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The 2010 Regional Workshops will present the latest insights into how to develop competitive community strategies through collaboration, open dialogue, well-leveraged human capital and cultural assets, and a shared vision for the region across public, private, and non-profit sectors. The workshops are interactive and participatory. Recognizing the importance of action as well as vision, the agenda will be designed to bring us into an open civic dialogue.
The workshops are a day-long meeting beginning in the morning and concluding in mid-afternoon. A nominal fee will be charged to participants to cover the cost of meals and materials. The cost of the speakers, planning, and promotion will be covered by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, the Indiana Humanities Council and event sponsors.
AREAS OF FOCUS
If your region is selected, you can choose from the following menu of issues to customize our agenda:
Green Agenda/Sustainability—Cities, towns, and counties are anxious to do their part to conserve energy and promote environmental sustainability. The focus will be on exploring the elements of a cost-effective green agenda and sharing strategies on developing environmental sustainability plans.
Community/Economic Development—Affordable housing, rejuvenated commercial corridors, new jobs—these are important priorities for cities, towns, and counties. We will look at new tools available to communities and show how they can be used to make a difference in the quality of life and the quality of place in Indiana's communities and regions.
Arts and Culture as a Community Development Strategy—Many cities and towns have learned that enhancing their arts and cultural environment not only can make a big difference in how residents feel about their communities, but also can affect economic development and education. The focus will be on how cities and towns have created, funded, and implemented an arts-and-culture strategy and how it can be done in communities across Indiana.
The Future of Governing—The Indiana General Assembly in the last several sessions has considered government restructuring proposals both in individual counties and statewide. Tax restructuring has impacted cities, towns, and counties profoundly. We will help communities engage in a dialogue about these proposed changes and explore best practices in governing.
Twenty-First Century Learning Strategies—Communities across Indiana are looking for new ways to strengthen public education. Innovative new developments in education reform will be explored and discussions will focus on ways cities, towns, and counties can become more involved in promoting learning strategies to equip students and workers for the challenges of the 21st century.
Rural/Urban Connections—Communities throughout Indiana are struggling with various issues that impact their citizens such as intergenerational relations, family and quality of life concerns, and defining community identity. Rural/urban connections will be explored to determine how they can lead to building not only better relations between urban and rural entities but link the planning process to a regional perspective that recognizes both the rural and urban assets.
POST-MEETING FOLLOW UP:
The Bowen Center for Public Affairs will offer follow-up assistance for community officials and leaders committed to undertaking action plans to advance initiatives emerging from the workshop conversations. The assistance will consist of consultation with Center staff regarding plan implementation, sharing information about best practices, practical advice for creating workable plans of action, and opportunities for collaboration and exchange of ideas and experiences.
