More and more people are calling Lakeland home, with our population booming in the last few years. Lakeland’s growth is a hot topic for conversation, so let’s talk about it! We are all wondering what this growth means for our community and the future of Swan City. As your local, independent, nonprofit news organization, LkldNow is partnering with Lakeland Vision to host a free, live event where we can chat, ask questions and engage with city leaders to imagine Lakeland’s future together.

Your voice matters. Be a part of the conversation at the Smart Growth Forum!

Veteran broadcaster Andrea Oliver will moderate the discussion, and panelists will include:

Scott Bishop, Lakeland Electric manager of emerging technology

Sara Roberts McCarley, city commissioner

Gary Ralston, managing partner at SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate and adjunct professor at Florida Southern College

Brian Rewis, director of Community & Economic Development, City of Lakeland

Carole Phillipson, chairperson, Lakeland Vision and retired hospital executive

Brad Lunz, president, The Lunz Group architects

Rick Maxey, CEO, Maxey, Inc, and former assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion at Florida Polytechnic University