The NAHB Research Center and the National Association of Counties are planning four one-day educational workshops on low impact development technologies and practices to educate homebuilders and county officials on the benefits of LID, and answer frequently asked questions. LID is an approach to land development that uses various land planning and design practices and technologies to simultaneously conserve and protect natural resource systems and reduce infrastructure costs. It still allows land development, but in a cost-effective manner that helps mitigate potential environmental impacts. The workshops are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Bielinski Homes/Development.

Workshops are scheduled in Atlanta; Portland, Ore.; Racine, Wis.; and Manchester, N.H., this summer. They will focus on the ways that LID conserves open space, reduces flooding, improves water quality, and reduces development and long-term maintenance costs. Workshop content includes information for private developers and public officials on incorporating LID into communities and methods for private and public officials to facilitate the use of LID within their communities. Low impact development experts and local guest speakers from county governments and building community will provide local perspectives on LID.

For more information on the LID workshops, visit www.nahbrc.org/LIDworkshops or contact Debi Dean, program coordinator, at (800) 638-8556, ext. 6323 or ddean@nahbrc.org.