James Rojas, an internationally recognized urban planner, community activist, educator and artist, will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Downtown New Jersey Annual conference, Dec. 5 in Montclair.
The full-day event, to be held at the Mezzanine in Montclair, aims to be the state’s premier gathering for downtown management professionals, urban planners, business leaders and community advocates, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore best practices and cutting-edge strategies in downtown revitalization.
With a career spanning public engagement workshops across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, and South America, Rojas has facilitated over 500 workshops and built more than 100 interactive models.
During his keynote, Rojas will present his unique approach to enhancing Main Streets through sensory experiences. His hands-on session will guide attendees through personal discovery and connectedness, fostering relationships while uncovering the intangible experiences that Main Street offers to its visitors — and vice versa.
“This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a visionary who transforms urban spaces into thriving, inclusive communities,” DNJ President Vanessa Quijano said. “James Rojas’ keynote will inspire attendees to view Main Streets through a lens of connection, community, and creativity.”
The conference program also features a set of enriching panel discussions including:
- Balancing Growth and Equity: Addressing Gentrification, Homelessness, and Affordable Housing: This panel will explore strategies to manage urban growth sustainably while addressing affordability and social equity.
- Strengthening Local Ties: Building Strategic Partnerships with Chambers of Commerce: Attendees will discover how downtown districts can build collaborative partnerships to support economic growth and small businesses.
- Downtown Inclusivity in Action: A Blueprint for Connected Communities: Featuring case studies showcasing how events, arts programs, and diverse developments promote inclusivity and economic growth.
“The 2024 DNJ Conference provides attendees with the opportunity to not only learn from experts like our Keynote, James Rojas, but also connect with peers to develop actionable plans for their communities,” DNJ Executive Director Natalie Pineiro said.
For more information and to register, click here.
