REGIONAL MEETINGS 

The Purpose of the Workshop

 • Convene regional conversations among community leaders and citizens from public, private and non-profit sectors to address major challenges facing communities;

• Evaluate possible solutions for addressing community challenges and discuss best practices

• Provide regions with access to resources, technology, and expertise in the creation of solutions to regional problems

• Provide ongoing consultation among regional leaders through the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University

Workshop Agenda 

The workshops will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 3 p.m. 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, the Indiana Humanities Council and event sponsors. Your region can select from the following menu of issues to customize your agenda:

1. Green Agenda/Sustainability: Cities, towns, and counties are anxious to do their part to conserve energy and promote environmental sustainability. We will focus upon the elements of cost-effective green agenda and show how local governments can develop their own environmental sustainability plans.

2. Community/Economic Develop: Affordable housing, rejuvenated commercial corridors, new jobs-these are important priorities for cities and towns. 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 cities and towns.

3. Arts and Culture are 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. We will show how cities and towns have created, funded and implemented an arts and culture strategy and how it can be done in communities across Indiana.

 4. Local Government Reform: In the last several sessions, the Indiana General Assembly has considered government restructuring proposals in individual counties and statewide. The Kernan-Shepard Report on local government reform, including government consolidation, will be a major focus in the 2009 session. Tax restructuring has impacted cities and counties profoundly. We will focus on how cities, towns, and counties can work and plan within this new environment and deliver services as well or better to their residents.

5. Education Reform: Communities across Indiana are looking for new ways to strengthen public education. We will explore innovative new developments in education reform and discuss ways that cities, towns, and counties can become more involved with public education and partner with their local systems.

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 that will advance initiatives emerging from workshop discussions. 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.

How can my Region apply? 

To apply, please submit a letter of interest by January 20, 2009 to address below. Include the following:

• Name and contact information of lead community partner

• Definition of region and list of top workshop partners

• Selection of issue/issues from the above menu

• Three potential dates between February 1 and May 1, 2009

When will we know if our region is selected? 

Four regions will be selected and notified by the end of January 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Raymond Scheele and Sally Jo Vasicko, Co-Directors, Bowen Center for Public Affairs, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, 765-285-8982, rscheele@bsu.edu, svasicko@bsu.edu

For more information click on or copy and paste the following link into your browser:
http://www.bsu.edu/politicalscience/media/pdf/ihcbowen_workshop.pdf