More information can be found at the website.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Planning Video Contest
Urban Affairs & Planning is sponsoring a contest for the best 2-minute video on “What is Planning?” or “What Planning Means to Me”. This is open to planning and non-planning students alike. The only guidelines are that the videos cannot exceed 2-mintes in length or include copyrighted material without appropriate permissions. The UAP faculty will select first, second, and third place winners to receive $250, $100, and $50 respectively. These videos will be used for UAP social media and marketing materials. You can submit your entry to Tom Sanchez (sanchezt@vt.edu) by emailing a link to your video. The contest deadline is March 21, 2011.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Call for Proposals
Virginia Tech Social Media for Planning Conference
Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Urban Affairs and Planning Program
Held simultaneously in two locations, Falls Church and Blacksburg, Virginia
Friday, April 22, 2011
8am-5pm
This program will be submitted for AICP CM credits
Social media tools, communications, databases and other technologies are increasingly being used by planners today in their day-to-day work. Join us for this one-day conversation that will showcase best practices for how planners are using technology in support of visualization, stakeholder engagement and project management/implementation.
We’re seeking speakers to participate in the day’s program:
- Have a case study or innovation in using social media that you’d like to share with fellow planners across the Commonwealth?
- Or do you have some particular challenges with implementing social media that you’d like to talk about, as part of a conversation about overcoming obstacles to using social media?
Submit your Expressions of Interest by Thursday, March 3. We’ll let you know by Tuesday, March 8 if your proposal has been accepted.
Click here to submit your Expression of Interest
APA Virginia Annual Conference - Call for Proposals
APA Virginia Annual Conference
Wintergreen Resort
July 20-22, 2011
We invite you to submit a proposal for a conference session and have set March 25, 2011 as the deadline for submittal. Please see the attached form, which must be completed and sent via email to vaplanning@comcast.net (Chapter Office). AICP Certification Maintenance credit will be requested for each session.
Interactive, non-traditional session format is encouraged, as are the topics of redevelopment, economic development, infill development, sustainable design, technology, technical skills for development evaluation, Community Development Authorities, Tax Increment Financing, and innovative transit, pedestrian planning, etcetera, etcetera. Please feel free to submit on any relevant topic.
Additionally, previous conference attendees have commented on the need to reduce the number of presentations that use text heavy slide displays; therefore, we encourage you to prepare interactive, non-PowerPoint presentations.
Contact Earl Anderson at vpchapteraffairs@apavirginia.
An application for this event can be found here.
Invitation to Mia Birk Book Launch
Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet
By Mia Birk
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
German Marshall Fund of the United States
1744 R Street NW, Washington, DC
2nd Floor Conference Room
RSVP to Casey Kuklick at ckuklick@gmfus.org or by phone at 202 683 2650
The German Marshall Fund (GMF) is pleased to invite you to a book launch party on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 from 6-8pm in celebration of “Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet,” by Mia Birk. The book “tells the dramatic and enlightening behind-the-scenes story of how a group of determined visionaries transformed Portland into a cycling mecca and inspired the nation.” The event will be in the 1744 R Street, NW building in the 2nd floor conference room and will include drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.
GMF played an important role in Ms. Birk’s early professional career and that connection is described in this book. In 1996, GMF awarded Ms. Birk a research fellowship to Europe, which not only helped to change the face of Portland, but also demonstrated to the rest of the United States that American cities can incorporate bicycling into daily life, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their health, and still be economically viable. The lessons learned have permeated through Ms. Birk’s involvement in numerous national organizations, including co-founding the Association for Bicycle and Pedestrian Professionals, the Cities for Cycling Project of the National Association for City Transportation Officials, and the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation.
Select praise for Joyride
"Anyone interested in the future of our communities is going to appreciate Mia Birk's personal account of how we transformed Portland, OR, into the standard for bicycle-friendly cities – and subsequent odyssey in spreading the benefits of bicycling to communities throughout North America."
The Honorable Earl Blumenauer, Member of Congress, a.k.a. the Johnny Appleseed of Livability
“Mia Birk a tireless go-getter who’s driven by her passion for sustainability. There are some people who love bikes. Mia loves what bicycling does for a city. She loves the impact that accommodating bicycles has on a neighborhood, a city and the way people live in it.”
