Mobile Workshops

Thursday Morning | 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Evolving Futures: Community-Based Planning In Toledo Neighborhoods

Join Toledo Design Collective (TDC) for an on-the-ground mobile workshop exploring the evolving future of planning in Toledo's central city neighborhoods. Celebrating 25 years of community-based planning and advocacy, TDC will guide attendees through four distinct near-downtown districts, each at different stages of revitalization, implementation, and problem solving. This tour will highlight how inclusive planning practices rooted in equity, culture, and resident engagement are reshaping urban design and development across the city. Participants will explore:

• Uptown/Adams Street: A growing arts and entertainment district adjacent to a brownfield-to-park redevelopment that inspired social determinants of health investments. Uptown is poised for infill housing and creative reuse projects alongside many vital social service hubs.
• Junction/Englewood & Dorr Street: As Toledo's historically Black neighborhoods, these areas are advancing from vision to action through housing stabilization, cultural investment, climate resilience, and small business growth.
• Old South End/Broadway Corridor: With deep Latinx roots and a rich multicultural history, this neighborhood has demonstrated 15 years of planning culminating in reimagining its commercial corridor and cultural gateways.
• Birmingham/East Toledo: Known for Tony Packo's Restaurant and Eastern European heritage, this community faces infrastructure access challenges and demographic shifts that will shape its future identity and resilience while enjoying close proximity to some of the region's greatest assets.

This session will reflect on the lessons, strategies, and real-life outcomes of past and current planning efforts. It will also preview emerging initiatives such as the Forward Toledo Cultural Trail, a citywide connector linking people, places, and public spaces through arts, culture, and mobility as Toledo plans for uncertain futures and sustainable development.

Transportation: Bus

Cost: $25

CM 2.0

Beyond the Windshield: A Micro-Mobility Tour of Toledo

Discover Toledo's urban evolution up close in this engaging, hands-on mobile workshop! Ride through diverse neighborhoods to see new developments, green infrastructure initiatives, and evolving alternative transportation corridors. The 8-mile tour takes 120 minutes, with a relaxed pace for all fitness levels. Bring your own bike or rent an electric scooter. Rental info provided closer to event. Helmets suggested.

Transportation: Bicycle or electric scooter

Cost: $25

CM 2.0

Thursday Afternoon | 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Exploring the Maumee: A River Tour

Climb aboard for a scenic and educational boat tour along the Maumee River, showcasing the industrial strength, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks of Toledo, Ohio. This guided river excursion offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on the city’s past, present, and future — all from the water. Highlights Include:

• Port of Toledo: Witness one of the busiest cargo ports on the Great Lakes in action. Learn about Toledo’s vital role in shipping, logistics, and maritime commerce.
• Veterans’ Glass City Skyway Bridge: Cruise beneath this stunning cable-stayed bridge — an architectural masterpiece that honors our nation’s veterans and defines Toledo’s skyline.
• National Museum of the Great Lakes (Dockside View): Pass by this renowned museum and its historic freighter, the SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker, as your guide shares tales of Great Lakes exploration and industry.
• Glass City Metropark: Enjoy views of this modern riverfront park, part of Toledo’s ambitious waterfront revitalization. Keep an eye out for kayakers, birdlife, and open-air recreational spaces.
• Owens Corning World Headquarters: View the striking pink-spired campus of this global leader in building materials, a symbol of Toledo’s manufacturing and innovation legacy.
• International Park: Float past this peaceful stretch of green space featuring international gardens and monuments that highlight Toledo’s global connections.
• Anthony Wayne Bridge: Sail beneath this historic suspension bridge — known locally as the “High-Level Bridge” — and admire its towering steelwork and Art Deco details.
• Glass City River Wall Mural: Behold one of the largest murals in the United States, painted across grain silos on the river’s edge. This powerful piece honors Native American history and celebrates the local farming community.
• Hollywood Casino Toledo: Cruise by the glittering waterfront casino that lights up the Maumee River with energy, gaming, and entertainment — a modern destination with stunning riverside views.
• Junction/Englewood & Dorr Street: As Toledo's historically Black neighborhoods, these areas are advancing from vision to action through housing stabilization, cultural investment, climate resilience, and small business growth.
• Old South End/Broadway Corridor: With deep Latinx roots and a rich multicultural history, this neighborhood has demonstrated 15 years of planning culminating in reimagining its commercial corridor and cultural gateways.
• Birmingham/East Toledo: Known for Tony Packo's Restaurant and Eastern European heritage, this community faces infrastructure access challenges and demographic shifts that will shape its future identity and resilience while enjoying close proximity to some of the region's greatest assets.

Transportation: Boat

Cost: $40

CM 2.0

Urban Insights & Afternoon Bites: A Walk + Happy Hour with Toledo Design Collective

Take a short walk to the Toledo Design Collective's offices conveniently located within steps of the Renaissance Hotel for a special interactive session with networking, conversation, and activities focused on this unique and innovative nonprofit’s work and facility.

Transportation: Walking

Cost: $20

CM 2.0

Friday Morning | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Toledo’s Passenger Multimodal Future

Join us aboard a Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) bus for a dynamic mobile workshop through the Glass City. This guided tour will highlight Toledo’s landmark passenger rail and motorcoach station—an important hub currently under study for expanded regional connections. This mobile workshop will introduce conference attendees to Toledo’s unique passenger transportation position. This strategic port city (a war was fought over the port) sits near the juncture of three states, at the southern end of the Midwest’s second largest metropolitan area, with the busiest passenger rail station in Ohio, with active planning for the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit line and new/enhanced intercity passenger rail, all within one hour of a major international airport. 

Following a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, we’ll examine how this route intersects with major redevelopment efforts, including downtown revitalization, adaptive reuse, and emerging water transportation opportunities. Highlights include:

• Toledo Passenger Rail & Motorcoach Station: Landmark intermodal hub under study for expanded regional connections
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor: Current planning focus for enhanced transit service and connectivity
• Downtown Toledo: Revitalization efforts and adaptive reuse of historic warehouses
• Fifth Third Field: Home of the Toledo Mud Hens and one of the top AAA ballparks in the country
• Toledo’s Riverfront & Waterways: Views of the Maumee River and discussion of water transportation options
• Toledo Museum of Art: Nationally acclaimed museum featuring:
  • Greek Revival main building
  • Frank Gehry-designed Glass Pavilion
  • Relocated Art Nouveau Paris Metro entrance
• Urban Neighborhoods: Discussion of diverse communities and their connections to transit
• Major Employers: Including ProMedica Toledo Hospital
• University of Toledo: Key institutional anchor in the city’s west side

Transportation: Bus

Cost: $25

CM 2.0

Glass City Riverwalk: A Walking Tour with Metroparks Toledo

Glass City, where an abandoned power plant once stood, is now one of the region's go-to venues for first dates, family outings, news conferences, a jazz festival and other events. The 70-acre park includes 15,000 linear feet of trails, 17 acres of trees, a 27-acre prairie and more than 3,000 linear feet of improved shoreline. Meet with Metroparks Staff to walk the Glass City Metropark and discuss the next phases of Glass City Riverwalk.

Transportation: Walking

Cost: $20

CM 2.0