UF students, faculty and staff as well as members of the greater Gainesville community are invited to two events this month related to UF’s Strategic Development Plan. Both events are free.
The first is a Public Meeting on Wednesday, August 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Thelma A. Boltin Center at 516 NE Second Ave. The meeting will be an open forum to learn the latest information regarding UF’s Strategic Development Plan, discuss ideas and receive feedback from the community on future planning.
The second event is a public symposium on Wednesday, August 31 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the President's Ballroom at Emerson Alumni Hall at 1938 W. University Ave. “University Towns: Perspectives on Strategic Development Planning” will explore how cities and universities across the country have worked together to implement plans similar to UF’s Strategic Development Plan. In the morning session, leading thinkers from both the public and private sector will present relevant case studies from their work in other cities that are home to large academic institutions. In the afternoon session, they will offer insights into the university’s evolving Strategic Development Plan.
Speakers and topics scheduled for the symposium are:
Danny Sniff, University of Georgia: “Planning and Preservation on a Southern Campus and College Town”
Gordon Merklein, University of North Carolina: “Strengthening the Core of College Towns”
Alice Raucher, University of Virginia: “Connecting Town and Campus”
Eime Tobari, Space Syntax: “Creating Urban Spaces that Foster Interconnectedness, Movement, Awareness, Encounter and Exchange”
Terry Foegler, City of Dublin, Ohio and The Ohio State University: “University and Community Partnerships for Redeveloping Urban Neighborhoods”
UF’s Strategic Development Plan will seek to provide a road map for the university and surrounding community’s future that supports UF’s rise to preeminence by identifying the best opportunities for wise growth, economic viability and livability over the next 40 to 50 years.
Two public forums have been held thus far, with more to come in the fall. The most recent, held July 27 at the GRU building downtown, drew a capacity crowd, including UF and community members, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and several city commissioners. Topics included how to preserve Gainesville’s history and independent character while moving forward to lay the groundwork for a successful city and university in years to come.
For more information, please visit the Strategic Development Plan website.
Sign up for the latest news and updates regarding the plan here.
