The Municipal Art Society of New York

Last month, nearly one hundred people participated in the Livable Neighborhoods Training program hosted by MAS and the Center for Community Planning & Development at Hunter College. Participants turned out on a beautiful day to learn how to better engage in land use decisions in their neighborhoods. First-time and returning attendees described the panels as “eye-opening,” “informative,” and “incredibly useful.”

This semi-annual event brings together a diverse group of participants from community boards and community organizations to learn from experts with practical experience in city planning, economic development, zoning and more. Instructors included city officials, non-profit leaders, and experienced community activists. MAS designed the program to fill an information gap for new community board representatives looking to expand their knowledge base. Over time MAS has expanded the program to offer targeted training in topics like Sustainability and Advocating for Parks and Open Space and many more.

This program, generously sponsored by the Altman Foundation, is aimed at providing community activists with the knowledge they need to effectively participate in decisions that impact the livability of their neighborhoods. Since Livable Neighborhoods started in 2006, we’ve provided hands-on training to more than 700 New Yorkers (including over one third of the city’s 59 community boards).

Check back to learn about our next training program in the fall. MAS looks forward to continuing to develop and improve this important and exciting service in the future.