Kate M Diersen Presents at the American Planning Associations Conference on Tree Ordinances

Kate serves as Solicitor to the Boroughs of Bradford Woods, Mt. Oliver, Conway and Oakmont, as well as the Western Allegheny Municipal Authority. She also serves as Special Counsel to the City of Aliquippa's planning commission. About Kate

On June 13, 2018, the Southwest Section of the American Planning Association of Pennsylvania hosted “Urban Tree Canopy Loss in Allegheny County Between 2010 and 2015 and What We Can Do to Stop It,” which took place in Wexford, Pennsylvania. The presentation examined the results of a recent tree canopy study performed in Allegheny County. A first-of-its-kind analysis, the results presented the impact on our local forests from pests, land use planning and infrastructure development. The results were eye-opening: In only five years time, Allegheny County lost over 11,000 acres of tree canopy.

Following a presentation by Matt Erb of Tree Pittsburgh, Kate participated in an expert panel to discuss the challenges in administering tree preservation ordinances and different conservation techniques.

As a school and municipal solicitor, Kate Diersen has a broad experience in a variety of issues that arise for her municipal and public-sector clients, including compliance and land use issues, code enforcement, and complex labor and employment concerns. She represents various municipalities and municipal authorities and is a frequent lecturer on municipal issues including tools communities can use to address blight, code enforcement issues, and land use matters.

The American Planning Association “provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing our members with the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.”