Speaker: Arthur C. Nelson

Presidential Professor of City & Metropolitan Planning; Director, Metropolitan Research Center, College of Architecture + Planning; Adjunct Professor of Finance, David Eccles School of Business, University OF Utah

Topic: An American in Vancouver: Lessons to be Learned Across the Borders

Respondents:

Jeffrey Busby, Manager, Infrastructure Planning, TransLink

Eric Vance,  Adjunct Professor, School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia

Description: 

At more than two million residents, Vancouver, BC and Portland, Oregon, are practically the same size. Portland is considered the premier example of "smart growth" in the United States based in large part on its extensive rail transit system. Yet, Vancouver's system, which is about the same age, carries vastly more passengers and has created vastly more dynamic "transit oriented developments" than Portland. If Portland is a leader in the US but trails Vancouver so much, what is the future of rail transit in the states?

In his presentation, Dr. Nelson will identify key lessons the states can learn from the kind of rail transit planning and development engaged in Vancouver that may be transferred to the states. The presentation will include an open dialogue to learn nuances of Vancouver's lessons.

Bio: Dr. Arthur C. (Christian “Chris”) Nelson, FAICP, is Presidential Professor of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah where he is also Director of the Metropolitan Research Center, Adjunct Professor of Finance in the David Eccles School of Business, and Co-Director of the Master of Real Estate Program. For the past thirty years, Dr. Nelson has conducted pioneering research in growth management, urban containment, public facility finance, economic development, and metropolitan development patterns.

He has written more than 20 books and more than 300 other works. Dr. Nelson serves in various editorial capacities for the Journal of the American Planning Association, Housing Policy Debate Journal of Urban Affairs, Journal of Planning Education and Research, and the Journal of Planning Literature.

Dr. Nelson’s current work focuses on how demographic economic forces along with shifts in housing preference will reshape America’s metropolitan areas for the rest of this century.

Date: March 9, 2011

Location: Multipurpose 4&5, Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athlete's Way. Vancouver, BC

Time: Doors open at 12:00PM, Lecture begins at 12:30 PM

Cost: Free (RSVP MANDATORY)

The Transformational Lecture Series aims to inspire all building industry professionals to embrace their role in creating as sustainable built environment now, as well as ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to all development in the future. In an effort to both reduce cost and carbon emissions, and to inspire the local community, most speakers are notable local heroes and reside in the Pacific Northwest.

Cascadia thanks the City of Vancouver for sponsoring the venue.