Sister Cities Challenges:
The Infrastructure Dilemma -
Housing & Urban Planning
Sister Cities Queenstown and Aspen, renowned for their natural beauty and thriving tourism, both face significant infrastructure challenges that impact residents and visitors alike. In Queenstown, rapid population growth and tourism pressures have led to increasing traffic congestion and infrastructure strained to keep pace with demand. Aspen grapples with similar issues, including long-standing traffic woes and the complexities of transitioning to sustainable, all-electric buildings to meet climate goals. Both communities also face mounting challenges in housing and urban planning, with affordability crises, workforce accommodation shortages, and zoning constraints shaping the future of development. As demand outpaces supply, both towns are exploring innovative solutions - from alternative transport systems to new housing models and comprehensive urban planning - to address these critical concerns while ensuring sustainable growth and resilience.
Join us for the next session of the Sister Cities Challenges series, where Aspen and Queenstown continue their collaboration to address shared infrastructure challenges. Part one of this free online forum will explore critical issues in housing and urban planning, focusing on innovative approaches and practical solutions for both communities.
Leaders and experts from both regions will discuss how infrastructure can evolve to meet growing demands while remaining sustainable and resilient. Whether you're a policymaker, business leader, or community member, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vital conversation shaping the future of our communities.
Event Details:
Topic: The Infrastructure Dilemma: Housing & Urban Planning
Date: 10 April, 3:00pm - 4:30pm MST (Aspen)
11 April, 9:00am - 10:30am NZT (Queenstown)
Format: Online Panel Discussion
Moderator: Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO of Aspen Institute New Zealand
Panelists: Ben Farrell, Owner & Director, Cue Environmental, Queenstown
Julie Scott, Chief Executive, Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust
Matthew Gillen, Executive Director, APCHA (Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority)
Partners: Queenstown Lakes District Council, City of Aspen, Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce,
Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), Destination Queenstown
Moderator:
Christine Maiden Sharp, Founder and Chief Executive of the Aspen Institute in New Zealand, brings a wealth of global experience to her leadership. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and was a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Having lived and worked across Asia, Australia, and the USA, Christine returned to Queenstown, New Zealand, where she was inspired to launch the initiative. She holds a Master of Commerce with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland. Following her tenure at McKinsey & Company, Christine played a key role in shaping forward-thinking corporate strategies in Australia as an independent consultant. Today, she remains dedicated to driving meaningful change in organisations and society, aligning with the Institute’s mission to foster a more just, free, and equitable world.
Panellists:
Ben Farrell, owner and director of Cue Environmental, has been heavily involved in New Zealand’s environmental and resource management sector for some 25 years, working throughout New Zealand across a range of interests. An accomplished RMA Planning Expert, Ben is the President of the New Zealand Resource Management Law Association and former national Board member of the New Zealand Planning Institute. In addition to his professional work, Ben is an active volunteer and has provided numerous pro-bono planning consultancy services to a range of people and not-for profit organisations.
Julie Scott leads the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust and has an extensive understanding of housing issues in the District. The unique issues faced in the area, has led to the Trust being renowned for its innovative housing solutions. To this end, Julie manages a team which has successfully implemented rent-to-buy, affordable rental and two assisted home ownership programmes, whilst also contracting to central Government to deliver Public Housing. Having lived in Tāhuna Queenstown since 2002, Julie’s a passionate advocate of community housing and shares QLCHTs models throughout NZ.
Matthew Gillen is the executive director of the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA). APCHA is North America’s largest workforce housing program, with over 3,000 ownership and rental properties. APCHA enforces eligibility and compliance with the program. Before joining APCHA in 2021, Matthew was a United States Foreign Service officer for 24 years serving in Dhaka, London, Dublin, Ho Chi Minh City, Santiago, and Washington DC.