CREDITS: 1 CM

ABSTRACT

Communities thrive when people can engage across differences with curiosity, respect, and understanding. Yet planners increasingly find themselves facilitating conversations among residents, stakeholders, and decision-makers who hold competing priorities and values. This interactive session introduces the work of the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement and explores how disagreement, when approached constructively, can strengthen relationships, improve decision-making, and promote constructive public dialogue. Attendees will learn about the Center's mission and the principles underlying enlightened disagreement and then participate in two experiential activities designed to deepen their understanding of values-based disagreement and listening across differences. Participants will leave with practical tools for fostering understanding, navigating conflict, and facilitating more productive conversations in planning and community engagement settings.