The city of Chandler invites residents, business owners and community members to be part of ChandlerTalks, a free community event focused on shaping the city’s future through the General Plan Update.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 10, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the presentation at 3 p.m., at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., according to a news release.

ChandlerTalks offers an opportunity to learn more about the city’s General Plan Update — a process that guides Chandler’s long-term growth, development and quality of life for the next decade. As part of this update, the city also is conducting a comprehensive housing study to better address community needs.

Attendees will hear from a panel of local experts to discuss key topics with a focus on water and housing. Confirmed speakers include:

• Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, Morrison Institute for Public Policy, Arizona State University
• Kathryn Sorenson, Director of Research, Professor of Practice, Morrison Institute for Public Policy, Arizona State University
• Deidra Pfeiffer, Associate Professor, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University
• Amy St. Peter, Director of Community Initiatives, Maricopa Association of Governments
• Mark Stapp, Director and Fred Taylor Endowed Professor of Real Estate, Master of Real Estate Development, Arizona State University

The panel will be moderated by Gabriel Jaramillo, director of Healthy Communities at the Vitalyist Health Foundation.

Interested attendees must register online at ChandlerTalks by Monday, May 5.

Attendees will enjoy refreshments provided by Mingle + Graze, and will be entered to win a raffle prize.

“This is your city, and your voice matters,” said Chandler’s Principal Planner, Lauren Schumann, in the release. “We’re excited to provide a space for the community to connect and help shape the Chandler of tomorrow — while learning about two focus areas that are priorities for our city going into the next 10 years.”

For those unable to attend ChandlerTalks, an online questionnaire is available through June. The public is encouraged to share input on the General Plan’s existing vision statement, guiding principles and core values, as well offer feedback on key issues, perceptions and housing-related topics. To participate, visit Chandler General Plan and click on questionnaires.

For more information about the Chandler General Plan Update, sign up for email updates, or view upcoming events, click here. 

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.