Title: Comprehensive Planning and the Wilmington Community

Description: The City of Wilmington’s Planning and Development Department will discuss the ways residents shape planning initiatives and their impact on local development and infrastructure. The community is a key stakeholder in determining ideals and goals for the future of growth and development in Wilmington. Planning initiatives such as the Wilmington Greater Downtown Plan (WGDP) have focused heavily on community needs and concerns to drive program and policy recommendations. These recommendations impact development regulations and program opportunities that can make a difference in the everyday lives of residents. This presentation will draw the lines between each step and highlight where residents can get involved.

Speaker bios: Travis Henley, AICP, CFM serves as Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design Manager for the City of Wilmington. Throughout his career, he has been committed to ensuring that broad recommendations developed from community engagement and planning processes are translated into direct, measurable action. Travis holds degrees in Political Science and Public Policy from James Madison University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and is also currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at UNCW, teaching a Land Use Planning course in the MPA Program.

Hillary Taylor is a Long-Range Planner on the Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design team at the City of Wilmington. With prior work experience in the urban policy, climate change, and international development nexus, she is passionate about ensuring a sustainable and inclusive urban future for generations to come. She is proud to be a part of a City, a team and a community that shares her values and vision.

Haley Hopkins is a Long-Range Planner I on the Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design team at the City of Wilmington. With prior work in climate action research and comprehensive plan development, she is excited to contribute to community-driven, sustainable community development in Wilmington. Haley holds a degree in Sustainability Science from Furman University and certificates in qualitative research.