2025 Fall Planning & Zoning Training
November 5 & 6, 2025
OverviewPlanning the Power Shift:
How to Use Strategic Planning to Maximize Renewable Energy Benefits PowerPoint Presentation As New York advances toward ambitious clean energy goals, rural towns are seeing a wave of interest from solar developers eager to capitalize on state incentives and flexible policy. With farmland offering ideal conditions for solar installations, projects are arriving faster than many communities are prepared for. This piece explores how towns can stay ahead of the rapidly changing green energy environment. We examine how communities throughout New York can position themselves through smart policy decisions by adopting thoughtful solar laws and comprehensive plans that support renewable energy while protecting farmland and guiding smart, community-focused development. Nina Ballou, Andrew Reilly, and Corinne Brath from Wendel Companies (2 hrs. PZ Credit) The Value of Good Planning and How to Do It
PowerPoint Presentation (.pdf) Planning is essential for local governments because it provides a structured framework for aligning and guiding growth, managing resources and public investments, dealing with long-term goals and long-term priorities such as climate change and resiliency, and shaping the future of communities in a way that reflects shared values and priorities. Moreover, good planning promotes transparency and civic engagement by involving residents in shaping their neighborhoods, ultimately strengthening trust in local governance and improving quality of life for all. This presentation will teach attendees why planning is important to their communities and the strategies they can undergo to ensure their plans are developed effectively, efficiently, and are utilized maximally to accomplish their goals. This presentation will balance the philosophy of planning with the practical considerations to create the best plans and use them effectively. Shaun Logue from MRB Group (2 hrs. PZ Credit) Planning & Zoning: An Introduction PowerPoint Presentation (.pdf) The most elementary of the Training Unit’s course offerings, Planning and Zoning: An Introduction is designed for new members of both planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. The course provides a basic overview of the functions of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals and the land use tools they work with, the role of the comprehensive plan, procedures for holding meetings and hearings, and the enforcement of the boards’ decisions. Lindsey Drew and Monica Ryan from NYS Department of State (2 hrs. PZ Credit) Archived Resources |
Registration Deadline October 27, 2025 Dates Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Thursday, November 6, 2025 Registration Fee $25 - No refunds Includes a light box dinner that will be served as a "working dinner" at the beginning of Session 2 Locations November 5 Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union Lakewood NY November 6 Salamanca BOCES Center 4039 Route 219, Suite 100, Salamanca NY |
