(OPD) — The CNMI Office of Planning and Development is inviting CNMI’s Planning and Development Advisory Council or PDAC, planning partners, and members of the public to attend a Smart, Safe Growth Training taking place from July 19 to 28. The training is centered on enhancing resiliency in the CNMI. This training will help environmental practitioners, developers, and project managers incorporate sustainability principles into plans and projects.
The training is facilitated by OPD with support from CNMI’s Planning and Development Advisory Council and planning partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
RSVP by filling out the form at https://forms.gle/dTN891eZSBvpLDW76 or email planning@opd.gov.mp
There is no limit on the number of attendees, but in person seating is limited and will be offered first-come, first-served. As such, OPD kindly asks all interested to RSVP by July 8 to confirm your space or receive a Zoom link.
Modules will be repeated throughout Week 1 and Week 2 to encourage maximum participation by CNMI agency leaders and staff and the business community. Attendees are encouraged to select module presentations according to their availability. Those who hope to build their expertise in this critical subject matter are urged to join the “Module 5” Train the Trainer Sessions.
The schedule for Week 1 and Week 2 is as follows:
July 19
o 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Module 1: Smart, Safe Growth Primer
o 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Module 2: SSG and the Comprehensive Sustainable
Development Plan
o 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. — Module 3: SSG Guidance Manual
o 2:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. — Module 4: SSG in Regulatory Context
July 20
o 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Module 1: Smart, Safe Growth Primer
o 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Module 2: SSG and the Comprehensive Sustainable
Development Plan
o 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. — Module 3: SSG Guidance Manual
o 2:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. — Module 4: SSG in Regulatory Context
July 21
o 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Module 1: Smart, Safe Growth Primer
o 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Module 2: SSG and the Comprehensive Sustainable
Development Plan
o 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. — Module 3: SSG Guidance Manual
o 2:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. — Module 4: SSG in Regulatory Context
July 22
o Module 5:
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Train the Trainer I
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Train the Trainer II
1 p.m.-4 p.m.— Module 5 Tutorial
July 25
o Module 6
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.— Survey123 Tool; Practical I
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical II
1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Module 6 Tutorial
July 26
o Module 6
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical I
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical II
1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Module 6 Tutorial
July 27
o Module 6
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical I
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical II
1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Module 6 Tutorial
July 28
o Module 6
9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical I
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Survey123 Tool; Practical II
1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Module 6 Tutorial
While extreme weather events and natural disasters cannot be avoided, steps can be taken towards reducing the impacts these events have on our communities, environment, and economy. Efforts that incorporate Smart, Safe Growth or SSG support these steps.
SSG is a set of complementary development strategies and practices focused on improving the resiliency and recoverability of the built environment. Furthermore, the vulnerabilities in the CNMI’s infrastructure and communities to natural disasters can be mitigated through SSG.
OPD looks forward to your participation and to continued support as we work together to plan for and achieve a more sustainable CNMI.



