Course 3: Effective Communication and Engagement in the Development Process - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Entitlements are often seen as the domain of attorneys, engineers, or planners—but landscape architects bring a unique, and often underutilized, perspective to the table. This session explores how design thinking, ecological sensitivity, and community-focused strategies can influence zoning and entitlement processes to result in better developments and stronger public-private alignment.

Using real-world case studies, this session unpacks how landscape architects can play a strategic role in advocacy, visioning, and negotiation—while translating complex regulations into meaningful design outcomes. You’ll walk away with tools to engage more confidently with city staff, community groups, and neighbors—and help your team get to "yes."

Learning Objectives:

• Explain zoning basics and regulatory processes to better evaluate project constraints and communicate impacts to stakeholders.
• Understand the steps, stakeholders, and decision points that shape land use entitlements—from rezonings to PUDs—and how design professionals can influence outcomes. Develop clear and compelling communication strategies tailored to different audiences, including public agencies, community members, and clients.
• Learn how landscape architects can build trust with public agencies, developers, and communities by offering value beyond aesthetics—through ecosystem services, public space planning, and stakeholder facilitation.
• Apply best practices for community engagement, permitting negotiations, and working with nonprofits to advance development projects more effectively.
• Gain insight into negotiation techniques, tradeoffs, and how to advocate for community and environmental goals while staying aligned with financial and political realities.