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Infra Week South
APRIL 8-10, 2025
With a projected attendance of over 5,000 participants nationally, the Equitable Infrastructure Week Conferences aims to foster dialogue that leads to tangible outcomes. According to recent reports, infrastructure inequities disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, contributing to a $2 trillion disparity in public and private infrastructure investments. This underscores the urgent need for events like EIW to bring attention to and address these disparities.
The conference will also highlight successful case studies and data-driven insights. For example, investments in equitable infrastructure have been shown to generate significant economic returns, with every $1 spent on transportation infrastructure yielding $4 in economic benefits.
Additionally, the integration of sustainable practices in infrastructure projects can reduce carbon emissions by up to 25%, aligning with national goals for climate resilience.
Finally, by prioritizing equity in the nation's infrastructure projects, we aim to bridge the $2.59 trillion investment gap identified by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, ensuring that no community is left behind in the path to progress.
Development
Day one of the Equitable Infrastructure Week Conference South, scheduled for April 8, 2025, will delve into the crucial theme of development. This day will spotlight innovative strategies and projects that are reshaping the South's landscapes, promoting sustainability, and ensuring equitable growth. Key discussions will include revitalizing underdeveloped areas, integrating green building practices, and fostering inclusive economic development. Experts from various sectors will share insights on overcoming challenges in development, leveraging public-private partnerships, and the role of policy in facilitating inclusive growth. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to implement development projects that benefit all communities, particularly those historically underserved, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in the South.
Keynote Address
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The role of equitable development in economic growth.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Keynote Address
"Revitalizing Diverse Centers"
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Strategies for revitalizing and repurposing diverse centers..
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Balancing growth with community needs and inclusivity.
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Funding and financing equitable development.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM:
Panel Discussion
Affordable Housing Solutions
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Current challenges in affordable housing.
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Policy frameworks and incentives for affordable housing.
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Innovative design and construction approaches for affordable housing.
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: Workshop
Lunch and Networking
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Opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees impact
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM:
Lunch and Networking
Public-Private Partnerships in Development
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Role of public-private partnerships in facilitating development.
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Successful case studies of public-private collaboration.
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Challenges and opportunities in forming and sustaining partnerships.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM:
Fireside Chat
Sustainable Development and Green Building Practices
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Improving public transit infrastructure, strategies for ridership, accessibility and convenience
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM:
Panel Discussion
Community Engagement in Development Projects
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Importance of community involvement in development projects.
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Methods and tools for effective community engagement.
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Case studies showcasing successful community engagement.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Interactive Session
Networking Reception
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Evening reception with refreshments
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Continued networking opportunities
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM:
Evening Reception
Transportation
The second day of the Equitable Infrastructure Week Conference South, taking place on April 9, 2025, will focus on the vital topic of transportation. This day will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and equitable practices in transportation infrastructure. Discussions will center on enhancing connectivity, improving public transit systems, and integrating sustainable technologies to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation network across the South.
Sustainable Transportation Initiatives
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Transportation policies for reducing carbon emissions, integrating climate resilience into transportation planning, policy recommendations
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM:
Panel Discussion One
Equity in Transportation Planning
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Ensuring equitable access to transportation, community engagement strategies, addressing disparities in transportation services
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Session One
Networking Reception
Opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM: Networking Lunch
Infrastructure Investment and Funding
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Federal and state funding opportunities, public-private partnerships, maximizing investment impact
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM:
Panel Discussion Two
Innovations in Urban Mobility
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Emerging technologies in urban transportation, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and mobility as a service (MaaS)
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM:
Session Two
Enhancing Public Transit Systems
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Improving public transit infrastructure, strategies for ridership, accessibility and convenience
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM:
Panel Discussion Three
Addressing Climate Change through Transportation Policy
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Transportation policies for reducing carbon emissions, integrating climate resilience into transportation planning, policy recommendations impact
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM:
Session Three
Networking Reception
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Evening reception with refreshments
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Continued networking opportunities
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Networking Reception
Energy
Day three of the Equitable Infrastructure Week Conference South, taking place on April 10 , 2025, will focus on the pivotal role of energy in shaping equitable infrastructure. This day's discussions will delve into sustainable energy solutions, innovative technologies, and policies aimed at fostering energy equity across the South. Keynote speakers and panelists will explore the integration of renewable energy sources, advancements in energy storage, and the impact of federal and state incentives on regional energy projects. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for ensuring energy access and affordability, as well as strategies for building resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures that support economic growth and environmental stewardship in the Midwest. This day promises to be an enlightening exploration of how energy innovation can drive equitable development and create a more inclusive sustainable future.
Keynote Address
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The role of public-private partnerships in advancing energy sustainability.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Keynote Address
Renewable Energy Innovations
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Advances in solar and wind energy technologies.
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The impact of energy storage solutions on grid stability.
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Innovative business models driving renewable energy adoption.
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM:
Panel Discussion
Building Resilient Energy Infrastructure
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Strategies for enhancing grid resilience against climate change.
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Role of smart grid technologies and energy storage.
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Community-driven approaches to energy infrastructure planning.
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for affordable housing.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Workshop
Lunch and Networking
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Opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees impact
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM:
Lunch Break
Community Energy Projects
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Overview of successful community-based energy projects.
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Impact on local economies and job creation.
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Lessons learned and best practices for replicating success.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM:
Fireside Chat
Policy and Regulatory Landscape
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Current policy and regulatory challenges in the energy sector.
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The role of government incentives in promoting renewable energy.
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Future policy directions to support energy sustainability.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Roundtable Discussion
The Future of Energy Innovation
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Emerging technologies in the energy sector.
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The potential of AI and machine learning in energy management.
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Vision for the future of sustainable energy solutions.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM:
Fireside Chat
Networking Reception
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Evening reception with refreshments
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Continued networking opportunities