Youth Are Not the Future, But the Now Too often, youth are seen only as the “future leaders” of our communities. But young people are already shaping our cities, policies, and civic life today. In this keynote session, Corrin Wendell, AICP, Founder of YEP! Youth Engagement Planning, challenges the traditional narrative and makes a powerful case for why youth must be centered in the now—not just planned for in the future. Drawing from real-world engagement projects, community planning initiatives, and her experience leading national and international youth planning efforts, Corrin will highlight how planners, policymakers, and community leaders can move beyond symbolic involvement toward meaningful, transformational youth participation. Participants will leave with a renewed understanding of the urgency, creativity, and wisdom that young people bring to today’s challenges—and how tapping into that energy can create more resilient, inclusive, and equitable communities right now.

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