Author: Admin

An Innovative Look At Regional Economic Development by AJ Bernhardt

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An Innovative Look At Regional Economic Development by AJ Bernhardt

I’m Adams (AJ) Bernhardt, a first year Master of Community and Regional Planning student loving all UO and Eugene has to offer. When not consumed with the Community Planning Workshop (CPW), you can find me in the Whiteaker indulging in Eugene’s microbrewery cluster, at Mt. Bachelor finding tree lines, or up in the Buttes enjoying views of the Emerald City.

Eugene, like many mid-sized cities, is faced with a challenged economy as indicated by high unemployment and low wages in comparison to the nation. Despite these statistics, the city has witnessed excitement surrounding recent economic development efforts. Anchored by the legislative proposal titled RAIN (Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network), the concept looks to facilitate regional economic growth by advancing the formation, support, growth, and retention of technology-based startups. Building on an emerging culture of innovation and research conducted at both Oregon State University and University of Oregon, the proposal is revered as an essential step in spurring high wage job creation in the South Willamette Valley Region.

Our role in CPW is to link Eugene’s proposed physical accelerator to a local network of business support programs and services. Interviews with local agencies and recent tech-based startups coupled with case study research have informed the development of an innovation network model. This model provides a framework that assists developing and growing companies within the region access crucial services surrounding financing, mentorship, networking, etc.

Through this project my understanding of the interaction between the public and private sector has become refined. I’ve become fascinated with the extensive business support structure that exists within Eugene, and the willingness and eagerness of local officials to support developing businesses. This finding in conjunction with emerging tech-clusters (Silicon Shire, EduTech) brings optimism to both the feasibility of the RAIN concept and regional economic growth.

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Proactive NOT Reactive by Robert Morris

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Proactive NOT Reactive by Robert Morris

Natural disasters are always unpredictable, and can cause significant damage to communities. Proactive planning is necessary to mitigate the impact of hazards and can reduce loss of life and property from natural hazard events. Natural Hazard Planning is a formalized approach designed to reduce the risk of natural hazards as they impact communities.

The Community Planning Workshop provides students the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge in community-integrated projects, networking and professional development. This term, I have been working with a student team responsible for updating a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) for Jefferson County, Oregon to submit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In order for local jurisdictions to receive funding from FEMA, they are required to maintain and update a National Hazards Mitigation Plan every five years.

For the last two terms, I have had the opportunity to meet with various city officials through stakeholder interviews and by leading three steering committee meetings. This experience has taught me the importance of understanding working within a community, as well as the attention to detail that is required to engage in a successful public involvement process.

This project has given me pride in my ability to contribute to a collaborative process that produces a tangible document, which will be used by the community as a reference and guideline for mitigating community risk to hazard. By undertaking and implementing mitigation plan actions, and working closely with knowledgeable professionals (steering committee members), the hazard mitigation plan will reduce the potential threat to people and property from future hazardous events.

Robert Morris Bio: 1st Year Community and Regional Planning Masters candidate. I am from Pennants, Jamaica. My background is in architecture and I am now interested in what solutions can recycling opportunities offer with regards to the growing problem of homelessness.

Meet our Students: Robert Morris / Community and Regional Planning

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