Urban Land Institute executive Katherine Burgess will speak  Aug. 12 at the State Historical Building on the value of water in building communities. The presentation by the Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series will include a panel discussion on Iowa water issues, from managing stormwater to capitalizing on recreational opportunities. Burgess is the institute’s vice president of urban resilience. “Private sector developers and designers are playing a growing role in meeting cities’ water goals,” Burgess, author of “Harvesting the Value of Water,” said in a statement. “These water management mechanisms have the potential to create value for real estate projects by enhancing aesthetics, operational efficiency, and building user experience.” State Climatologist Justin Glisan will offer a historical view on the issues at 11:45 a.m., followed by Burgess’ remarks. The panel discussion at 12:30 p.m. will include West Des Moines City Manager Tom Hadden, John Swanson of the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, and Staci Williams of ISG and Capital Crossroads. Business Record Managing Editor Perry Beeman will moderate.