Forum examines smart growth

Twelve students looking at Wisconsin’s smart growth law, which requires every local government in the state to adopt a community plan by 2010, will present their findings in a December forum.

The students, all seniors in an environmental studies seminar, will explore whether requirements for smart growth place undue burdens on local governments, whether Madison-based environmentalists seek to control the rural natural resources of the state, and whether the law really will control growth and development in Wisconsin.

The forum, “How Smart is Wisconsin’s Smart Growth Law?,” is Wednesday, Dec. 10, 4-5:30 p.m. at Memorial Union.

Since September, the students have compared patterns and factors of opposition to the law and its requirements, local governments’ experiences with implementing the law, and how communities have educated citizens about their options.

Contact Harvey M. Jacobs for information: 262-0552, hmjacobs@wisc.edu.