2026 CDS Annual Conference

2026 CDS Annual Conference

DS

Dr. Sandra M. Sheppard, PhD, LMSW

CCNY, Inc.

Senior Evaluation Associate

Buffalo, NY

ccnyinc.org

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9:00am EDT

Board Meeting (old board) Classroom 103 - University Hall

12:30pm EDT

Pre Conference Workshop #3 - Skills for Facilitating Community Development Processes Classroom 123 - University HallGrace Langford • Daniel Kahl

4:00pm EDT

New and Returning Member Orientation Classroom 121 - University HallKathleen López

5:00pm EDT

CDS Member Networking Classroom 121 - University HallKathleen López

6:30pm EDT

Welcome Reception Ballroom - Armstrong Center

9:30am EDT

Opening Session (includes plenary session): Reimagining Community Development: the Cross-Sector Imperative Ballroom - Armstrong CenterMayor Jonathan McCollar • Kim Clifton • Mayor Van Johnson

11:15am EDT

Boxed Lunch Pick-up (for registered attendees) Outside the Ballroom - Armstrong Center

11:30am EDT

Mobile Learning Workshops Pick up and Drop off Parking Lot - Outside Armstrong Center

5:30pm EDT

Monday Night Event at Starland Yard Starland Yard

7:30am EDT

International Connections Session with the CDS International Committee Classroom 101 - University HallKathleen López

8:30am EDT

A Community Capital Development Approach Classroom 111 - University HallTodd Barman Engaging community in emerging land use planning issues Classroom 111 - University HallTamara Ogle • Kara Salazar • Aaron Thompson Navigating Change: From a Historic District to Building an Urban Homesteading Network Classroom 111 - University HallFelix Fernando

10:30am EDT

Mapping the Gaps: Navigating Workforce, Geography, and Care Access to Build a Regional Overnight Respite Network Classroom 111 - University HallDr. Sandra M. Sheppard

11:45am EDT

Break: Research Posters, Silent Auction, Exhibitors University Hall Lobby

12:00pm EDT

Luncheon and Plenary Session: What’s Next, America? Deliberation, Community Development, and the Civic Work Ahead Ballroom - Armstrong CenterMartin Carcasson • Cristin Brawner • Hollie Cost • Linda Seals

1:30pm EDT

Break: Research Posters, Silent Auction, Exhibitors University Hall Lobby

1:45pm EDT

A progress report on how community development approaches can help local government develop a holistic, refugee-centered model of resettlement. Classroom 111 - University HallDave Mammen

3:00pm EDT

Assessing Access to Care in Refugee Communities: Survey Development University Hall LobbyCraig Borie Community-level Housing Functionality and Recovery Modelling for Coastal Georgia. University Hall LobbyStetson Rowles • Ram Krishna Mazumder Empowering Youth for Life Beyond Graduation: The Navigating Through Life Initiative University Hall LobbyJeffrey Burke

3:45pm EDT

Contemplative Practice in Community Development: Reclaiming Contemplation for Collective Liberation Classroom 123 - University HallRon Hustedde • Rosalind Harris • Dr. B. Nalani Butler Creating Pathways to Reconciliation Through Incorporating Indigenous Voices and Culture into the Development of Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) on First Nation Traditional Territory Classroom 123 - University HallDr. Hannah Caicco Exploring the Manifestations of Community Leadership Structures Classroom 123 - University HallMary Emery • Lindsay Hastings • Justine Yeo Bircher

5:00pm EDT

CDS Membership Committee Meeting Classroom 101 - University Hall CDS Program Committee Meeting (all subcommittees) Classroom 102 - University Hall

6:30pm EDT

Awards Banquet & Live Auction Ballroom - Armstrong Center

8:00am EDT

CDS Annual Business Meeting Ballroom - Armstrong Center

9:30am EDT

Charting Change Together: What Communities Learn When They Ask Newcomers the Right Questions Classroom 111 - University HallKara Harders • Weiwei Zhang Cultivating Community Leadership in Southwest Kenya: A Collaborative Training Model Classroom 111 - University HallLisa Hinz • Jody Horntvedt • Stella Omari Great libraries build communities: How are contemporary libraries collaborating in placemaking and community development? Classroom 111 - University HallB. Kathleen Gallagher • Leigh Hersey • Divya Janardhan

10:45am EDT

Break University Hall Lobby

11:00am EDT

Searching for “Real Community”: The Utility of Marxist Theories for Community Development Research and Practice Classroom 123 - University HallJosh Newton

12:15pm EDT

Luncheon and Closing Plenary Session: Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.: Cultivating a Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Ballroom - Armstrong CenterDominique Halaby • Ande Noktes • Nick Palumbo