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The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) welcomes Ron Papsdorf as its new executive director, following the retirement of Chuck Wemple, effective July 13, 2026.
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Papsdorf succeeds Wemple, who served as H-GAC’s executive director since 2018. Previously serving as H-GAC’s chief transportation officer, Papsdorf brings more than 20 years of experience in regional planning, transportation, and public-sector leadership.
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As executive director, Papsdorf will lead H-GAC’s continued efforts to foster collaboration across its 13-county service area, support local governments, advance transportation planning, strengthen economic development, coordinate workforce initiatives, and enhance quality of life throughout the Gulf Coast region.
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Please join us in welcoming Ron Papsdorf to his new role and expressing our appreciation to Chuck Wemple for his years of dedicated leadership and service to H-GAC and the region.
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| | I am honored to be chosen by the H-GAC board to serve the region in this new role. Our region is growing and changing rapidly, and I am eager to work with the board, our staff, our communities, and our partners to make us the best region in the country to live, work, and do business.
— Ron Papsdorf
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Your Voice Matters: Help Improve Roadway Safety
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H-GAC invites residents to attend a public meeting to share feedback on proposed roadway safety improvements across the region. Community input will help identify the projects that should be prioritized to reduce serious crashes and make roads safer for everyone.
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6-8 p.m. | Aug. 5
Houston-Galveston Area Council
3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor Conference Rm. BC, Houston, TX 77027
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The meeting will provide an overview of the Regional Safety Action Plans, highlight proposed safety projects, and allow attendees to ask questions, speak with project staff, and help prioritize recommended improvements.
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Residents who cannot attend in person can participate online by reviewing proposed projects, ranking priorities, identifying safety concerns on an interactive map, and completing the project prioritization survey.
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Additional Safety Action Plan activities will be announced this fall.
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Review Regional Transportation Projects and Share Your Feedback
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What transportation investments should the Houston-Galveston region prioritize over the next 25 years? H-GAC invites residents to review proposed projects and provide feedback as part of developing the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP2050).
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The RTP2050 is the region's long-range transportation blueprint. It identifies transportation projects and investment priorities to help improve safety, mobility, and connectivity across the eight-county metropolitan planning area through 2050. Public input is an important part of the planning process and helps inform project evaluation and regional priorities.
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Join one of three virtual public meetings to learn about the submitted projects, how they will be evaluated, and how to review projects and submit comments online.
| Virtual Public Meeting Schedule
| | • | Monday, Aug. 17: 6:30-8 p.m.
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| | • | Wednesday, Aug. 19: 6:30-8 p.m.
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| | • | Wednesday, Aug. 26: 6:30-8 p.m.
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| All meetings will be hosted on Zoom and will cover the same information. Attend the session that best fits your schedule.
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You don't have to attend a public meeting to participate. Visit the RTP2050 public engagement website to learn more about the plan, explore submitted transportation projects, submit your feedback, and access the Zoom link to attend a meeting. Public comments submitted at public meetings and through the website will help inform the development of the region's long-range transportation plan.
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Watch: How the Metropolitan Planning Organization Turns Your Feedback into Long-Range Plans
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Now that you've seen how to share your input on the RTP2050, see how the planning process works behind the scenes!
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As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for our eight-county region, H-GAC uses four key planning tools — headlined by the Regional Transportation Plan — to balance highway safety, transit options, and federal funding.
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Watch this brief three-minute video to see how your public feedback, regional traffic data, and local coordination come together to build our long-range transportation future.
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Share Your Input at Upcoming Watershed Meetings
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H-GAC will host a series of watershed stakeholder meetings, annual meetings, and technical workshops in August to support efforts to improve water quality and reduce bacteria in area waterways.
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Upcoming meetings include:
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| 2. | Big Creek Annual Meeting — Aug. 5, Richmond
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| 3. | Upper Oyster Creek Annual Meeting — Aug. 6, Sugar Land
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| 4. | Tarkington & Luce Bayous Meeting — Aug. 20, Cleveland
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| 5. | Chocolate Bay Stakeholder Meeting — Aug. 26, Alvin
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| 6. | Bessie’s & Brookshire Creeks Meeting — Aug. 27, Simonton
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Community members and stakeholders are invited to review progress, share feedback, and help guide future watershed improvements.
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Learn more about our watershed initiatives.
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Be Prepared: Hurricane Resources Available Across the Region
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Hurricane season is a reminder that preparation starts before a storm is in the forecast. H-GAC provides resources to help residents and communities plan ahead, stay informed, and recover after a hurricane or other natural disaster.
