A Place for Everyone: Planning Efforts to Support Refugees Through the Resettlement Process

In September 2016 the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association held its annual conference in Buffalo, New York. With the theme of “rustbelt reborn”, it was appropriate to hold a session on planning for refugee populations, as refugees have contributed significantly to Buffalo’s renaissance.  An overview of the resettlement process was provided, as well as presentations by civil society groups, a resettlement agency, and a representative from the local government. The session ended with a training to aid participants in thinking as to how planners can support refugee populations through resettlement.