SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 400 neighborhood leaders and residents from across Santa Clara County with a shared interest in building healthy communities will gather on Oct. 11 at the sixth annual Silicon Valley Neighborhood Development Training Conference. Hosted by San Jose State University, the popular event is co-organized by Neighborhood Housing Services of Silicon Valley (NHSSV), United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County (UNSCC), the City of San Jose, and CommUniverCity-San Jose. The lead sponsor is Fremont Bank with other major sponsors including the City of San Jose Housing Department, US Bank, Chase Bank, and California Bank & Trust.
Through a wide range of interactive workshops led by local experts, the conference offers practical strategies and tips for creating great neighborhoods. Improving public safety, dealing with the drought, the November elections, transportation problems and solutions, and addressing homelessness are just a few of the topics that will be covered. Participants will also be able to engage in an open conversation and networking with local government officials including San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel on how to strengthen relationships with police officers.
Our keynote speaker is Dr. Manuel Pastor, a professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. His research has focused on the economic, environmental and social conditions facing low-income urban communities in the U.S. He will offer his perspective on the effects of demographic changes taking place in Silicon Valley and beyond.
The conference will also feature a large Resource Fair where participants can connect with a wide variety of local nonprofit service organizations and government agencies.
“Healthy communities start with civic engagements—and that requires both building networks and having hard conversations about the challenges facing our world. With rapid demographic change and widening income gaps, such dialogue—and action—is more important than ever,” says Dr. Pastor.
The conference will sell out, so early registration is encouraged. Learn more about the conference and registration details here. Online registration ends Oct. 8. Admission is $10.
