The Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University has launched Ask The Expert, a series of nine online discussion forums.
The forums are intended to equip Michigan communities to meet today's challenges and to provide the public with an easy-to-use tool to better understand topics ranging from the new enomy to renewable energy, and urban redevelopment to ecotourism.
The forums are now up at www.landpolicy.msu.edu/asktheexpert.
The nine moderated discussion forums cover:
New Thinking about Economic Growth
Smart Growth and Placemaking Strategies
Government Role in Land Use
Natural Resources
Energy and Sustainability
Agriculture/Food Systems
Transportation/Transit
Educating the Public
Social Issues
The discussion forums also cover an array of sub-topics, viewable on each forum's main page under "About This Forum." Users post questions or comments and receive posted responses that include research- and knowledge-based information from land use and economic development experts from several Michigan universities, including faculty from Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University, the University of Michigan and others, and experts outside of higher education.
"These online forums provide a stronger link between the expertise of faculty and other experts, and citizens, professionals, local leaders, students and others in the areas of land use and sustainable development," said Soji Adelaja, MSU John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy and Land Policy Institute director. "Through this web-based initiative, the public will become more familiar with the expertise of faculty who work in these areas, and it should help inform land use and economic development decision-making."
Beyond participating in online discussions, forum visitors can search for experts by name or area of expertise and communicate directly with them on issues related to their community or region. Expert profiles include basic information about each expert's professional qualifications, as well as their email address.
Frequently Asked Questions, accessible from and specific to each forum, will be posted and will expand over time based on expert responses, allowing future forum users to benefit from previous dialogue with experts.
The MSU Land Policy Institute focuses on research and outreach related to land use and strategic growth in the New Economy. The Institute delivers innovative solutions, transitioning knowledge from land use experts to the community. The Land Policy Institute was founded in 2006.
Learn more about the Land Policy Institute at www.landpolicy.msu.edu. Subscribe to "This Week at the Land Policy Institute," a weekly e-newsletter published each Friday afternoon, by clicking on "Subscribe to LPI's Weekly E-Newsletter" on the left side of the home page.
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