How Community Connections Can Improve Well-Being

January 22, 2026 — Burlingame Network invites you to a special program on February 4 to learn how reorienting people’s daily lives around where they live can benefit them, their community, economy and planet. This event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Ave. in Burlingame. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/ConnectedtoPlace2026.

This program features Matt Biggar, Ph.D., a strategy consultant, researcher, and former school district and school administrator in San Mateo County, discussing his new book, Connected to Place: Regenerating Nature, Community, and Local Economies through Systems Change, and local educational leaders. Following his book talk, Matt will moderate a panel discussion on place-based education with Julie Hilborn, Director of Environmental Literacy and Sustainability at the San Mateo County Office of Education; Theresa Vallez-Kelly, Coordinator of Safe Routes to School at the San Mateo County Office of Education; and Natalie Dias, a youth climate activist who attends San Mateo High School. In addition, a city representative will explain the statewide “6 Neighbors” campaign, which emphasizes the benefits to personal well-being and community resilience of knowing your neighbors.

 

Matt will be on hand after the program to sign copies of his book, which will be offered for sale.

This program is co-hosted by

• The Citizens Environmental Council
• San Mateo County Office of Education
• Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County
• Sustainable San Mateo County, and
• Burlingame Department of Parks & Recreation