Richard J. Jackson, Chair of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA
On June 22, Dr. Richard Jackson will discuss the link between our health and the way our communities — especially our suburbs — are designed. Obesity, asthma, diabetes and heart disease are all aggravated by the ways we live our lives today. For the first time in two centuries, children today face shorter life expectancies than their parents, due in part to unhealthy lifestyles. It doesn’t have to be this way. Dr. Jackson will talk about how well designed communities and better transportation choices can enable physical activity and improve both our physical and mental health.
Appraising the Region's Urban Growth Boundary
Date:
November 6, 2009 - 12:15pm
Speaker(s):
Michael Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, Metro
Mayor Jerry Willey, City of Hillsboro
Portland’s population is expected to experience extraordinary growth in the coming years. Planning for this unprecedented growth is a fine balancing act: can the region’s planners preserve the urban growth boundary to protect farmland, forestland and outdoor recreation opportunities while ensuring that there will be enough land to accommodate new residents and businesses?
On November 6, City Club welcomes Michael Jordan, chief operating officer at Metro, and Mayor Jerry Willey of Hillsboro who will appraise the strengths and restrictions of Portland’s urban growth boundary. They will discuss the delicate balance the region is working to achieve as Portland’s urban planners move toward decisions about the next 50 years of land needs. They will also offer alternative perspectives on the best way to manage the region’s projected population growth while maintaining its quality of life.
Portland's New Economic Development Strategy
Date:
July 24, 2009 - 12:15pm
Speaker(s):
Erin Flynn, economic development director, Portland Development Commission
With its commitment to sustainability and “green living,” Portland frequently ranks as one of the most livable cities in America. But the high quality of life that brings people to Portland has not automatically translated to economic opportunities or jobs once they’re here.
Date:
June 20, 2008 - 5:00pm
Speaker(s):
Zari Santner
Vibrant parks contribute to what makes Portland a great place to live, work and play. On June 20, Zari Santner, director of Portland Parks & Recreation, will explore the richness of the city’s parks system and explain how she is addressing the challenges of managing park resources and distributing those resources equally.
Date:
March 12, 2008 - 5:00pm
Speaker(s):
Neal Peirce
David Bragdon
On March 14, Citistates Group chair Neal Peirce and Metro Council president David Bragdon will discuss the importance of strategic regional planning, especially in developing parks and urban green infrastructure.
Peirce will discuss how “citistates” – or metropolitan regions – can position themselves to cope with the demanding environmental, economic and social challenges of the 21st century – and especially how they can harness civic forces to promote livability and sustainability.
Date:
October 12, 2007 - 5:00pm
Speaker(s):
Jeff Cogen
David Hunnicutt
Ballot Measure 49 would amend current land-use law enacted when voters approved controversial Measure 37 in 2004. Measure 49, which will be voted on in the November 6 special election, has been referred to voters by the Legislature as a reasonable fix to Measure 37—a citizen initiative that failed to settle Oregon’s long struggle to balance the interests of individual property owners with statewide planning goals intended to protect shared public interests. Opponents disagree that a fix is needed, calling Measure 49 unfair, overreaching and an affront to voters who approved Measure 37.
Date:
March 23, 2007 - 5:00pm
Speaker(s):
Larry George
Greg Macpherson
On Friday, March 23 Representatives Larry George (R-Sherwood, District 13) and Greg Macpherson (D-Lake Oswego, District 38) join City Club for a look at the implementation of Ballot Measure 37, and the changes that may lie ahead in land-use law. Measure 37, controversial since it was enacted in 2004, has figured prominently in debates about the rights of property owners versus the public’s right to enforce environmental and other land-use regulations.
