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Apr 05
Through May 31, 2012, Oregon nonprofits may apply to host Conversation Project programs taking place between July 1, 2012 and October 31,... More
Jul 15
Race and change in Oregon. Life after war. Censorship in literature. Rethinking downtown. These are just a few of topics available during... More
The Conversation Project offers Oregon nonprofits free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state's future. Conversations are facilitated by some of Oregon's most respected humanities scholars.
Historically, a city’s downtown core has been the community’s cultural and economic center, expressing shared values and aspirations. Today, however, many downtowns represent a community’s social and economic distress. Cities of all sizes are trying to revitalize their downtowns, but the qualities essential to this revitalization remain elusive. Nan Laurence, a senior planner for the City of Eugene, will explore the changing character of downtown activities, urban forms, and public spaces and lead participants in a conversation about how downtowns can represent a community’s ideals and aspirations.
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Equipment required: chalkboard/whiteboard
Program available through October 2013
Nan Laurence has been a city planner for twenty-five years. Her professional responsibilities have emphasized idea-based planning and public engagement with the goal of creating communities that are truly livable, sustainable, and beautiful. She has led a number of long-range planning and visioning efforts, and helped to identify key issues and decision points for community members and appointed and elected officials. Currently, she manages large-scale downtown development efforts and collaborates on arts and culture projects as a Senior Planner for the City of Eugene. Her role is to help the downtown urban form and activities more closely reflect the community’s vision and opportunities. Laurence has a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia, a Master of City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology from Earlham College.
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