Mpact Innovators Presents – Idea Exchange: From Red Tape to Green Lights

From endless environmental reviews to zoning hurdles that feel straight out of another century, well-intentioned processes often drag out the delivery of housing, transit and other critical infrastructure. And the waiting game is exhausting. So how can we modernize these systems—not by cutting corners, but by cutting through red tape? Jump into two hands-on exercises in this interactive workshop. First, trace a real project’s timeline to see exactly where it gets stuck and where it actually shines. Then sketch a streamlined, “dream-world” process and explore what it would take to make it real. Join us to help untangle the knots and co-create a path toward faster, smarter, more human project delivery.

Ana Zanza, Urban Design Planner, HNTB, Chicago, IL

Melissa Ashbaugh, Transportation Planner, Oregon Metro, Portland, OR

Christina Gotauco Philip, Senior Transit-Oriented Development Project Manager, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San José, CA

Rachel Haukkala, AICP, Lead Transportation Planner, WSP, Portland, OR