Design for Wildfire Defense

Central Texas has one of the nation's highest concentrations of properties at risk for wildfire. As development expands near wildlands, the threat grows. This in-person only, half-day seminar will cover best practices for designing and maintaining landscapes and buildings to reduce ignition risks — both within and beyond the wildland-urban interface. Speakers will also share lessons learned from the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Room 1111, Austin, TX 78723
Registration: Register online

Speakers

• Cody Chappel, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, City of Austin-AFD, Wildfire Division
• David Bock, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Sr., City of Austin-AFD, Wildfire Division
• Kari Hines, Program Coordinator, Fire Adapted Communities, Mitigation and Prevention Department, Texas A & M Forestry Service
• Andrew Tighe, WUI Plans Examiner B, City of Austin-AFD, Prevention
• Beth Culver, WUI Plans Examiner C, City of Austin-AFD, Prevention
• Matt Risinger, CEO/Chief Builder, Risinger Build
• Adam Benefield, President, ECO Irrigation & Landscaping
• Aan Coleman, Founding Partner, Coleman and Associates
• Catherine Lee Doar, Utility Strategist, Austin Energy Green Building
• Jonathan Wright, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, City of Austin-AFD, Wildfire Division

Attendance Details

• Austin Energy will host this professional development seminar as an in-person event only. Lunch is provided.
• Seminar is open to everyone. Space is limited. Please email us if your plans change so we can accommodate the waitlist.
• RSVP is required to receive additional details, directions, and parking information.

Continuing Education Credits

• This seminar will be submitted for AIA Learning Units, GBCI CE Hours for LEED professional, and AICP CM Credits and ASLA PDUs
• Austin Energy Green Building will provide certificates of completion for self-reporting
• Certificate will list course description and number
• All certificates will be emailed