FORUM ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ECONOMY SERIES
PURPOSE
Over the last two decades, the Portland-Vancouver region has experienced tremendous economic growth. During this time, total employment in the region almost doubled and the region�s economy has transitioned from a reliance on natural resource extraction and agriculture to a new dependence on creative accomplishment, knowledge creation, and continuous innovation. Concerns for sustainability have long been on the agenda in Oregon, but never have they been more pressing and more intertwined with economic development as today.
The Forum on Sustainability and the Economy is a monthly discussion series about issues related to livability and economic development in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region. In this case, we are using the term �livability� broadly but specifically to bring issues of environmental quality, social justice, and evolving urbanity specifically into conjunction with economic prosperity.
We seek to bring together community members, faculty, and students to critically reflect on the interplay between sustainability and the economy. Our objective is to seek greater public understanding and discussion of sustainability as a foundation for rather than merely a byproduct of sound economic growth.
The Forum�s speakers will address issues relevant to the regional context and will provide their expertise to discuss the complex dynamic between sustainability and the economy.
Recent Series:
Public Involvement in the Convention Center Industry
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Archived webcast: http://www.media.pdx.edu/IMS/IMS_112205.asx
Presenter: Thomas Hazinski, HVS Consulting (http://www.hvs.com)
Thomas Hazinski is the managing director of HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting in Chicago, Illinois. His consulting practice is dedicated to the market and financial analysis of public assembly facilities.
He has 18 years of experience in the public policy arena, as both a public official and a consultant, and specializes in providing economic and financial research to public agencies involved in economic development initiatives. Mr. Hazinski holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.
His most recent article, Is the Sky Falling on the Convention Center Industry? is a critique of Heywood Sanders' Brookings Institution Research Brief on Convention Centers as Economic Development Strategy.
Portland's Headquarters Hotel: Proper Public Policy?
Friday, October 21st, 2005
Archived webcast: http://www.media.pdx.edu/IMS/IMS_102105.asx
Presenter: Professor Heywood Sanders, University of Texas, Department of Public Administration (http://utsa.edu/copp/staff/hsanders.html)
Professor Heywood Sanders is a noted scholar of economic development through construction of convention centers and headquarters hotels. He will discuss the experience of cities around the US regarding the economic returns to the public's investment in these projects and how this experience relates to the local debate over the proposed Oregon Convention Center Headquarters Hotel.
Designing with the Environment: A Portland Way?
In the spring of 2004, the Institute presented a special series of Forums on sustainable development in the Portland region entitled "Designing with the Environment: A Portland Way?", underwritten by an Environmental Partnership Program grant from the Port of Portland. This four-part series analyzed the art, science, politics, policy, and bottom-line financial realities of designing buildings, businesses, public institutions, and communities with the environment in mind.
The sessions are available to view online. To view archived streaming video you will need Windows Media Player 9 Series and a broadband (LAN, DSL, or Cable) internet connection.
From the Region to the Site: Designing with the Environment in Mind (April 2, 2004)
Panel: Robert Yaro, Regional Plan Association of New York; David Bragdon, Metro; Ethan Seltzer, PSU School of Urban Studies & Planning.
Online video at http://www.media.pdx.edu/PSU/IMS_040204.asx
Designing the Pearl and South Waterfront: Putting Some Green in Our Brownfields (April 23, 2004)
Presenters: Bruce Brown, GBD Architects, Arun Jain, Urban Design Group, City of Portland Planning Bureau
Response Panel: John Reynolds, University of Oregon, Alan Scott, PGE Green Building Services
Online video at http://www.media.pdx.edu/PSU/IMS_042304.asx
Green Industries for a Green Region (May 14, 2004)
Presenters: Roby Roberts, PPM Energy; Tim Smith, SERA Architects; Russ Reed, Kettle Foods
Panelists: Nik Blosser; Sustainable Industries Journal Northwest; Stuart Cowan, Portland Development Commission, John Haines, Mercy Corps Northwest
Online video at: http://www.media.pdx.edu/PSU/IMS_051404.asx
Designing With the Environment in Perspective: Examining The Role of the University (May 28, 2004)
Keynote Address: Dean Nohad Toulan, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University
Panelists: Loren Lutzenhiser, School of Urban Studies and Planning, Portland State University (moderator); Rob Bennett, Green Building Division, City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development; Pedro Ferbel-Azcarate, The City Repair Project; Judy Walton, Education for Sustainability West; Greg Wolf, National Policy Consensus Center, PSU.
Online video at: http://www.media.pdx.edu/PSU/IMS_052804.asx
|