Laura received her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego.  As a student, she explored how community involvement in the design phase of parks leads to an increase in usage.  While in school, Laura volunteered with the San Diego Architectural Foundation and the Muir Renovations Committee, helping develop lesson plans for teachers and students and respectively representing the student body in the post-remodeling decision making process for the interior design of various on-campus facilities.  Laura held a placement as a Hazards Mitigation Specialist for Clackamas County Emergency Management during her first year with the RARE Program, which provided her an in-depth look into the hazards mitigation planning field.  Following her second year with the RARE Program, Laura hopes to find work directly relating to her Degree in Urban Studies and Planning.

Placement: City of Coburg

Population:  1,075

Location:  Coburg

Sponsor:  City of Coburg

Supervisor:  Petra Schuetz

County:  Lane

 Willamette Valley.  City Planning.

The City of Coburg recently celebrated 120 years of incorporation as a City (2011).  The City is located three miles north of Eugene, Oregon.  First settled in 1847 by John Diamond and Jacob Spores, the small community gained fame for a beautiful stallion imported from Coburg Germany by a local blacksmith. The horse had such a reputation that the blossoming town was soon known simply as “Coburg.” Until recently, the economic development of the community was focused primarily on antique shops and the motor coach industry. Today Coburg has over 60 businesses; most small, locally owned.  Incorporated in 1893, the City of Coburg is led by an appointed Mayor, a City Administrator and six City Councilors.

The RARE participant placed with the City of Coburg will act as a key catalyst for developing the community’s vision in the areas of Economic Development and Historic Preservation.  The participant will bring diverse perspectives together to develop both products and to capacitate the City and community organizations to implement the respective products/programs.  Specifically, the participant will assist in development of a comprehensive economic development strategic plan and help instate a formal Historic Preservation Program for the existing National Historic District in Coburg.

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