Zoning law regulates land use across the city, and shapes buildings, blocks, and whole neighborhoods. It can be a tool for preservation or for rapid physical and economic development.

But how does it work? And how can every day folks get involved in the decision-making process? On Thursday, March 16th, CUP's Executive Director, Christine Gaspar, joined Joan Byron of Neighborhoods First Fund for Community Based Planning, Basha Gerhards of the Manhattan Borough President's Office, Council Member Antonio Reynoso, Paul Selver of Kramer Levin Naftalis Frankel, and Jill Lerner as moderator at the Museum of the City of New York for a conversation on how New York City can demystify its zoning code and foster a more democratic and inclusive city-planning process.

The Museum of the City of New York's exhibition on zoning in New York City, Mastering the Metropolis, is open until April 2017.