University Communications
University Reporter

Solve Urban Problems by Working Together, Forum Speakers Urge

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	Spotlights
	Campus Notes

What is the largest problem facing the Boston area? When a group of urban planners got together to discuss Boston's future, a consensus emerged that the true problem facing Boston and other cities is far less tangible than a pothole or pollution. It's the fact that we can't get people working together to recognize and solve problems.

The Forum for the 21st Century, sponsored by UMass Boston, tackled "Preventing Urban and Regional Problems before they Happen" on Sept. 21 at the BankBoston Auditorium.

Seattle Chamber of Commerce President Bob Watt and former mayor of Charlotte, N.C., Harvey Gantt, offered their insight into those things that go into making a successful city. "A lot of it is luck," said Gantt explaining leaders need to be prepared for the bad breaks, such as industry relocating to other areas of the country.

Watt and Gantt both cautioned that as the pace of change quickens, the Boston area cannot afford politics as usual. "One thing that will not serve you well in the future is this notion of politics as some kind of combat sport," said Watt.

Anne Finucane, senior vice president of Fleet Bank, said the problem facing Boston business is attracting good employees. The shortage speaks to the need to improve education and also the need for affordable housing for Boston's workforce.

To solve these problems, Finucane noted, requires leaders to expose themselves to criticism. "And in this town, when you expose yourself like that you can be eaten alive."

Badi Foster, director of Tufts University's Lincoln Filene Center, agreed solutions require courage from our leaders and institutions. He emphasized that people need to understand the level of interdependence among various groups.

"Ten years ago, no one heard of El Nino," he said discussing the role of the media. "Today you can stop someone on the street and they can tell you how the water temperature in the Pacific affects weather on the Atlantic. Why can't we have the same type of education about something like sustained economic growth?"

Deborah Jackson of the Boston Foundation served as forum moderator.The next Forum is Dec. 13 at State Street Bank discussing the future banking in Boston.