Katrina Kessler
Commissioner, MPCA
Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace—driven by rapid urbanization, climate challenges, advancing AI technology, and shifting economic priorities.
Infrastructure is at the center of it all: the foundation that supports our economies, connects our communities, and enables the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
But the challenges we faced—aging systems, funding gaps, and the urgent need for decarbonization and digitalization—could not be solved in isolation. They demanded collaboration across industries, sectors, and borders.
That was why, three years ago, we launched our Future of Infrastructure – Transatlantic Dialogue project: to connect experts, innovators, and policymakers from the US and Germany through expert trips, webinars, and networking events.
After three successful years, we brought together what we had learned in a special virtual panel event. Participants and partners from across the three project years, focused on EV and Charging Infrastructure, Smart Grid Infrastructure, and Water Infrastructure, reflected on key insights, shared best practices, and helped shape the path forward.
Through three dynamic panel discussions, we explored the pressing topics defining the future of infrastructure:
• Resilience & Climate Change Adaptation
• Urbanization & City-Level Perspectives
• Innovation & Tech Development
The panel was free and open to all. On December 9th, participants shared their questions and took part in the conversation as we laid the foundation for the future of infrastructure together.
Our Speakers
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Elgin Rogers
Ohio State Representative
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Samantha Bingham
City Of Chicago
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Scott Zurn
Level Engineering
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Mackenzie Siren
Chicago Climate Connect
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Julie Lomax
Village of Downers Grove
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Daniel Stetter
Fraunhofer IAO
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David Zelenok
ZK Engineers / APWA
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Dr. Dorcas Nthoki Nyamai
TU Dortmund
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Simone Schuppan
c2Impact
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Kimberly Greene
2G Energy North America
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Robert Skinner
EcoG Inc.
