Pitt's GSPIA to Host Panel Discussion on Prospects for the Pittsburgh Region January 24

PITTSBURGH—Four former Pittsburgh and Allegheny County planning directors will share their perspectives on the region's vital signs and their visions for its future at a free panel discussion, titled "Prospects for the Pittsburgh Region," at 4 p.m. Jan. 24 in Room 2500 of the University of Pittsburgh's Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St., Oakland. For more information about the event, which is sponsored by Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), or to reserve a seat, call 412-648-7534.

"This is a critical time for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County," said Sabina Deitrick, associate professor in GSPIA. "This event will generate important and thoughtful discussion about what is being done and what could be done to improve the region's health and future." Deitrick will moderate the discussion with David Miller, associate dean of GSPIA. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion.

Scheduled to speak at the event are former planning director for Allegheny County Ray Reaves, a private consultant, and three former planning directors for the City of Pittsburgh: Jane Downing, senior program officer of The Pittsburgh Foundation; Eloise Hirsh, most recently director of the Mayor's Commission on Public Education; and Robert Lurcott, independent planning and development consultant.

GSPIA is a comprehensive school offering graduate and postgraduate programs in public administration, international development, public and international affairs, and public policy and management.

###

1/11/05/tmw