The recent issue of FarWest Neighbors News includes a story on the Moving Forward Together conference:

What are the changing trends in housing, economic development and transportation—and what do these mean for the future of Lane County?

A dozen experts from around the country offered their answers at the recent Lane County Moving Forward Together “smart growth” conference.

Former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening presented demographic shifts caused by Baby Boomers approaching retirement. The number of households without children is increasing. He argues that the nation already has all the traditional single-family detached housing it needs. Demand for other kinds of housing will increase over the coming decades.

Economist Joe Cortright shared the results of a recent study, “Driven to the Brink: How the gas price spike popped the housing bubble,” showing that home values have fallen most in areas with the longest commutes. People are looking to live closer to where they work to save money on gasoline.

Developer Robert “Skip” Rotticci offered three principles for development: connectivity, diversity, and sustainability. Connections between where people live, work, shop, learn and play—and between each other—enhances community. Diversity in housing types, jobs, shops, transportation, and kinds of residents provides choices and a strong community.

Reid Ewing, author of Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change, underscored reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Dennis Donald and John Huyler, who are facilitating the West Eugene Collaborative, talked about when collaboration is a good decision-making process—and when it isn’t.

For more information about the conference, including videos of the speakers and slide presentations, and to join the online discussion, visit www.movingforwardtogether.net.