Local Government Bootcamp: Rethinking Community Engagement in Preservation
Effective community engagement is foundational to successful preservation—but too often, it is treated as one-way outreach rather than a collaborative, ongoing process. This program reframes engagement in the context of historic preservation as a two-way exchange that builds understanding, trust, and shared responsibility among public agencies, nonprofit partners, and the communities they serve.
Designed for planners, commissioners, preservation professionals, and nonprofit staff, this two-day program emphasizes practical tools, clear communication strategies, and real-world application. Participants will explore how institutional practices shape participation, how to talk about preservation in ways that resonate with residents and decision-makers, and how to work effectively with nonprofit partners to expand capacity and strengthen outreach.
Grounded in case studies and examples from communities across California, the program highlights approaches that work in both large cities and small jurisdictions with limited staff or preservation expertise. Participants will leave with concrete strategies, adaptable messaging, and actionable ideas to improve engagement, build stronger partnerships, and support long-term stewardship of historic and cultural resources.
What We'll Cover
Through case studies, real-world examples, and practical communication strategies, participants will explore topics including:
Practical tools for improving public engagement and participation
Communicating preservation issues in clear, accessible language
Connecting preservation to broader community priorities such as housing, climate, and equity
Building support among decision-makers and the public
Working effectively with nonprofit partners to expand outreach capacity
Adaptable engagement approaches for jurisdictions or all sizes
The program is grounded in the realities local governments face every day, including limited staffing, competing priorities, public skepticism, and evolving expectations around participation and transparency. Sessions will focus on approaches that are scalable, practical, and immediately applicable across a range of community types and agency capacities.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish between outreach, consultation, and meaningful community engagement in planning and historic preservation contexts, and identify strategies to foster more effective, two-way participation.
- Evaluate how communication strategies, messaging, and narratives influence community participation and decision-maker support, and adapt messaging for different audiences, including residents, commissioners, and elected officials.
- Apply practical, scalable engagement tools and techniques to connect preservation and planning goals to broader community priorities such as housing, climate action, equity, and economic development.
- Integrate strategic, equitable engagement and communication practices into planning, commission, and organizational workflows, including working effectively with nonprofit and community partners.
Speakers
Sarah Corder, MFA, Vice President and Principal Architectural Historian, South Environmental
Sarah Corder is the vice president and principal architectural historian at South Environmental. She has over 20 years’ experience working throughout the United States in all elements of cultural resources management, including project management, community engagement, intensive-level field investigations, citywide survey, architectural history studies, and historical significance evaluations in consideration of the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, and local-level evaluation criteria. Throughout her career she has conducted thousands of historical resource evaluations and developed detailed historic context statements for a multitude of property types, architectural styles, and communities. She has also provided expertise on numerous projects requiring conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.Sarah holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for both Architectural History and History. She also has experience preparing environmental compliance documentation in support of projects that fall under the CEQA/NEPA, and Sections 106 and 110 of the NHPA. Sarah has also extensive experience with Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit applications, HABS documentation, and multiple NRHP nominations.
Kassandra Gale, Ed. D, AICP, Director, Rincon Consultants
Kassandra Gale is a seasoned expert in community engagement, with experience designing equity-centered strategies that elevate community voices across planning disciplines. Her work spans land use, water, transportation, climate resilience and sustainability, and cultural and historic resources—crafting outreach and engagement approaches that are research-informed, context-specific, and highly effective. Kassandra combines behavioral science, organizational change, and practical planning expertise to create adaptive engagement frameworks that build trust and drive better outcomes. As a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change from the University of Southern California, she brings a rare blend of academic insight and real-world experience, translating complex planning processes into accessible, inclusive, and actionable public engagement.Henry Feuss, Preservation Planner, City of Sacramento
Henry Feuss is an Associate Planner with the City of Sacramento Community Development Department's Preservation Office. In this role, he reviews preservation projects, ensuring that work on the City's landmarks and historic districts adheres to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and the City's Historic District Plans. He also provided support on the City's African American Experience Project (2022-2023), served as a project lead on the LGBTQ+ Historic Experience Project (2024), and processes nominations to the Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources. He holds a BS in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island and has prior experience in carpentry, facility management, and building conservation.Lynette Hall, Community Engagement Manager, City of Sacramento
Lynette Hall is the Community Engagement Manager for the City of Sacramento, where she manages programs focused on language access, neighborhood development, and civic participation, with a strong emphasis on racial equity. Her career has included leadership roles at PG&E and CalPERS, where she directed small business outreach and diversity initiatives. She played a central role in Sacramento’s African American and LGBTQ+ historic context statement projects and participated in CPF’s 2025 conference as a panelist on inclusive preservation. Lynette also serves on the UC Davis Health Community Advisory Board and brings a wealth of experience bridging government institutions with grassroots communities. Her work reflects a commitment to elevating underrepresented narratives in preservation and ensuring community-driven approaches to heritage planning.Naomi Schiff, Board Member, Oakland Heritage Alliance
For over 40 years, Naomi Schiff has been Oakland’s most dedicated and influential voice for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. As the driving force behind the Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA) and co-founder of the Coalition of Advocates for Lake Merritt, Naomi has shaped the city’s preservation landscape with unmatched vision, persistence, and integrity. She has played a leading role in saving iconic sites—including Oakland City Hall, the Fox Theater, the 16th Street Train Station, and the Oak Knoll Officers Club—while tirelessly attending hearings, negotiating with developers, and championing community-led advocacy. Her innovative, strategic, and often behind-the-scenes efforts have influenced policies, built coalitions, and preserved Oakland’s architectural and cultural heritage. Naomi’s work has not only protected physical landmarks but strengthened civic engagement and public stewardship across generations. Her legacy is deeply woven into the city she serves—an enduring testament to the power of grassroots leadership and principled preservation.Erika Uribe, Founder and Creative Director, incommon
Erika facilitates collaborations to advance shared goals. As the founder and creative director of incommon, she works strategically on programs that bring people together, energizing civic spaces and conversations.
Erika has a professional background in landscape architecture and urban design. She is also a certified sociocratic practitioner and facilitator. In 2025, Erika received the California Preservation Foundation President's Award for her work engaging communities through the SF Cultural Heritage Program.Moderators: Samantha Purnell, Cultural Resources Planner and Architectural Historian, Page & Turnbull; Feleciai Favroth, Board Member, Oakland Heritage Alliance