LaBella to Present at the 2026 APA Upstate NY Planning Conference in Albany, New York
LaBella professionals will share insights and expertise across multiple sessions at the 2026 Upstate NY Planning Conference, taking place October 14–16 in Albany, New York. Hosted by the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association, this year’s event will explore real-world examples, practical tools, and innovative approaches focused on resilience, sustainability, redevelopment, and equity-centered planning.
Below is an overview of LaBella’s sessions at the conference.
Learn more about the conference
Thursday, October 15 | 9:00 a.m.
From Blight to Belonging: Using Brownfield Engagement to Build Community
Through case studies from Herkimer, Ballston Spa, and Glens Falls, this session explores creative engagement strategies, including temporary art installations, interim site improvements, and community storytelling events, that transformed planning outreach into visible community-building initiatives.
Presented by: Norabelle Greenberger, AICP | Eastern New York Planning Lead and Brownfields Market Lead
Friday, October 16 | 9:00 a.m.
Waterfront Development Then & Now: City of Rensselaer
Through this mobile workshop, participants will tour key waterfront and downtown sites while exploring how the City of Rensselaer balances its rich, centuries-old history with the complex realities of modern planning, economic development, and shifting regional dynamics.
Presented by: Mirren Galway | Planner
Friday, October 16 | 9:00 a.m.
Agricultural Protection in New York State
This panel discussion explores how communities can build the partnerships, governance structures, and funding mechanisms needed to protect farmland in ways that reflect local values and support agricultural viability.
Panelists:
- Devin Bulger | Planner, LaBella
- Dalila Bonisson Oliver | Community Planner, Barton & Loguidice
- Donal Collins | Town Supervisor, Town of Chatham
- Lauren Axford | Open Space Coordinator, Town of Bethlehem
- Mary Gail Biebel | Chair, Town of Chatham’s Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board; Co-Chair, Chatham Agricultural Partnership
- Terence Duvall | Director of Land Protection and Stewardship, Columbia Land Conservancy
Friday, October 16 | 9:00 a.m.
Where the Trail Goes, the Economy Grows: Measuring Trail Impacts from Neighborhoods to Regions
Trails are increasingly viewed as community infrastructure that supports economic development, tourism, and quality of life. This interactive panel explores how planners can measure and leverage the economic impacts of trail investments using lessons from the Empire State Trail Economic Impact Study, Chautauqua to Erie – Lakes Connector Trail, and Buffalo’s East Side Trails initiative. Panelists will discuss practical approaches for evaluating trail-related economic benefits, building cross-sector partnerships, communicating value to decision-makers, and integrating trail investments into broader planning, transportation, and economic development initiatives.
Panelists:
- Sadie Kratt, AICP | Transportation Planner, LaBella
- Meric Karadag, PE | Senior Transportation Engineer, LaBella
- Dylan Carey | Director of Policy and Planning, Parks & Trails New York
