NYPF 2026 Annual Conference

Monday, April 20

9:00–10:15 AM

• Mark Schachner, Esq., “Running Planning and Zoning Board Meetings Successfully”
• Donald Young, Esq., “Planning and Zoning Case Law Update”
• Katherine Ember, AICP, “Why Design Guidelines Matter”

10:30–11:45 AM

• David Plante, AICP, CEP, “Beyond the Rulebook: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Planning and Zoning Board Decisions”
• NYS Department of State, “Revising Zoning”
• Michael N’Dolo, “Boost Your Confidence While Building Community Trust”

2:00–3:15 PM

• Sarah K. Yackel, AICP, “Navigating SEQR”
• Charles Voss, AICP, “Large Scale Renewable Energy Permitting and Local Governments”
• Denise Riccardi-Bagramian, “Meeting Mechanics: Balancing the Board, Applicant, and the Public”

3:30–4:45 PM

• Katie Hodgdon, Esq., “Public Officers Law for Planning and Zoning Board Officials”
• Max Stach, AICP, “When the Answer is ‘No,’ How to Defensibly Disapprove Site Plans, Subdivisions, and Other Land Use Applications”
• Nina Peek, AICP, Sam Gordon, AICP, and Laura Lourenco, “Planning Playbook: Making the Most of Staff, Project, and On-Call Planners”

Tuesday, April 21

8:30–9:45 AM

• Frank Armento, AICP, “SEQRA Meets Environmental Justice: Preparing for DEC’s Proposed Amendments”
• Derik Kane, AICP, “Mapping Opportunity: Using GIS for Housing and Conservation Planning”
• Matt Horn, “Built to Work: Strategies for Creating Long-Range and Strategic Plans”

10:00–11:45 AM

• Terresa Bakner, Esq., “One Year Into the New DEC Wetlands Regulations: Project Impacts and General Permits”
• Caroline Dule and Jordan Youngmann, Ph.D., “Funding Opportunities through DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife”
• Diana Smith, “Public Engagement and Conflict (Part 2): Turning Challenge Into Opportunity”

Booking Info

There are 2 ways to book:

• Guests can reach the Reservations Office M-F 8a-5p and weekends 830a-5p (hours may change) at 866-494-0085. To get the special rate they need to mention the group name and the dates.
• Guests can go to our website 24/7 www.otesaga.com and use 'Group Attendee' code: 4826096. Please note this code is only to be used online and not when calling in. Or they can visit this direct booking link: NY Planning Federation 2026.

Please be sure to share these instructions with your guests. Any guests not referring to the group when calling or using the group code online will not be eligible for the discounted rate at a later date once the block is full and/or past the cutoff date.

Your cutoff date is: Friday, February 27th

Reminder of our cancellation policy for your attendees: A one-night deposit is required at booking to confirm your reservation. Cancellations between the booking date and 60 days prior to arrival will incur a $55.00 administrative fee (per room). At this 60-day period we will then charge any remaining balance of your stay and it becomes non-refundable, non-changeable, non-cancellable. Failure to arrive on the confirmed arrival date will result in the cancellation of your stay and the forfeiture of your full deposit. Cancellations or changes made within 60 days of arrival will result in full deposit forfeiture.

Schedule

Sunday, April 19th

• 2:00-5:00 PM        Registration Desk Opens
• 5:00-6:00 PM        Opening Reception and Keynote Speaker 

Monday, April 20th

• 7:30-8:30 AM        Breakfast Buffet and Registration Desk Opens
• 8:00-8:30 AM        Annual Membership Meeting
• 9:00-10:15 AM        Presentations 
• 10:15-10:30 AM    Break
• 10:30-11:45 AM    Presentations
• 12:00-1:45 PM        Awards Luncheon
• 2:00-3:15 PM        Presentations
• 3:15-3:30 PM        Break
• 3:30-4:45 PM        Presentations
• 5:00 PM        Trivia Contest

Tuesday, April 21st

• 7:30-8:30 AM        Breakfast Buffet and Registration Desk Opens
• 8:30-9:45 AM        Presentations
• 9:45-10:00 AM        Break
• 10:00-11:45 AM    Presentations
• 11:45 AM        Conference Ends – Thank You!