Panel discussion on land use and development in Michigan Oct. 4

Panel discussion on land use and development in Michigan Oct. 4

EDITORS: Reporters, with credentials, need not pay registration fees.

ANN ARBOR—A conference designed to promote a greater understanding of the significance of decisions regarding land use is scheduled for Oct. 4 at the University of Michigan.

“Getting Beyond Borders: A Participatory Discussion on Land Use in Michigan” will address a broad range of land use issues and include practical public and private sector approaches to land use and development throughout the state, according to James Kosteva, U-M director of community relations. The 9 a.m.-4 p.m. event, at the Michigan Union, is open to the public. Registration is $25, which includes lunch.

[Map of Central Campus, Michigan Union in lower left]

Beginning at 9 a.m., practitioners will discuss their perspectives and experiences with urban and suburban development, as well as addressing the impact on environmental and agricultural resources. Panelists are Paul Bernard, director of planning and development for the city of Detroit; James Fuerstenau, executive director of the Michigan Farmland and Community Alliance; Conan Smith, land programs director at the Michigan Environmental Council; and Jeffrey Kaczmarek, senior vice president of business services for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Others on the panel are Jeff Fisher, executive director of the Washtenaw Homebuilders Association, and Thomas Yack, Canton Township supervisor.

At 11:30 a.m., legal experts will review legal issues including local ordinances and environmental law. Speakers are Prof. Roderick M. Hills of the U-M Law School, and Jerold Lax, associate professor of urban planning at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at U-M.

Douglas S. Kelbaugh, dean of the U-M Taubman College, will deliver a luncheon address, “Repairing the American Metropolis.”

In the afternoon, four breakout sessions are scheduled. The topics are: “Reforming Land Use Regulation,” “Brownfield and Greenfield Innovations,” “Infrastructure,” and “Regional Government Cooperation.” The sessions will examine where current trends might lead, who is doing something to address these issues, and what additional tools are needed. Members of the audience are encouraged to ask questions and participate in the discussion. The scheduled discussion wraps up at 3:45 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the U-M Office of the Vice President for Government Relations. Individuals can register by phone (734) 763-5554, via e-mail at beyondborders@umich.edu or on the Web, www.umich.edu/~govrel/beyondborders. For more information, call (734) 763-5554.

Michigan UnionMap of Central CampusPanelistslegal expertsDouglas S. KelbaughReforming Land Use RegulationOffice of the Vice President for Government Relations