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Residents can use H-GAC’s Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation Planning resources to create an emergency plan, build a disaster supply kit, learn evacuation zones and routes, and find guidance for preparing pets, older adults, and individuals with special needs.
| Before a storm, residents are encouraged to:
| | • | Have an emergency plan for their household
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| | • | Know their evacuation zone and routes
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| | • | Stay informed through trusted emergency updates
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Free Fare Fridays Return This September
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Looking for a new way to commute? Starting Sept. 1, residents can ride select transit routes for free every Friday in September through Free Fare Fridays, a regional effort to encourage transit use and support cleaner air during Ozone Action Month.
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H-GAC’s Commute Solutions program is partnering with local transit agencies to make it easier for residents to try public transportation, reduce vehicle emissions, and discover new ways to get around the region.
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| | Free Fare Fridays begin Sept. 1
| Participating transit providers include:
| | | | | | Details on participating routes, schedules, and trip planning resources will be available soon at yourcommutesolution.org/breathe.
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Choosing transit, even occasionally, can help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and support a healthier region. Start planning your free transit trips today and see how easy it can be to leave the car at home.
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Watch: Meet the Commuter Behind the Journey
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For some commuters, the morning begins with traffic. For Mr. Mendez, it begins with movement and a smarter commute.
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Before the sun comes up, he hops on his bike, pedals to his local Kingsland Park & Ride, and rides the bus into downtown Houston. What began as a new way to get to work has become part of his everyday routine. His commute helps him save money, stay active, and start and end his day with less stress.
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Mr. Mendez’s story shows that changing the way we travel doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a small shift can make a big difference. Watch his journey and see how finding the right commute option can work for you.
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Your commute can look different, too. Explore options that fit your lifestyle at YourCommuteSolution.org.
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Help Your Community Prepare for Storm Debris Cleanup
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When disasters strike, clear communication is essential. H-GAC offers customizable storm debris response templates to help local governments and partners share timely information with residents before, during, and after debris-generating events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
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Resources include:
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| • | Public information messages
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| • | Debris separation flyers
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| • | Additional resources from partner agencies
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Flyers and videos are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
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Area Agency on Aging Roadshows Connect Residents with Resources
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| | | | H-GAC’s Area Agency on Aging is visiting communities across the region this summer to connect older adults and caregivers with local resources and services.
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Upcoming roadshows:
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Wharton County
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 13
| Wharton County Junior College
LaDieu Building, Room 112, Wharton, TX
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| | Walker County
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 26
Walker County Storm Shelter
340 State Highway 75 North, Ste. F, Huntsville, TX
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Free Benefits Counseling Available Throughout the Year
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Medicare and benefits questions don’t have to wait for open enrollment. H-GAC’s Area Agency on Aging provides free Monthly Benefits Check-Up Days year-round to help older adults, caregivers, and Medicare-eligible individuals navigate available programs and services.
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| | | | Certified benefits counselors provide one-on-one assistance with:
| | | | | • | Aging-related programs and services
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Save Energy, Lower Utility Bills
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Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Resources Across the Texas Gulf Coast Region
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As temperatures and energy costs continue to rise, improving home energy efficiency is one of the best ways for residents to lower utility bills while enhancing comfort and resilience. Weatherization upgrades, including air sealing, insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and LED lighting, help lower energy use, reduce air pollution, and improve indoor air quality.
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| | Many local utilities, community organizations, and state and federal programs offer rebates, incentives, and free weatherization assistance for eligible households. Explore available resources to see if you qualify. Take advantage of programs that can make your home more energy efficient while supporting cleaner air across the region. Learn about available rebates and weatherization assistance programs in our community and share these resources with your friends and neighbors.
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Resources:
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To learn more about H-GAC’s Clean Air, Healthy Communities program, visit: https://www.h-gac.com/clean-air.
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HGACBuy Showcases Public Works Procurement Solutions at APWA PWX Conference
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HGACBuy will showcase cooperative purchasing solutions for public agencies at the 2026 APWA PWX Conference, August 30 through September 2, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
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| | | | Visit the team at Booth #1930 to learn how HGACBuy can help local governments, public agencies, and eligible nonprofit organizations streamline procurement, save time and resources, and access competitively solicited contracts from trusted suppliers.
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HGACBuy contracts provide agencies with efficient access to products and services that support public works operations, infrastructure improvements, and long-term community goals.
