What's New

The 2014 AMATS Annual Meeting is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17 at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls.  The theme of this year’s meeting will be the importance of place and valuing our cities and communities.

Kageyama

Giffels

In keeping with this theme, the day’s featured speakers will be authors Peter Kageyama and David Giffels.  Kageyama is the author ofFor the Love of Cities, which explores in detail the value of emotional engagement with our cities, how that connection is created and nurtured, and how it can be turned into a development resource for places.  Giffels is the author of The Hard Way on Purpose, a collection of essays about the cultural landscape of America’s Rust Belt.

Other events planned for the day are a Year in Review presentation by AMATS Planning Administrator Curtis Baker.  2014 was a year of significant initiatives and new directions in planning for AMATS.  Baker will describe key achievements by the agency as it and the region adapt to an ever-changing transportation landscape.  He will also provide a glimpse of what the future holds for the agency.

There will also be a presentation by Josh McManus, the new program director of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.  McManus has a range of expertise in the areas of civic action and talent attraction with a particular focus on redeveloping local economies through small business.  Since assuming his new position in July, McManus works with local leaders and other community members to find and invest in ideas that advance business opportunities in the region.

The day will conclude with a walk through the South Front Street area of Cuyahoga Falls.  Those wishing to participate can learn firsthand from Cuyahoga Falls officials about the recently built Watermark Building and plans for Riverwalk, a new mixed-use development, as well as other activities in the area.  Afterwards, they can join in a discussion about what can be done to improve the area and its walkability.

The cost to register for the 2014 AMATS Annual Meeting is $40, which includes a continental breakfast and choice of lunch selections.  To register for the 2014 AMATS Annual Meeting, please click here.