My personal interests lie in a couple areas. The first is developing new practices and approaches to integrate economic development into Smart Growth. The second area of interest is in native landscapes in the built environment to enhance both ecological functions and economic value.
[OT] Within a couple of months I will be issuing an RFP for a downtown building we took through eminent domain. This historic structure dates in part of 1854, and even before a fire in 1998, had many "issues" regarding its use and appearance. A year after the fire, when nothing had been done to address the damage, we began legal proceedings. It took four years, but sometime next year there will be an attractive building and viable business in this key lakefront location across from the city hall. To me at least, that is a legitimate exercise of our authority to take property for private purposes, which is still serving a public purpose.[/OT]