Based on preliminary discussions, major and specific recommendations on state land trust reform and key growth issues are likely to result from the 91st Arizona Town Hall now underway at the Grand Canyon. The panel discussions on "Land Use: Challenges and Choices for the 21st Century" have been energetic and thoughtful.
In the keynote address, Bruce E. Babbitt, former secretary for the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, former governor of Arizona, and chairman of the Board of the World Wildlife Fund, urged participants to consider "the whole palette of land use planning in our state" and take advantage of opportunities to "paint spatial relationships" and consolidate the current checkerboard of state and federal lands in a rational way.
"Local governments should have a meaningful, statutory voice in planning the future of state lands," Babbitt said. "The Legislature should grant by statute to each county the legal authority to designate up to 50% of the lands within that county as conservation lands to be withheld from sale for a period of 50 years."
Arthur C. (Chris) Nelson, Director, Metropolitan Institute and professor of Urban Affairs & Planning at Virginia Tech University spoke about the enormous scope of projected growth in Arizona and what the inevitable changes will mean for land use and quality of life in the state. He urged Arizona to serve as a leader for the nation in effectively addressing rapid population changes with limited resources.
The final report of recommendations, Babbitt's speaking notes, and Nelson's slides will be posted at www.aztownhall.org.
The Helios Education Foundation is supporting the 92nd Arizona Town Hall on Education in Spring 2008 with a major sponsorship.
We are actively seeking additional sponsors at all levels for the 2008 Town Halls on Education in April and on Workforce Affordable Housing in October.
