Abstract: Land use models and scenarios are important tools for evaluating the potential environmental and ecological impacts of land use policies and decisions. To be useful, such tools should both account for underlying social drivers of land use change and provide information on the physical landscape changes (i.e., land cover) brought about by land use change. This presentation summarizes work on how land use and land cover change are linked in the Upper Midwest, and various approaches to spatial modeling and simulation of these changes for the development of scenarios.

Abstract This event begins with a guided bus tour of the City of Detroit, to provide a first hand look at areas of the city that demonstrate the wide range of neighborhood experiences, from those in stress to those already undergoing extensive revitalization. After the tour, the panel discussion will focus on the Detroit Works Project, and the role of community groups in efforts to revitalize the city.

This panel discussion will feature experts in the environment, energy, and economics for a discussion on how the policies of the presidential candidates will impact Michigan. They will be joined by advocates for both the Obama and McCain campaigns. Listen to the discussion, and ask your questions. Panelists:Democratic surrogate: Mark Brewer, State Democratic Party chairRepublican surrogate: Joe Schwarz, Former Congressman (Michigan 7th District)Economy expert: Charles L.

Abstract What is the role of government in creating a sustainable and fair food system? How does the work of policy makers relate to that of agencies and non-governmental organizations? This panel discussion will explore the roles that various entities play in governing Michigan's food system.

The full paper is available as PDF file. E. Scott Adler University of Colorado Abstract: What values and priorities motivate the design of political institutions? In this paper, we investigate committee reform in the U.S. House of Representatives to consider two questions: What drives structural change in Congress? What values and priorities decide the 'turf wars' that result when Congress assign jurisdictional control over issues to congressional committees?

Karen Mossberger Caroline Tolbert Kent State University Abstract: The forthcoming book, 'Beyond the Digital Divide' (Georgetown University Press), redefines the issue of the digital divide in broader terms. The authors argue that the problem has been too narrowly conceived in public debate, research, and programs as primarily an issue of access. In reality, there are multiple information technology divides ­ an access divide, a skill divide, an economic opportunity divide, and a democratic divide. Access without skill is insufficient.

The full paper is available as PDF file. Krishna Ladha New York University Abstract:

Bruce Katz is one of the most prominent commentators on cities and urban policy in America. A former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, he heads The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program and its varied research agenda on the challenges facing America's metropolitan regions. Katz has been in the trenches of urban policy making in the executive and legislative branches of government, and his informed commentaries are frequently featured on op-ed pages across the country.

Abstract: New investments in 'green' power are essential for mitigating the impacts of global climate change. While wind power is now considered both technologically mature and economically feasible, it faces bitter opposition from local communities on the grounds that wind turbines amount to visual pollution. This presentation will examine the role that visual imagery is playing in policy debates about the siting of new wind farms.

David Deming will present his study of the implementation of an open enrollment public school choice plan in Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district (CMS) in 2002. Students were guaranteed admission to their home school but could apply to as many as 3 other public schools in the district. Where demand for slots exceeded supply, assignment was determined by randomized lottery. Deming finds significant benefits of school choice for students who come from neighborhoods that are assigned to very low performing schools.