Catherine Ciarlo, Transportation Director, Office of Mayor Sam Adams, Portland, OR and former director, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
"The creation of a bicycle-friendly Portland helped spur a $100 million local bicycle industry, bringing 1500 green, sustainable jobs. Take note: bicycling isn't just good for your health and community, it's good for the economy. Mia Birk's delightful Joyride is one you all want to go on."
Jay Graves, President, National Bike Dealers Association
CM Opportunity & Coalition for Smart Growth Announcement
Value of Transit Oriented Development
Fairfax County Herrity Building Room 106 (12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA)
March 18, 2011 10am-11:30am
Please RSVP to dpztraining@fairfaxcounty.gov by March 11, 2011
1.5 CM Credit
The Value of Transit-Oriented Development will review the market evidence for upside potential of transit-oriented development, using some of the leading examples of these private-public partnerships, many in the D.C. region, and how improved collaboration can support these partnerships. Emphasis will be placed on what is funded and by whom, and by what mechanisms. Parallels will be drawn to Fairfax’s current TOD planning efforts, especially in and around Tysons Corner, and implications for implementation will be discussed.
Presentation by Shyam Kannan, Principal-Director of Economic Development Practice Group at Robert Charles Lesser and Company (RCLCO) based in Washington, D.C.
COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH ANNOUNCEMENT-YOUNG PLANNER SHOWCASE
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is seeking the best and brightest young planners in the Washington D.C. region for its first annual Young Planner Showcase. This forum will offer young planners in the D.C. region the opportunity to present the most innovative ideas from their jurisdictions. The event will highlight the best and the brightest of our region’s young planners and foster a lively conversation among participants and the audience.
Any planner who meets the criteria listed on the Coalition for Smarter Growth website is welcome to apply. The Coalition for Smarter Growth will choose up to six presenters for the forum. Planners that live in and are doing plans in any towns or cities in the following jurisdictions are invited to apply: District of Columbia, Alexandria, and Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, Prince George’s, and Montgomery Counties.
The deadline for applications is March 14, 2011. Planners must be 35 years of age or younger to apply and be employed by, or a contractor for, an agency or organization located within the jurisdictions listed above.
More information, including requirements for application submissions, is available on the Coalition for Smarter Growth website.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Planner's Bootcamp
This event is co-sponsored by the National Capital Area Chapter and Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association. It is open to all students and new professionals in any discipline.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Job Announcements from DHCD
The DHCD has announced a job opening for a Training and Development Coordinator.
More information found here.
More information found here.
Internship opportunity in Portland, OR
Intel's Experience Insights Lab (XIL) is accepting applications for two internship positions. You would join our group within Intel Labs, Interaction & Experience Research (IXR), a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, design researchers, technologists, and business analysts.
Internships are limited to currently enrolled graduate students. Interns must be willing to relocate to the Portland, Oregon area during the course of the internship to work on-site with the research team, and must be eligible to work in the US. Duration: preferably at least 13 weeks, start dates flexible.
More information found here.
Internships are limited to currently enrolled graduate students. Interns must be willing to relocate to the Portland, Oregon area during the course of the internship to work on-site with the research team, and must be eligible to work in the US. Duration: preferably at least 13 weeks, start dates flexible.
More information found here.
Sustainable Transport presentation given by UAP Faculty
Last week UAP Assistant Professor Ralph Buehler gave an invited presentation at a conference on “Policy Change for Sustainable Transport” at the Institute of Transport Economics (TOI) at the University of Oslo, Norway. The conference was held at the Oslo Centre for Interdisciplinary Environmental and Social Research and centered around 11 presentations by invited academics from universities in the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Sweden, and Norway (list of all presentations see below). All presentations explored policies that have successfully promoted sustainable transport in the various countries. Ralph’s presentation focused on sustainable transport in Germany and showed how that car-oriented country successfully reduced CO2 emissions and increased sustainability of the passenger transport sector by encouraging more trips by foot, bicycle, and public transport.
