Baumer Lecture Series, Theodore Lim and Antwyne Calloway

“Trauma-Informed Healing-Centered Planning: Transformations in the Face of Global Climate Change”

Trauma deeply influences many contexts in which planners operate. And the effects of global climate change are already disproportionately impacting communities and will exacerbate the effects of trauma.  In order to effectively engage with communities that have experienced trauma, increased attention is being paid to “trauma-informed and healing-centered” (TIHC) practices, which has roots in mental and behavioral health service provision. Less addressed is how broader systemic transformation of the unjust institutions of planning can occur through TIHC methods.

In this talk, Lim and Calloway present their experiences trying to operationalize the principles of TIHC planning through several participatory action research projects in Roanoke, Virginia. The talk will touch on the roles of local and scientific knowledge in planning, intergenerational community engagement, and the prospects of achieving personal and broader cultural transformation within the institutions of planning.

This event is approved for AICP CM credit. To claim your CM credits, log into your My APA account on the APA website and enter the event into your online CM event log.

Theo Lim
Theo Lim is an assistant professor of urban affairs and planning in Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs. He specializes in research and teaching in urban environmental and climate adaptation planning, environmental science-policy interfaces, and community engagement. Currently, he is the Principal Investigator of several projects funded by the NSF CAREER Program, the NSF CIVIC Innovation Program, and NOAA’s Environmental Literacy Program. Lim also serves on the Editorial Team of the journal “Planning Theory & Practice.”

Outside academia, Lim has worked in community organizing, civil and environmental engineering and infrastructure masterplanning, public health, and in the agriculture technology industry. Lim currently resides with his wife, son, and dog in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Antwyne Calloway
Antwyne (pronounced Antoine) Calloway is the President and Executive Director of NNEO Inc. an African-American-owned and operated non-profit providing affordable housing options and community development of neighborhood infrastructure and residents. With more than two decades of service, Calloway has actively participated in key initiatives to address the social determinants of health that impact communities. He was a leadership member of the City of Roanoke’s Study Committee to Reduce Gun Violence, showcasing his dedication to fostering a safer and more secure environment. Additionally, he has lent his expertise to the City of Roanoke’s Board of Zoning Appeals, demonstrating a keen understanding of the intricacies of urban planning and development.

Calloway’s influence extends far beyond the confines of his official roles. He is a respected figure of various boards, committees, and advisory groups, where his insights are sought after and valued. His multifaceted approach to community development reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and urban dynamics.