Local, National Experts to Convene on South Sound Jobs & Housing 2015 Urban Studies Forum at UWT
TACOMA, WASH. — An impressive lineup of local and national specialists in planning, urban policy, geography, housing and economic development will convene for the sixth annual UW Tacoma Urban Studies Forum on Feb. 19. The topic of conversation during the all-day event will be “The Question of Development: Jobs & Housing in the South Sound.”
Ali Modarres, director of the university’s urban studies program, said, “This region is confronted by a series of choices that will determine our future: that of an economic engine in our own right, or that of a bedroom community for the larger metropolitan area. Our job at UW Tacoma is to ensure that the community is involved in the conversations about the choices we make, to create a safe place for those conversations to happen. This is why I’m so excited about this year’s Urban Studies Forum.”
Panelists and attendees will examine strategies for engaging new investors in the region, and ensuring that the interests of current residents and employers are included in the region’s collective vision for the future.
The keynote speaker is Joel Kotkin, editor of newgeography.com and author of the weekly “New Geographer” column in Forbes magazine. His books include The New Class Conflict; The Next Hundred Million: American in 2050; and The City: a Global History.
The speakers and the panel discussions are:
“Context for Development”
- Ethan Seltzer, professor of urban studies and planning, Portland State University
- Ron Sims, former deputy secretary, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development; former King County Executive
- Cary Bozeman, former mayor of Bremerton and Bellevue
- David Boe, architect; City of Tacoma councilman
“Economic Development: Visions, Plans & Realities”
- Cynthia Kroll, chief economist, Association of Bay Area Governments
- Bruce Kendall, president and CEO, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County
“Affordable and Market-Rate Housing: Challenges and Opportunities”
- Michael Pyatok, architect; professor, UW School of Architecture
- Steve O’Connor, director, UW Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies
- Michael Mirra, executive director, Tacoma Housing Authority
- Loren Cohen, manager of legal affairs, MC Construction Consultants (Point Ruston)
What: 2015 UW Tacoma Urban Studies Forum
When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: William W. Philip Hall, UW Tacoma campus
Cost: Free, but registration is required. Capacity is limited – register early to avoid disappointment.
More information/registration: tacoma.uw.edu/urban[if !supportNestedAnchors][endif]
The 2015 UW Tacoma Urban Studies Forum is sponsored by: Pierce County Regional Council; AHBL, Inc.; BCRA; Business Examiner; Conversations RE: Tacoma; Dwyer Pemberton & Coulson P.C.; Exit 133; FLT Properties; Gray Lumber Company; Helix Design Group; Kidder Mathews; Korsmo Construction; Master Builders Association of Pierce County; Neil Walter Company; Rush Companies.