Job Opening- Land Conservation Analyst
LAND CONSERVATION ANALYST ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II) POSITION #00017
HIRING RANGE: $40,959 - $84,062 BAND 5
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking a Land Conservation Analyst to assess the conservation value of large land conservation tax credits and to assist with statewide land conservation activities. The Land Conservation Analyst position is located within the Director's Office and is functionally attached to the Office of Land Conservation.
Duties: Conducts evaluations of the conservation value of large parcels submitted for conservation tax credits (credits in excess of $1 million). Provides expertise and leadership in the promotion of land conservation, to include local government outreach and educating landowners about land conservation options and opportunities for preserving open spaces and important land resources. Promotes the Department's and the Commonwealth's various land conservation programs. Serves as a liaison to other conservation agencies and groups with complementary missions. Assists with providing technical and fiscal assistance related to grant opportunities, easement design and stewardship, and other land conservation tools and techniques. Performs other special projects as assigned.
Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of land conservation and land management issues and real estate transactions. Demonstrated knowledge of real estate legal instruments, deed restrictions, easements, or other land preservation documents. Knowledge of state, federal and local land conservation programs, and related state and federal tax incentives, real estate and estate laws, and state land acquisition processes. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, database and spreadsheet usage, recreational and landscape principles, the Virginia Outdoors Plan, and data management techniques. Knowledge of natural resource, agricultural, forestal, and historic conservation practices. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to land conservation, natural resources, and real estate. Ability to communicate highly technical natural resources management issues effectively. Ability to establish rapport with diverse clients, handle difficult situations diplomatically, and successfully evaluate the conservation value of tax credit applications. Ability to coordinate complex ventures and transactions between and among diverse parties at a variety of political and social levels. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and to compile, manage, analyze and report detailed information and data. Ability to coordinate and manage complex projects. Ability to both lead and to work effectively as a member of a team. Self-starter who is willing to travel and to engage individuals, local governments, and citizen organizations. Prefer: Degree in law or undergraduate or advanced degree related to land conservation, land management, natural resources, or related field preferred. Demonstrated professional level experience in real estate transactions, land conservation promotion, and coordination of complex programs also preferred. Requires a criminal background check. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Virginia driver's license.
Closing date is March 8, 2011, 5PM ET.
Complete the Commonwealth of Virginia Application for Employment on-line on the Recruitment Management System (RMS), at http://jobs.virginia.gov.
HIRING RANGE: $40,959 - $84,062 BAND 5
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking a Land Conservation Analyst to assess the conservation value of large land conservation tax credits and to assist with statewide land conservation activities. The Land Conservation Analyst position is located within the Director's Office and is functionally attached to the Office of Land Conservation.
Duties: Conducts evaluations of the conservation value of large parcels submitted for conservation tax credits (credits in excess of $1 million). Provides expertise and leadership in the promotion of land conservation, to include local government outreach and educating landowners about land conservation options and opportunities for preserving open spaces and important land resources. Promotes the Department's and the Commonwealth's various land conservation programs. Serves as a liaison to other conservation agencies and groups with complementary missions. Assists with providing technical and fiscal assistance related to grant opportunities, easement design and stewardship, and other land conservation tools and techniques. Performs other special projects as assigned.
Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of land conservation and land management issues and real estate transactions. Demonstrated knowledge of real estate legal instruments, deed restrictions, easements, or other land preservation documents. Knowledge of state, federal and local land conservation programs, and related state and federal tax incentives, real estate and estate laws, and state land acquisition processes. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, database and spreadsheet usage, recreational and landscape principles, the Virginia Outdoors Plan, and data management techniques. Knowledge of natural resource, agricultural, forestal, and historic conservation practices. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to land conservation, natural resources, and real estate. Ability to communicate highly technical natural resources management issues effectively. Ability to establish rapport with diverse clients, handle difficult situations diplomatically, and successfully evaluate the conservation value of tax credit applications. Ability to coordinate complex ventures and transactions between and among diverse parties at a variety of political and social levels. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and to compile, manage, analyze and report detailed information and data. Ability to coordinate and manage complex projects. Ability to both lead and to work effectively as a member of a team. Self-starter who is willing to travel and to engage individuals, local governments, and citizen organizations. Prefer: Degree in law or undergraduate or advanced degree related to land conservation, land management, natural resources, or related field preferred. Demonstrated professional level experience in real estate transactions, land conservation promotion, and coordination of complex programs also preferred. Requires a criminal background check. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Virginia driver's license.
