In 2020, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) published “Dispatches from Alternate Futures”, an exploratory scenario planning analysis for Greater Philadelphia. With the Futures Working Group, the DVRPC explored alternate scenarios to try to understand how various forces including social, technological, economical, or political forces could shape the regions between now and 2050. This session will delve into the four “alternate futures” analyzed by the Futures Working Group generated by high impact and high-uncertainty forces—from the Digital Revolution, to rising inequality, to climate change—that have potential implications for the region. It will also explore a scenario in which the Living Building, Community, and Product Challenges transform the region through advocacy, education, and action to try andanswer the question what good could look like. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in an interactive exercise based on the Living Future certification programs in the scenario.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objective 1: Define how exploratory scenario planning works and the potential benefits to the planning process.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss the various social, technological, economical, and political forces that have potential implications for the region by exploring four alternative scenarios for region.

Learning Objective 3: Identify where advocacy and action are needed to help promote and plan for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable Greater Philadelphia region.

Learning Objective 4: Illustrate a potential alternate Living Future in which programs like the Living Building, Community, and Product Challenges transform the region.

Presenters

Brett Fusco, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Manager, long-range planning

Kendra Nelson, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Planning Associate

Christopher Lee, JacobsWyper Architects, Associate & Director of Sustainability