The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce a community conversation with Joe Minicozzi, AICP, CNU, Principal from Urban3 out of Asheville.
Minicozzi pioneered an approach to planning and city design called Geoaccounting. This method uses local data and simple math to help cities and towns understand the economic impact of development and forecast fiscally sustainable growth patterns.
Minicozzi and Urban3 have conducted analyses in over 150 communities across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. His presentations and lectures—delivered to audiences ranging from citizens to policymakers—focus on: city economics and downtown development, urban design and land use, the role of tax systems in community fiscal health and forecasting sustainable development patterns. His work blends planning, economics, and public policy to help communities make informed, sustainable development decisions.
Mayor Stacy Guffey noted, “Joe’s work has influenced planning decisions in Franklin before, and I’m excited to welcome him back as we begin another important chapter in shaping our community’s future. The decisions we make about the town we build today will shape Franklin long after all of us are gone. That’s why it’s important that we have conversations informed by facts and data about how we grow, how we invest, and how we create a town that will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
As the Town has partnered with the NC Department of Commerce and the non-profit Main Street Franklin, Inc. for its Downtown Strategic Economic Development Plan and potential re-entry into the NC Main Street Program, Minicozzi and Urban3 are valuable resources that can assist with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable and thriving town.
The presentation will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Tartan Hall, 26 Church Street, Franklin. No RSVP is required
