Rust Belt Road Trip!

Ever wonder what it's like to plan in a city that isn't growing? How do neighborhood groups, planners, government officials, business and non-profit leaders work with communities in the context of shrinking population, diminishing fiscal resources, and other challenges? LET'S FIND OUT! What: A Rust Belt Road Trip - 4-5 Cities - 5 days - Meet with players in the planning field about the challenges and lessons of Rust Belt cities Why: This is a chance to explore a side of planning that we don't study very often--cities that aren't growing and are not likely to grow. With the changing economic situation more and more cities will be facing some of the same challenges that Rust Belt cities have faced. When: I'm looking at two possible time periods: March 24-28, 2009 (part of Spring Break) or Third Week in May (after finals week) CITIES BEING CONSIDERED: OH: Youngstown, Akron, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo MI: Detroit, Flint IN: Gary, Indianapolis, Bloomington IL: Decatur PA: Pittsburgh, Braddock This will depend on interests of the students who go!

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