Learn what city and agency leaders can do to lower barriers to small-scale development, such as ADUs, duplexes, townhouses, and fourplexes. Sessions are led by facilitators with real-world experience in both local government and the development of small-scale infill projects. Sessions take place over six weeks and include virtual peer learning sessions, group office hours, and closed-door coaching for you and your team. There are five virtual peer learning sessions. These are supplemented by group office hours where attendees can dive into detail with subject matter experts. The course also includes private coaching sessions, available for attendees and a small group of their coworkers or collaborators. Graduates of the course are encouraged to share their experience at a capstone event taking place at a national NLC conference.
Course Dates: September 3 – October 8, 2025
Registration closes: September 17, 2025
Format: Live Online
Cost: $1,500
Course Meeting Dates and Times:
- Sept. 3, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
- Sept. 10, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
- Sept. 17, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
- Sept. 24, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
- Oct. 1, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
- Oct. 8, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:15 PM EST
Course Facilitators
Both course facilitators are present for all peer learning sessions. At least one course facilitator will be present for all office and coaching hours.
Lauren Lowery, National League of Cities
Matthew Petty, Pattern Zones Co.
Matthew Petty served 13 years as councilmember for Fayetteville, Arkansas, and he is now a planner working on pre-approved building programs. He has written or cowritten reforms for ADUs, food trucks, townhouses, lot splits, pocket neighborhoods, and more. He has also taught small-scale development with Pattern Zones Co. since 2016 and served on the board since 2022.
Subject Matter Experts
Pattern Zones Co. Faculty and Members, including peers from local governments, active small-scale developers, and expert advocates. Pattern Zones Co. selects subject matter experts based on their fit with the cohort and availability. The shortlist includes:
- Marques King, Detroit architect and urban designer, CNU board member
- Elizabeth Williams, Atlanta urban designer, coding expert
- Nel Heller, planner who worked on Mpls, Vermont, and other landmark projects
- Jim Heid, small-scale developer and educator, Small-Scale Development Forum
- Joel Dixon, Atlanta small-scale developer
- Tim Corcoran, South Bend IN planning director
- Bernice Radle, Buffalo NY preservation leader
- Jenifer Acosta, Michigan small-scale developer and housing advocate
For questions, contact university@nlc.org.