Watershed Allies Training: Engaging your Municipality on Development Decisions (Additional Date)

Due to popular demand we have added a second date for this event, sign up below.

The MWA is proud to announce a brand-new series of workshops meant to equip you with the skills to monitor and steward the health of the Musconetcong River Watershed. Our new Watershed Allies Training series will consist of 4 events in 2023, with participants developing meaningful skills and leaving with specific guidance on how to use those skills in their own parts of the watershed.

Our first Watershed Allies Training will be titled “Engaging your Municipality on Development Decisions” and is part of a pair of workshops meant to help you understand your local government and more effectively interact with it regarding issues affecting your community. This workshop will also include strategies to engage at county, regional, state, and federal levels as well. With MWA Executive Director Tom Dallessio facilitating, you’ll learn about all of the bodies involved with planning, zoning, and development, who does what, and how it all fits together.

You will see case studies illustrating how decisions have been made in the past, but you’re encouraged to bring your own questions and local circumstances to get guidance on how to efficiently participate in the decision-making process. All of this will enable you to take a proactive approach toward development decisions in your community, and you’ll leave with a concrete call to action to get involved. Pre-registration is required. 

If you have any questions call (908) 537-7060 or email ryan@musconetcong.org

Thomas G. Dallessio AICP/PP/CPM/FRSA is the Executive Director for the Musconetcong Watershed Association.  Tom has over three decades of experience in public policy and land use planning at the local, regional and state levels, and has taught at two major research universities and directed several nonprofit organizations.  He was a Senior Policy Advisor on the environment, agriculture and smart growth to two N.J. governors, and co-drafted the $2.5 billion bill to preserve a million more acres of open space, farmland and historic sites, as well as managed the state agency task force to implement the law.  At the MWA, Tom leads a professional staff dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong Watershed and its waters for people and nature.

Tom is a licensed professional planner and is accredited by the American Institute of Certified Planners. He is a Certified Public Manager and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.