Regional Visioning: Transforming City Regions and Public Participation

The University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), in corporation with the American Council on Germany (ACG) and the German Center for Research and Innovation (GCRI) cordially invite you to a panel on:

Regional Visioning: Transforming City Regions and Public Participation

Thursday, April 19, 2018 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Reception to follow – RSVP by CLICKING HERE

By 2050, more than two thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in city regions and contribute to an ever-increasing percentage share of the global GDP. While cities are often associated with higher levels of literacy and education, better access to health care and social services as well as enhanced opportunities for cultural and political participation, growing urban environs pose significant risks to economic, social and environmental sustainability. Likewise, formerly heavily industrialized regions such as the Ruhr area and parts of New Jersey face similar challenges as they stake out a new future for themselves as new technology and research hubs. Given the growing complexity of urban growth and the transformation of city regions, integrated planning approaches are needed to more equitably and inclusively set policy priorities. The success of sustainable urban development depends to a large extent on the participation of local actors. But how does top-down planning meet bottom-up planning, what forms of public participation in decision-making processes seem particularly promising? What works in New Jersey, what works in Dortmund, Germany? Join an international panel of experts and city officials who will discuss the future of sustainable urban development.

Ullrich Sierau

Mayor of the City of Dortmund

Jamie Bemis

Mechanical engineer and city planner

Account Manager at Bright Power, Inc.

Wolfram Hoefer

Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

James G. Koth

Director of Parks & Recreation

County of Bergen

moderated by

Bettina Oberhauser

Editor for the European public television channels ARTE and 3sat

Hessischer Rundfunk