Closing date is March 8, 2011, 5PM ET.
Complete the Commonwealth of Virginia Application for Employment on-line on the Recruitment Management System (RMS), at http://jobs.virginia.gov.
Job Opening NRVPDC
The New River Valley PDC has announced the commencement of the Livability Initiative. Two new job opportunities were created along with initiative. More information can be found at http://www.nrvpdc.org/livabilityinitiative/index.html
Job Opening - Research Associate, American Planning Association
APA’s Research Department seeks a planner with strong communications skills, a solid foundation in urban and regional planning, and a customer service orientation. The research associate will work on the Planning Advisory Service team. The PAS team provides hundreds of PAS subscribing planning agencies and consultants with a wide range of advisory services and publications. It performs research resulting in the enrichment of APA’s collection of best planning practices. Research associates are also asked to research and write articles for publication, join teams working on sponsored research projects, and participate in the creation and enhancement of online content. The position offers an excellent opportunity to be exposed to the full range of planning issues in the U.S. in an exciting, collegial atmosphere.
Candidates must have a master’s degree in planning (or a closely related field), plus one to three years’ experience in planning. AICP designation is preferred, or without AICP, commitment to attain certification within 18 months of hire. Candidates must possess excellent critical thinking, analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills.
More information about PAS and the activities of APA’s research unit may be found at:
http://www.planning.org/
http://www.planning.org/pas/index.htm
http://www.planning.org/research/index.htm
http://www.planning.org/nationalcenters/index.htm
For a more detailed job description and important information about how to apply for the position, send an e-mail message with the EXACT words Research Associate Job Description in the subject line to the following address: research@planning.org.
http://www.planning.org/jobs/search/listing.htm?AdID=41732
Candidates must have a master’s degree in planning (or a closely related field), plus one to three years’ experience in planning. AICP designation is preferred, or without AICP, commitment to attain certification within 18 months of hire. Candidates must possess excellent critical thinking, analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills.
More information about PAS and the activities of APA’s research unit may be found at:
http://www.planning.org/
http://www.planning.org/pas/
http://www.planning.org/
http://www.planning.org/
For a more detailed job description and important information about how to apply for the position, send an e-mail message with the EXACT words Research Associate Job Description in the subject line to the following address: research@planning.org.
http://www.planning.org/jobs/
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Virginia Tech students sought for Fall 2011 White House Internship Program
The White House Internship Program’s Fall 2011 application has been posted.
The application deadline is Sunday, March 13. For more information and to apply, please visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/internship.
CASPA Happy Hour February 18th
Welcome to the new semester and I hope you are all enjoying your classes! To kickoff the new semester (late...I know!), we would like to invite you to a happy hour in Arlington.
Friday, February 18th, 2011
The Continental Modern Pool Lounge
1911 Ft. Myer Drive (Rosslyn Metro Station, 2 blocks from The Continental) map
5:30pm-onward
Come by for some drinks and play some pool, shuffleboard, darts, skeeball, basketball, etc... They also have the Nintendo Wii available. It should be a fun and relaxed night!
Friday, February 18th, 2011
The Continental Modern Pool Lounge
1911 Ft. Myer Drive (Rosslyn Metro Station, 2 blocks from The Continental) map
5:30pm-onward
Come by for some drinks and play some pool, shuffleboard, darts, skeeball, basketball, etc... They also have the Nintendo Wii available. It should be a fun and relaxed night!
Undoing Racism/Community Organizing Workshop
The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond
March 4, 5, & 6 in Washington, D.C.
Are you concerned with how racism and economic oppression impact our Greater Washington, D.C., our country and the world? Are you challenged by how to deal with race issues in your work, community, and families?
More information on this event found here.
March 4, 5, & 6 in Washington, D.C.
