Ideas + Action Opening Keynote with Mitchell J. Silver

Kick off Ideas + Action 2020: Public Space with our keynote speaker Mitchell J. Silver, the commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. One of Planetizen’s "100 Most Influential Urbanists" and hailed by Mayor Bill de Blasio as "a visionary," Commissioner Silver oversees the management, planning and operations of nearly 30,000 acres of public space across the five boroughs, including parks, playgrounds, beaches, marinas recreation centers, wilderness areas and other assets. Come hear his take on the role of public space in our cities, how New York City is working to ensure equitable park access while accommodating the evolution of its neighborhoods, what the pandemic has shown about the value urban public space and much more.

+ Mitchell J. Silver / Commissioner, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation