Topic: Not All Public Input is Equal

Gathering public input can be a time-consuming process resulting in widely varying data of limited value. In this panel, we will share lessons learned from local municipal projects (Nashua, Lincoln and Natick/Framingham) using technology to solicit community-driven data for more accurate insights, saved time and better outcomes.

Biography

Karin Brandt is the CEO and Founder of coUrbanize, a digital platform that helps real estate developers and municipalities modernize and simplify community outreach to build better projects faster. Karin holds a master’s degree in city planning from MIT and began her career in urban development working at Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she co-edited Infrastructure and Land Policies. While in urban planning, she saw development opportunities stymied by NIMBYism at community meetings. Determined to make an impact on how cities grow, Karin launched coUrbanize in 2013 and joined the TechStars Boston accelerator. Since founding the company, coUrbanize has supported over 250 projects across the US and Canada to help residents and project teams build better communities together.