Georgia Conservancy
Long readSAGE Speaker Series: Sustainable Growth in Georgia2026

SAGE Speaker Series: Sustainable Growth in Georgia

1 min read · Long read · 2026

On September 17, we hosted our SAGE Speaker Series focused on sustainable growth in Georgia, a key program area of the Georgia Conservancy.

SAGE (Stewards and Advocates for Georgia’s Environment) is a new community within the Georgia Conservancy, bringing together women who care deeply about protecting our state’s natural resources and want to be more engaged, informed, and connected in that work.

As Georgia continues to grow, thoughtful planning is essential to protecting the landscapes, communities, and natural resources that make our state unique.

Participants heard from a panel of planning and development professionals as they discussed current growth trends, what sustainable growth and urban planning look like in practice, why they matter for Georgia’s future, and how Georgia Conservancy works with communities across the state to balance growth with land conservation and environmental stewardship.

Our panelists included:

Anna Baggett, Community Planning Associate, TSW Planning StudioElizabeth Williams, Director of Urban Design, Kronberg Urbanists + ArchitectsMichaela Master, Community Planning Lead, Georgia ConservancyVanessa Rodrigues Lira, Office Director at Toole Design

Whether you’re passionate about conservation, community planning, or simply curious about how Georgia can grow while protecting the places we love, this conversation provided valuable insights and opportunities for discussion.