March 12, 2009 7:00pm, Centre Space, Russell Building, University of Manitoba
Faculty of Architecture, Cultural Events Speaker Series

Shortly after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated America's Gulf Coast, leaders of the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN) asked planners and designers from Cornell University to assist them in developing a comprehensive post-disaster recovery plan for the city's 9th Ward. Working with students and faculty from Cornell, Columbia, and Illinois, these individuals created "The People's Plan for Overcoming the Hurricane Katrina Blues: A Strategy for Promoting a More Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable 9th Ward". This plan, along with ACORN's skillful community organizing resulted in a dramatic shift in Federal redevelopment priorities in New Orleans. Ken will discuss the technical, organizational, political, and ethical challenges confronting student and faculty planners and civic leaders who worked on The Peoples' Plan.