Are you concerned with how racism and economic oppression impact our Greater Washington, D.C., our country and the world? Are you challenged by how to deal with race issues in your work, community, and families?
More information on this event found here.
Study abroad program in Shanghai
A study abroad course in Shanghai is being offered through NYU Wagner from June 19 to July 1st. The topic is on urbanization and sustainable development in China. The brochure can be found here (please forget about the deadline). Interested students may contact Prof Zhan Guo at zg11@nyu.edu or contact the study abroad office at wagner.international@nyu.edu.
Presentation by Dr. Sherry Ahrentzen
Action Research, Actionable Knowledge
Presentation by Dr. Sherry Ahrentzen
Associate Director for Research, Policy & Strategic Initiatives
The Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family
Arizona State University
Wednesday, February 9nd, 2011
11:00 AM
Virginia Tech Alexandria Campus
1021 Prince St, Room 304
Alexandria, VA
Contact mivt@vt.edu for more information
Presentation by Dr. Sherry Ahrentzen
Associate Director for Research, Policy & Strategic Initiatives
The Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family
Arizona State University
Wednesday, February 9nd, 2011
11:00 AM
Virginia Tech Alexandria Campus
1021 Prince St, Room 304
Alexandria, VA
Contact mivt@vt.edu for more information
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY SUPPORT PAID INTERNSHIP - Arlington, VA
A large consulting firm -- with particular interests in environmental sustainability and national security -- is seeking part-time or full-time paid interns in policy and communications. Positions can start anytime between March and July (and can be in the Spring and/or Summer). Office is located in Arlington, VA and is metro-accessible.
Sustainability policy areas to be covered include emerging issues around land use and regional/conservation planning as well as climate change and renewable energy. Applicant should have very strong interest in these subjects and particular related work experience
and/or coursework.
Internship is multi-faceted and includes projects involving research, analysis, and drafting reports and memoranda; client administrative support and management; strategic communications; and event planning. Example projects include working on innovative strategies for the Department of Defense that promote compatible land use and regional planning with
surrounding communities.
Applicants can be graduate students or very recent graduate school alums, and must be (or have been) in the top half of their graduate program class. Level of work available to interns would depend on their level of experience. Strong writing ability is a must, as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Computer and graphics skills (such as ability to use Adobe InDesign) can be a plus.
Review of applications is on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at their earliest convenience.
Please send cover letters/resumes to sustainabilityjob@gmail.com.
Sustainability policy areas to be covered include emerging issues around land use and regional/conservation planning as well as climate change and renewable energy. Applicant should have very strong interest in these subjects and particular related work experience
and/or coursework.
Internship is multi-faceted and includes projects involving research, analysis, and drafting reports and memoranda; client administrative support and management; strategic communications; and event planning. Example projects include working on innovative strategies for the Department of Defense that promote compatible land use and regional planning with
surrounding communities.
Applicants can be graduate students or very recent graduate school alums, and must be (or have been) in the top half of their graduate program class. Level of work available to interns would depend on their level of experience. Strong writing ability is a must, as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Computer and graphics skills (such as ability to use Adobe InDesign) can be a plus.
Review of applications is on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at their earliest convenience.
Please send cover letters/resumes to sustainabilityjob@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Job Announcements from DHCD
The following job announcements have been posted by the Department of Housing and Community Development:
Community Representative
Sr Public Finance Analyst
Administrative Assistant
Energy Assessment & Compliance Coordinator
Community Representative
Sr Public Finance Analyst
Administrative Assistant
Energy Assessment & Compliance Coordinator
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
AESS Conference & New Journal
The 2011 AESS (Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences) conference is being held June 23-26 at the University of Vermont. AESS is emerging as one of the most important international conferences for interdisciplinary discussions of environmental challenges. Social scientists have the opportunity to present to and collaborate with natural scientists and humanists on a wide variety of topics. Session formats include oral and poster presentations as well as workshops, symposia, panels, and roundtable discussions.
