Dive deep into the transformative journey from traditional civic engineering to innovative community development with this hands-on, real-world learning experience. Designed for engineers, urban planners, and civic leaders, this program unpacks the often untold stories of conventional engineering practices and the lessons learned from stepping outside the comfort zone. You'll explore the paradigm shift from designing rigidly structured environments to creating dynamic, resilient communities. Course content delves into case studies, critical analyses of past designs, and the socioeconomic impacts of conventional planning versus adaptive, people-centered approaches.

As you participate, you'll discover the power of "strong towns thinking," which emphasizes financial solvency, flexibility, and the nurturing of vibrant neighborhoods. You'll learn how to apply groundbreaking methodologies to your projects, ensuring they're not only engineered for durability but for prosperity and the genuine well-being of residents. By the end of this program, you'll not only have a set of new, practical tools at your disposal, but also the confidence to champion innovative solutions that lead to stronger, more connected communities. This isn't just about rethinking how we design our towns and cities; it's about catalyzing a movement that shapes the very essence of place-making for the betterment of society as a whole.

**Charles Marohn**—affectionately known as "Chuck" among peers—is not only the pioneering mind behind Strong Towns but a visionary in reshaping our urban landscapes. As a seasoned land use planner and civil engineer, Chuck has crafted his career around reimagining the built environment for enduring prosperity. His academic grounding, with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, complements his fervent advocacy for sustainable and resilient communities.

Chuck brings to the table a rich tapestry of expertise, underscored by his insightful publications, including "Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity," "Confessions of a Recovering Engineer," and the forthcoming "Escaping the Housing Trap." His role as a compelling speaker and thought leader has taken him to numerous municipalities, where he shares transformative Strong Towns concepts. As the linchpin of this program, Chuck is deeply invested in fostering a new generation of engineers and planners who embrace the ethos of creating cities that thrive from the grassroots up.