'Livability' and suburban sprawl, sustainable design, changing demographics and effective governance for America's 205,000 community associations will be explored at the invitation-only Communities of Tomorrow Summit, hosted by the Community Associations Institute Research Foundation and The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Livable Communities. More than 100 nationally recognized professionals who plan, design, develop, build, regulate and manage community associations will convene in Arlington, Va., Sept. 8-9 to identify best practices, develop new project models and forge partnerships to redefine community excellence in America.

"American communities are changing, challenged by a growing population of older persons, an increasingly diverse citizenry and a continuing shift in how and where we live," said Erin M. Fuller, executive director of the CAI Research Foundation. "CAI and AIA are proud to offer this forum for representatives of government; educational, spiritual and advocacy organizations; and industries associated with community planning and development to explore effective community models of the future."

"Our recent survey of state and local government officials indicates that citizens are dissatisfied with the quality of life of their communities and are searching for ways to address the 'livability' issues that concern them," added Michael J. Stanton, FAIA, president of the AIA. "As the fall elections draw near and next year's presidential campaign heats up, we're hopeful that political and community leaders from across the spectrum will continue to work with us to develop positive, forward-thinking solutions to these concerns."

Sessions at the Summit include:

• Future trends in community design and lifestyle;
• How builders, planners and managers can affect community performance;
• Rebuilding cities and towns;
• Fostering diversity in future communities; and
• Building community and establishing good governance.

The Communities of Tomorrow Summit is sponsored by the Fannie Mae Foundation. Co-sponsoring organizations include the American Planning Association, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the National Association of Home Builders, the Urban Land Institute, Barton Protective Services Inc. and The McGraw Hill Companies. All events take place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Pentagon City, Arlington, Va. For more information, contact the CAI Research Foundation at (703) 548-8600, ext. 325.

The Community Associations Institute Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded in 1975 to serve as the catalyst for positive change in the community association industry. The Foundation promotes community association research, development and scholarship by illuminating future trends, conducting research and mobilizing resources. The Community Associations Institute is a nonprofit association created in 1973 to educate and represent the nation's 205,000 community associations — condominium associations, homeowner associations and cooperatives. CAI members include homeowners, associations and related professionals and service providers.

The AIA was founded in 1857. Through education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach activities, the AIA and its members work to achieve a better, more humane built environment and a higher standard of professionalism for American architects. The AIA's Center for Livable Communities, established in 1998, strives to make safe, attractive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable communities that offer choices in housing and recreation, transportation alternatives, open spaces, and a shared identity and sense of pride in our communities.

Participating Organizations

• Adams County Planning and Development
• Administration on Aging
• AICPA American Institute of Certified Planners
• American Planning Association
• American Society of Association Executives
• Barbara Nadel Architect
• Barton Protective Services, Inc.
• CA Western School of Law Center for Better Communities
• Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy/The Urban Institute
• CFM Management Services
• Coates & Jarratt, Inc.
• Columbia University School of Law
• Community Group, Inc.
• Community Impact Associates
• Condominium Venture, Inc.
• Corps of Engineers Installation Support Center
• Department of Housing and Community Development
• Department of Planning and Zoning City of Annapolis
• Development Economics Elisha, Ekimoto & Harada
• Fannie Mae Foundation
• GWSAE Hersh, Ramsey & Berman, P.C.
• Hord Coplin Macht, LLC
• Howard Hughes Corporation, Summerlin Division
• International City/County Management Association
• International Council of Shopping Centers
• ITS America
• Kipcon, Inc.
• KMC Planning Consultants
• Lake Nona Property Holdings, Inc.
• Levin & Moore Community Association Services
• Lifeforms Studio, Inc.
• Linowes and Blocher Manufactured Housing Institute
• Mike Rosen & Associates, PC
• Montgomery Village Foundation
• Mortgage Bankers Association of America
• National Apartment Association
• National Association of Home Builders
• National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
• National Association of Housing Cooperatives
• National Association of Realtors
• National Capital Chapter, APA
• National Fair Housing Alliance
• National Multi Housing Council
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Northeastern University
• Ontario County Planning Department
• Planning Technologies, Inc.
• Points of Light Foundation
• Potomac Chapter, ASLA
• Prince William County Office of Planning
• Reston Association
• Roanoke County Planning Department
• Roberts, Markel & Folger, LLP
• Teamwork Productions, Inc.
• Terrence Averill, Architect
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Urban Land Institute
• US Administration on Aging
• US EPA Region 3
• Woodlands Community Association
• Woodman Assoc Architects