Please consider presenting at the upcoming AESS conference (and joining AESS if you are not yet a member). The call for abstracts (presentations) is now open, and the initial program information will be posted soon. For more information on the conference or to submit
an abstract, visit the AESS 2011 Conference Website (www.aess.info/2011)
Also, the flagship journal of AESS--the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, or JESS (Springer)--is set for its inaugural issue spring 2011, with planned contributions from Terry Chapin, David Orr, and Paul Ehrlich, among others. Please consider submitting your scholarship to JESS. To learn more, please visit: http://www.springer.com/environment/journal/13412
Please consider presenting at the upcoming AESS conference (and joining AESS if you are not yet a member). The call for abstracts (presentations) is now open, and the initial program information will be posted soon. For more information on the conference or to submit
an abstract, visit the AESS 2011 Conference Website (www.aess.info/2011)
Also, the flagship journal of AESS--the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, or JESS (Springer)--is set for its inaugural issue spring 2011, with planned contributions from Terry Chapin, David Orr, and Paul Ehrlich, among others. Please consider submitting your scholarship to JESS. To learn more, please visit: http://www.springer.com/
2011 National Park Transportation Scholars Program
Applications are now being accepted for the 2011 National Park Transportation Scholars Program (found here)
The National Park Transportation Scholars Program gives transportation specialists a unique opportunity for career development and public service. The Scholars Program places transportation professionals, as well as master's and doctoral candidates in the fields of transportation, engineering, and planning, in National Parks across the country to assist Park Service staff in developing transportation solutions that preserve valuable resources and enhance the visitor experience.
Assignments begin on or about June 20, 2011 and last either 6 or 12 months. Scholars receive a stipend of $25,000 for a six month assignment and $50,000 for 12 months. Park projects involve transportation planning and analysis, coordination with local communities, environmental and traffic studies, and other transportation-related tasks. This program is in partnership with the National Park Foundation, National Park Service, Eno Transportation Foundation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center.
Who Should Apply
If you have substantial knowledge and expertise in transportation planning or a related area, then you are eligible to apply to become a National Park Transportation Scholar. The program is open to graduate students, transportation professionals (active or retired), and university faculty.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit packets consisting of:
· The Application Cover Sheet. Click here to download
· Resume
· Statement of interest (no more than 1000 words).
· Letter of recommendation from a current or past supervisor, an academic advisor, or other person who can attest to your knowledge and skills.
(Applications are only eligible if they include ALL the above material)
2011 Scholar Assignments
(Detailed descriptions provided at http://www.enotrans.com)
Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Arches National Park
National Capital Region and George Washington Memorial Parks
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
North Cascades National Park
Completed application packets must be received by 5:00 pm EST on February 28, 2011
Send application packets to:
Eno Transportation Foundation
Attn: Melissa Paradis
1250 I Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20005
Applications may also be emailed to (mparadis@enotrans.com).
Questions?
Contact Melissa Paradis of the Eno Staff at 202-879-4703.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Politics and Planning Speaker Series
"Power, You Can't Measure It But You Know When You Don't Have It"
By Clarence Stone
When: February 9 (Wednesday), 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: 1021 Prince Street
Second Floor Lounge
Co-Sponsored by the Metropolitan Institute and the School of Public and international Affairs (SPIA)
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Abstract—Community organizers, reformers, and sometimes even planners have a primary goal of empowering those who are not well off. But what is empowerment and how do you know when you have achieved it? Is empowerment of the poor feasible or only a pipe dream? Though there is no widely accepted metric of power, we can say much about who is powerful in city politics. A starting point is to be clear about different scopes of power—power to set the agenda, power to say NIMBY, capacity to launch a movement, or capacity to have junk cars removed from the neighborhood. Beyond that, the challenge is to think long term, and think like Albert Einstein and not Sir Isaac Newton.
Brief bio—Clarence Stone is Research Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at George Washington University. He is perhaps best known for REGIME POLITICS, a book on Atlanta’s biracial coalition that develops the concept of an urban regime. He was a Visiting Fulbright Professor at the University of Southern Denmark in 2001-2002 and continues to have an interest in comparative local politics. Currently he is coordinating a transatlantic study of policies to regenerate urban neighborhoods and in that project is part of a team studying Baltimore.
For more details, please take a look at our new website at:
http://www.spia.vt.edu/about/
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