Intermunicipal Planning for Local Efficiency (NYS Department of State) Presentation available |
| 8. May 11 11:30-12:30 Intermunicipal Cooperation: Building Code Enforcement (NYS Department of State) Presentation available 8.5 *NEW SESSION*May 11 - 1-1:30 Marijuana Regulation for Local Governments (NYS Department of State) |
9. May 13 11:30-1 Ouch! This plant hurts: NYSDEC Giant Hogweed Control Program (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Naja Kraus & Meaghan Schwartz) Presentation available |
| 10. May 18 11:30-1Hot Topics in Planning: from A[ccessory Dwellings] to Z[oom Towns] (Barton & Loguidice, Molly Gaudioso & G/FLRPC, Jason Haremza) Presentation Available |
Session Descriptions and Details (click for printable details)
- All sessions take place online via video conference (Zoom)
- Sessions are free but registration is required
- Register through Eventbrite by clicking this link > https://www.eventbrite.com/e/145079499689
- Each session is individually ticketed. You will need to sign up for each session you wish to attend
- All sessions start at 11:30AM unless otherwise noted. Session length ranges from one and two and half hours; please note the schedule.
- Questions? Email Jason Haremza at jharemza@gflrpc.org or text/call 585-295-3820
1. Clean Energy Communities (CEC) 2.0
April 13 11:30-12:30
Across the State, local governments are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment by investing in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community, while at the same time facing unprecedented societal and financial challenges. Since 2016, NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities Program has provided guidance and resources to help municipalities achieve their sustainability goals. Released January 26, 2021, CEC 2.0 provides municipalities more opportunities to improve their communities, access increased grant funding, and earn recognition. Join our CEC Team of Coordinator Rob Richardson and Jenny Loewenstein to learn about the new program and how they can offer support and guidance for implementing high-impact clean energy actions and create a clear path to building community-wide resiliency and economic opportunity.
Presenters: Rob Richardson, Clean Energy Communities Coordinator, and Jenny Loewenstein, Planner, G/FLRPC
2. Here Comes the Sun: Solar, Zoning, and Comprehensive Plans
April 20 11:30-1
Large-scale solar energy projects are being proposed in every corner of New York, and they will continue to be a major topic of discussion as the state strives to achieve its renewable energy production goals. Unfortunately, many local comprehensive plans—which are the basis for zoning laws—do not address large-scale solar projects and their impact on land use in the community. This is a missed opportunity because state-level decision-makers, be they authorities, agencies, or siting boards, must consider local comprehensive planning efforts in making their determinations. This presentation will discuss strategies for updating comprehensive plans so communities can address these burgeoning solar projects, as well as create more supportable solar zoning ordinances.
Presenter: Andrew C. Reilly, AICP, Director of Planning & Environmental Services, Wendel
3. From Dutch charters to village dissolutions: A discussion of New York's quirky system of local government
April 22 11:30-1
Have you've ever been curious about the differences between hamlets, villages, towns, and cities (and that rare creature of local government- the "town-village')? Confused as to why mailing addresses often don’t align with the town or village you’re in? Wondering why school district geography has very little relationship to municipal boundaries? This session will be an informal presentation and chat as Jason shares his observations, knowledge, and trivia acquired in almost 20 years of working with and for local government in New York State. He might even read some "oude documenten in het Nederlands" (old documents in Dutch)
Presenter: Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
4. Finger Lakes National Heritage Area
April 27 11:30-12:30
When Congress considers the creation of new National Heritage Areas or new units of the national park system, the National Park Service is tasked with conducting specialized planning studies. Park Planning and Special Studies division staff are mid-way through a 'special resource study' evaluating resources and themes in 14 central New York State counties using the NPS National Heritage Area Feasibility Study criteria. NPS staff from the Northeast Regional Office in Philadelphia and the Denver Service Center will: 1) describe the unusual study criteria NPS planners use; 2) summarize multi-layered strategies to conduct research and solicit public comment across hundreds of municipalities in 14 counties during COVID-19 travel restrictions; and 3) walk participants through the public outreach materials including an interactive online Story Map and draft narrative summary of research thus far. Participants will be invited to share the 90 day public comment phase materials widely within their networks before the June 1 closing date. More information about the study is available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FingerLakes
Presenters: Martha Droge, AICP, Community Planner, and Chuck Lawson, Project Manager, National Park Service
5. On Haudenosaunee Land: Recognizing Indigenous People, History and Geography in Local Planning in Our Region
April 29 11:30-1
Local land use planning efforts and planning documents often include an account or celebration of local history and 'sense of place'. Far too often, these local histories begin with the first European American to arrive in the community. A sense of place is not complete without recognition and respect for the original inhabitants. As the nation reckons with past injustices and violence towards marginalized people, learn how local governments can begin to do that. From Indigenous Land Acknowledgments at public buildings and public meetings, to an assessment of the placement and content of historical markers in your community, this session will help raise awareness of Indigenous history and culture in our region.
