Reinventing Greenspaces

As a pioneer in the field of environmental law, Torres has spent his career examining the intrinsic connections between the environment, agricultural and food systems, and social justice. His research into how race and ethnicity impact environmental policy has informed his teaching and practical experiences and has been influential in the emergence and evolution of the field of environmental justice.

Howard Weissberg, P.E. is the Director of Public Works in Meriden, Connecticut. Prior to this, he was their Associate City Engineer for seven years. His work experience includes serving as the Deputy Director of Public Works in New Haven, Connecticut, and as an engineer and administrator for both Maryland State Highway Administration and Anne Arundel County Maryland Department of Public Works . He is a professional engineer, with expertise in traffic operations, construction, infrastructure management and technology. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Northeast Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

Paul Dickson is the Director of Planning, Development & Enforcement for the City of Meriden. Paul grew up in shoreline Connecticut, and worked for the Town of Groton Planning Department before transitioning to Meriden 5 years ago. He has a Landscape Architecture background and previously served in Meriden as the Associate Planner/ZEO and Assistant Planning Director.