When: October 14, 2009
Where: Continuing Education and Conference Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
Fees: $125 early, $50 student (postmarked by October 1); $150 late, $75 student (postmarked after October 1). Students must include a current fee statement.

In 2008, a global financial crisis dragged both the U.S. and the world economies into what many are calling the “Great Recession.” Although only the wisdom of history will truly assess the severity of the current recession, our economy is on rockier ground than it has been in decades. Families, businesses, and government alike are struggling to operate in this new world. This year’s Policy Analysis Conference will examine how Minnesota is using the current recession to develop innovative public policies and prepare our state to come out of the recession stronger than ever. Join us as we discuss how communities are leveraging transit investments to transform their neighborhoods, how advances in free Web-mapping tools empower governments and nonprofits to do more with less, and how strategy-aligned management can help break the cycle of poverty. After all, we should never let a serious crisis go to waste.

This year’s keynote presentation features Chris Farrell, economics editor for American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. Mr. Farrell will share his thoughts on the economic crisis of 2008–2009, which may go down as the most severe national and international economic setback since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Given current national and state economies, what are the implications for future economic growth in Minnesota and nationally? Will we be “out of the woods” in 2010? What future economic “shocks” can we anticipate? How can we best respond to the current economy and prepare for a better economy in 2010 and beyond?

In addition to three plenary sessions, the conference features eight concurrent sessions that focus on topics such as renewable energy, the aftermath of the housing market meltdown, social media, capping carbon, public transit, community strategies for change, and free Web-mapping tools. The conference also features an evening reception hosted by the conference co-sponsors. Participants are invited to network with peers, meet conference presenters, and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine.

For Further Information: 

Visit: www.cce.umn.edu/policyanalysis
Download brochure: www.cura.umn.edu/News/Events/PolicyConfBrochure2009.pdf
Contact: Sara Van Essendelft, cceconf5@umn.edu or 612-624-3708

Sponsored by the College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota and the Economic Resource Group;
Co-sponsored by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota; the Citizens League; Hamline University School of Business; and the
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota