PSU Forums Winter Term 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINTER TERM 2008
FORUMS ON THE ROLE FOR PLANNING
IN THE FUTURE OF OREGON

Presented by Arnold Cogan, FAICP, Planner-in-Residence in the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning

Two forums will be held in room 303 of the Urban Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the last Friday of January and February.  Specific dates, topics and speakers are as follows:

January 25—This session will be devoted to the issue of global warming.
Guest speakers are Michael Armstrong, Deputy Director of the Portland Office of Sustainable Development, and Mike Burnett, Director of the Oregon Climate Trust.  They will discuss what Oregon in general and planners, in particular, should do to prepare our communities and regions for the dramatic changes we can expect from the impacts of climate change.  We will hear about the changes that must take place in the way we plan our cities and other urban places and what can we learn from other states and countries.

February 29—This forum will focus on the need for creative and bold leadership, particularly in the public sector.
Joining us are Steve Clark, President of the Portland Tribune and member of the Oregon Land Use Big Look Task Force, and Tom Hughes, Mayor of the City of Hillsboro.  Many believe there is a desperate need for leadership at all levels of government.  Our speakers will discuss how this is affecting our quality of life here and how we can recruit, find or train the leaders we need.  They will speak about the important role leaders play in planning for livable places, building/rebuilding infrastructure, preserving open spaces and making it possible for future generations to thrive and grow.

Three additional forums planned for spring term will consider sustainability, infrastructure and land use choices facing Oregon.  All forums will be webcast live and archived for future viewing.   Our expectation is that each event will stimulate spirited conversation, focus our expectations on the role of planning in the future and provide students, faculty and others attending with new insights.

For more information, please contact Arnold Cogan at: 503-225-0192.