Presenter: Ronalyn Pollack, Native American Cultural Center, Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
6. Planning Board Overview
May 4 11:30-2
This basic course addresses the powers and duties of town, village, and city planning boards and commissions. The administrative and regulatory roles of the planning board, including its review of site plans, special use permits, and subdivision plats are discussed, along with the planning board’s role in the municipal comprehensive plan. The importance of board procedures, referral to the county planning agency, and making findings are also covered.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
7. Intermunicipal Planning for Local Efficiency
May 6 11:30-1
Sharing the cost of projects and programs with a neighboring municipality that has common goals and challenges can result in higher quality services at a lower cost. Such collaboration between local governments brings together a variety of stakeholders with different perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions and often a unifying vision that can address regional challenges. This course provides an overview of the statutory ability of local governments to share services and combine efforts, case studies from across New York, and an opportunity to exchange ideas for planning and management on an intermunicipal level.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
8. Intermunicipal Cooperation: Building Code Enforcement
May 11 11:30-12:30
Local governments are required to enforce the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Energy Conservation Construction Code. By working together, neighboring municipalities may easily provide effective code enforcement while controlling costs. An overview of what is required for intermunicipal code enforcement is provided, including successful examples of countywide code enforcement and multiple local governments sharing the costs of administering a code enforcement program.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
*NEW SESSION* 8.5 Marijuana Regulation for Local Governments
May 11th 1-1:30
With New York State's recent passage of S.854-A/A.1248-A legalizing adult-use cannabis, there are many questions for local governments. This short presentation will include the latest information from NYS Department of State on this very new and still developing issue.
Presenter: New York State Department of State
9. Ouch! This plant hurts: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Giant Hogweed Control Program
May 13 11:30-1
Giant hogweed is a very large invasive plant that can cause painful burns and permanent scarring. NYSDEC staff have been controlling and surveying for these noxious plants across NY State for 14 years; primarily in Central and Western NY. Learn about this successful program, how to identify giant hogweed, what to do if it is present in your community, and how you can help.
Presenters: Naja Kraus, NYSDEC Forest Health Scientist & Giant Hogweed Program Coordinator and Meaghan Schwartz, NYSDEC Invasive Species Technician
10. Hot Topics in Planning: from A[ccessory Dwellings] to Z[oom Towns]
May 18 11:30-1
Planning and land use regulation, like our larger communities, is always evolving and changing. The past year, however, has brought on a lot of quick and potentially very substantive changes. But there are also seemingly small details, like parking regulations for curb side pick up, that can improve the lives of residents, customers, and businesses. This session will bring the collective and diverse experiences of two planners to share their observations on what is happening in the planning world and how it might apply to the communities in our region. This is planned as a conversation, so attendees should bring their questions!
Presenter: Molly Gaudioso, AICP, Senior Community Planner, Barton & Loguidice and Jason Haremza, AICP, Senior Planner, G/FLRPC
Previous Workshops
- Fall 2020 Regional Local Government Workshop - Held virtually throughout November, 2020
- Spring 2020 Regional Local Government Workshop - May 15, 2020, Burgundy Basin Inn, Pittsford, NY - CANCELLED