The Governor's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal

The Governor's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal is eager to gain citizen input into the rebuilding process. They have been working with me to design mechanisms for gaining input into the rebuilding process. We've established a 1-800 number for comments, a series of town hall meetings, and an online discussion forum. To learn more about these efforts visit http://www.governorscommission.com. The Governor's Commission is responsible for developing a plan for rebuilding by the end of the year. I'd encourage you to take a look at what they are doing.

From the Commission's perspective the Mississippi Renewal Forum is the first step in the rebuilding process. Everyone is taking one week out to sit down and think about planning and development. I see this as a wonderful first step.

Hopefully, the commission as it continues its work will be able to involve citizens in the decision making process.

That said, is the participation process ideal, no, but at least they are moving forward more quickly with mobilizing public officials, planners, and the public to talk about rebuilding.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Evans-Cowley, PhD, AICP
Assistant Professor and
Planning Education at a Distance Program Director
City and Regional Planning
Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture
The Ohio State University
275 West Woodruff Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1138
(614) 247-7479
cowley.11@osu.edu