BIA Academy Modules and Learning Goals

Each module will include a 60 minute live class (day/time TBD – likely mid-day Tues or Wed) and 30-60 minutes of asynchronous reading or listening (policy paper summary, podcast, case study, etc.).

Module 1: What Is BIA (and What It Is Not)

Learning Goals

• Reframe BIA as an integrated municipal strategy (not a hobby or niche program).
• Distinguish BIA from common mental models like beautification or pilot projects.
• Articulate the role of municipal leadership in enabling—not operating—BIA.

Module 2: Urban Food Systems & Municipal Levers

Learning Goals

• Recognize food systems as municipal infrastructure (land, facilities, procurement, incentives).
• Identify where cities already influence food systems, even unintentionally.
• Describe the limits and opportunities of municipal authority related to food
  systems.

Module 3: Built Environment & Technical Feasibility

Learning Goals

• Identify municipal assets suitable for BIA (roofs, garages, campuses, facilities, public and/or private buildings).
• Recognize key technical, regulatory, and operational constraints.
• Develop comfort with “knowing what to ask” rather than “knowing how to build.”

Module 4: Community Context, Equity, and Public Perception

Learning Goals

• Anticipate equity implications and public concerns tied to BIA initiatives.
• Apply principles of community-centered planning to BIA decisions.
• Evaluate how historical context and place matter in implementation.

Module 5: Economics, Incentives, and Value Creation

Learning Goals

• Frame BIA in economic and fiscal terms relevant to municipal decision-makers.
• Identify incentive structures and co-benefits (energy, stormwater, placemaking).
• Assess when and why private partners might participate.

Module 6: Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Pathways

Learning Goals

• Identify policy “homes” for BIA within existing city processes.
• Evaluate incremental versus comprehensive policy strategies.
• Understand how codes and plans shape long-term adoption.

Module 7: Partnerships & Governance Models

Learning Goals

• Identify essential partners and define appropriate roles.
• Evaluate governance models (city-led, nonprofit-led, public-private).
• Recognize Extension and other institutions as implementation partners.

Module 8: From Idea to Implementation

Learning Goals

• Translate concepts into phased, feasible implementation pathways.
• Anticipate risk, political dynamics, and operational hurdles.
• Develop realistic expectations for timelines and outcomes.

Module 9: Leadership, Storytelling, and Long-Term Change

Learning Goals

• Communicate BIA’s value through compelling, credible narratives.
• Position BIA within broader municipal priorities and civic identity.
• Demonstrate readiness to champion BIA beyond the Academy.

Capstone Project

Following the last module, each city will complete a capstone project that applies Academy learning to a real opportunity. Examples include:

• A concept plan for a BIA project
• A policy or zoning recommendation
• A partnership of implementation strategy

The capstone is intended to be practical, achievable, and aligned with city priorities.