The University of Oregon is joining the city of Eugene and other groups to sponsor a national conference on neighborhood concerns that runs through this Saturday.
The 2014 Neighborhoods, USA gathering began Wednesday and will run through May 24. The theme of the 39th annual conference is “Growing Community – Hand in Hand.”
The conference will focus not only on the Eugene community but also on neighborhoods across the country and even around the world. But the Eugene community exemplifies this year’s theme of coordinated growth with its healthy and developing downtown, active neighborhood groups, citizens who care about human rights and regular collaboration to reduce carbon footprints and improve environmental sustainability.
More than 550 people from all over the United States as well as other nations are expected to attend. Groups from the Netherlands and Japan will provide an international perspective to local neighborhood issues.
“This national conference brings to our community people from all over with a passion for civic engagement and who care about vibrant communities,” said Karen Hyatt, the UO’s assistant director of government and community relations and neighborhood liaison. “Many folks who attend, work at, or live near the UO will interact with and absorb great ideas from people who care about their communities.”
The event furthers the Neighborhoods, USA mission to encourage networking and information sharing and to develop partnerships between neighborhood organizations, government and the private sector to maintain healthy communities.
The UO is a major sponsor and active participant in the conference. The planning was a collaborative effort by the UO, city of Eugene, Travel Lane County, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. The workshop will feature more than 50 educational workshops and 11 neighborhood pride tours.
An opening reception will be held on May 21 at the Ford Alumni Center with opening remarks from the Dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts Frances Bronet, followed by UO campus tours. Additionally, 14 presenters from the UO will speak at eight of the 50 conference workshops.
“With the opening reception and campus tours during our beautiful spring, we’ll get to showcase the UO at its very best,” said Hyatt.
One of the eight workshop tracks will focus on town and gown topics that address issues related to university towns as well as the positive effect the UO has on the Eugene community.
“The UO is a true partner in this effort,” said Hyatt.
For more information about the conference, visit the Neighborhoods, USA website.
-By Sarah MacKenzie, UO Public Affairs Communications intern