National and local engineering community practitioners to gather in Denver for Phase I of pilot project focused on urban development and urban infrastructure.
The history of engineering is full of the positive contributions that we have made to society. There is, however, another part of our history that is not always discussed, and that is our history of contributing to inequity. Examples include development that has segregated residential neighborhoods, siting of industrial and infrastructure facilities in poor neighborhoods, freeways that have divided neighborhoods, and inequal access to clean water and sanitation. Engineering Change Lab – USA (ECL) is leading a pilot project that will explore this issue and look to develop strategies on how the engineering community can change to contribute to creating more just and equitable communities.
The first phase of the pilot project will be a workshop for engineering practitioners who will focus on urban development and urban infrastructure in the Denver area. The workshop is scheduled for December 18 and 19, 2023, and will be held at Metro State University’s CAVEA Theater in downtown Denver. Participants will include representatives of ECL and local and national engineering organizations. The pilot project originated at the 2021 ECL Engineering Ideas Institute.
Major sponsors of the workshop include the National Society of Professional Engineers, ACEC Colorado and the ACEC Colorado Foundation, and Ulteig Engineers. Other sponsors include EFCG, Felburg Holt & Ullevig, HDR, KL&A Engineers & Builders, Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, and Muller Engineering Company.
ECL is founded on the idea of creating positive change in the engineering community. When we are successful at this, we elevate our value in society, and we positively impact the public’s perception of engineering. The issue of equitable communities in our society needs to be addressed, and the engineering community can make meaningful contributions.
