Purdue University and community partners are navigating change through collaborative, data-driven land-use planning. This session highlights three initiatives that strengthen community resilience and inform local decisions. IN R-STEP, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides GIS tools and engagement strategies for renewable energy siting. The NSF-supported MARC program explores agrivoltaics, integrating solar energy with agriculture to enhance resilience and productivity. Purdue also partners with Indiana’s Lake Michigan Coastal Program to develop conservation plans using spatial analysis and community input. All efforts emphasize participatory design, equipping communities with practical tools to manage growth, preserve character, and address environmental challenges.
