Joe Minicozzi to Deliver Keynote Address at the 2026 Tri-State Summit

On October 8, globally renowned planner Joe Minicozzi will discuss how land use and city economics can support sustainable development decisions.

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Chattanooga, Tennessee: Thrive Regional Partnership (Thrive) is pleased to announce that Joe Minicozzi, Founder & Principal of Urban3 will deliver the keynote address at the Tri-State Summit on October 7-9 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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The Tri-State Summit is Thrive’s flagship annual conference designed for elected, community, and business leaders in northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee. 

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Land use economics is an effective tool to understand how a community can proactively and sustainably manage growth. However, few communities consider the important role of land value in planning, zoning, and placemaking decisions. Joe Minicozzi, AICP,  is the founder and principal of Urban3 and pioneer of an approach to planning and city design called Geoaccounting. His presentations deep dive into city economics, downtown development, and urban design, demonstrating how cities can use local data to understand the impact of development on their community economic health, and better forecast fiscally sustainable development patterns.

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Recognized as one of the “Most Influential Urbanists” by Planetizen in 2017, Minicozzi will deliver an interdisciplinary presentation that addresses all levels of community and economic development. Citizens, leaders, and community volunteers of all levels of expertise will enjoy his funny and engaging storytelling style as they learn how to improve tax systems and land use decisions.

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“We look forward to welcoming Joe Minicozzi as the keynote speaker for the Tri-State Summit this year. His firm has pioneered a truly transformative approach to planning, combining insightful data analysis with design,” stated Bridgett Massengill, President/CEO of Thrive. “But how they make this approach accessible to local communities and grounded in their own sense of place is what sets Minicozzi and his team apart. They have redefined how we understand the economic value of our cities and towns, making complex financial and planning concepts accessible to everyone. We look forward to bringing his perspective to the greater Chattanooga region.”

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Urban3 is a real estate economics firm founded by Minicozzi that maps the financial health of built environments to inspire communities of all sizes to think differently about development, land use, and public policy. Urban3’s pioneering economic visualization work to communicate the financial impact of public policy and land use has earned international recognition. The planning firm has completed over 80 projects in four countries and 150+ cities.

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This year, Thrive’s Tri-State Summit will take place October 7-9, 2026 at the Westin hotel in scenic downtown Chattanooga.  In addition to Joe Minicozzi’s keynote address, attendees can look forward to an immersive program of thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and exclusive excursions to be announced soon.

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Tickets are available at: https://www.thriveregionalpartnership.org/tri-state-summit. 

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About Thrive Regional Partnership: 

Thrive Regional Partnership (Thrive) inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration across southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama. Since 2012, the nonprofit has convened stakeholders across sectors and state lines to ensure that as the region grows in industry and population, community and natural character is preserved for generations to come

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About the Tri-State Summit:

The Tri-State Summit is Thrive Regional Partnership’s flagship conference that inspires and connects community leaders in northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee.

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