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Featured Contract: Public Works Equipment (PW10-25)
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The Public Works Equipment contract provides access to equipment used for road maintenance, construction, and other public works activities. Available equipment includes paving and road maintenance equipment, excavators, loaders, backhoes, compactors, and other specialized machinery.
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Explore the Public Works Equipment contract before the conference, then stop by Booth #1930 during APWA PWX to discuss how HGACBuy can support your agency’s procurement needs.
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Can’t attend the conference? Explore contracts and services at hgacbuy.org or contact us at hgacbuy@h-gac.com.
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Natural Resources Advisory Committee Meets Aug. 6
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H-GAC’s Natural Resources Advisory Committee will meet to discuss regional water and environmental issues, including a review of the 2026 Water Quality Management Plan Update.
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1:30-3:30 p.m. | Aug. 6
Houston-Galveston Area Council
3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor Conference Rm. D, Houston, TX
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Online option available via Zoom.
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Registration required to attend online and requested for in-person attendance.
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Contact Rachel Windham for more information.
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Economic Impact Summit Explores Strategies for Regional Growth
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Registration is now open for H-GAC’s Economic Impact Summit 2026, hosted by the H-GAC Economic Development Team.
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This interactive event will bring together local leaders, business owners, economic development professionals, funders, and community stakeholders to explore strategies, partnerships, and opportunities that support economic growth and regional prosperity.
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| | 1-4:30 p.m. | August 19, 2026
Networking Reception: 5-6:30 p.m.
POST Houston
401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201
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Attendees will hear from leaders and industry experts about emerging trends, innovative approaches to economic development, funding opportunities, and best practices helping strengthen communities and support long-term success.
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Training Helps Communities Prepare for Disaster Recovery
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H-GAC will host Successfully Navigating the Public Assistance Program, a free training course designed to help local partners strengthen recovery operations and maximize opportunities for public assistance funding.
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9-11 a.m. | Aug. 19
Online via Zoom
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Free HAZWOPER Refresher Training Available Aug. 20
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H-GAC will host an 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher Course for professionals who have previously completed 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training.
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 20
City of Houston Environmental Service Center South
11500 S. Post Oak Road, Houston, TX
| Email Erin Livingston to register.
| Participants must attend the full course to receive credit.
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Workshop Explores Watershed Restoration Solutions
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Join H-GAC, the Texas Water Resources Institute, and other partners for a workshop focused on riparian restoration and feral hog management.
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The workshop will provide practical strategies residents, landowners, and professionals can use to support restoration efforts in Cotton Bayou and other watersheds.
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8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Aug. 24
Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library
1 John Hall Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX
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For more information, email Cornell Evans Jr.
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Apply for H-GAC’s Parks and Natural Areas Awards Beginning Sept. 1
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Applications open September 1 for H-GAC’s annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards, which recognize innovative projects that enhance parks, conservation, and outdoor spaces across the region.
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Awards are presented in five categories:
| | • | Planning and Policy Tools
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| | • | On-the-Ground Projects: Small (up to $250,000)
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| | • | On-the-Ground Projects: Medium ($250,000–$1 million)
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| | • | On-the-Ground Projects: Large (over $1 million)
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Winning projects serve as examples of successful planning and implementation for parks and natural areas throughout the region. No funding is associated with the Parks and Natural Areas Awards program.
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Applications will be accepted through noon Wednesday, Sept. 30. While the application portal will open Sept. 1, applicants can begin preparing using the online application guide.
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H-GAC is also seeking volunteers to help review applications and recommend award recipients. Honorees will be notified in December and recognized in 2027.
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Learn more or volunteer to serve as a judge by contacting Andrea Tantillo.
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Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable Scheduled for Sept. 8
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Join H-GAC’s Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable and connect with parks professionals, community leaders, and partners from across the region.
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The upcoming meeting will feature an update from the city of Kemah on its parks projects, along with an opportunity for participants to share upcoming events, successes, and challenges.
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1:30-3:30 p.m. | Sept. 8
Houston-Galveston Area Council
3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor Conference Rm. BC, Houston, TX
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Livable Centers Workshop Series Concludes Sept. 17
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H-GAC’s Livable Centers Roundtable and Workshop Series concludes with the Annual Land Use/Transportation Workshop: Expert Takes on What’s at Stake.
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9 a.m.-noon | Thursday, Sept. 17
Networking begins at 9, with program activities starting at 9:30 a.m.
| Houston-Galveston Area Council
3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor Conference Rm. ABC, Houston, TX
| | | The workshop will feature a panel discussion on strategies communities are using to support long-term adaptability through adaptive reuse, regulatory innovation, and human-centered design.
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