Eugene and Boulder are often compared as similar cities, and on Tuesday, April 26 a delegation of 31 elected officials, city executives and community leaders from the Boulder area visited to learn more about Eugene’s approaches to issues the two cities share – homelessness, transit, housing and general livability issues associated with being a college town.
Following a general meeting touching on all the topics, participants joined one of two tours – one related to homelessness and shelter and one focused on transportation, housing and other “town and gown” issues.
Here is a link to a story and photos in the Boulder Daily Camera about the tour of some of Eugene's innovative homelessness and shelter projects, including Opportunity Vilage and the rest stops, or "Safe Spots."
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_29818062/tour-eugene-homeless-camps-gives-boulder-issues-consider
Boulder visitors include the Mayor and four City Councilors, representatives of planning, human relations, transportation, neighborhood, environmental and development advisory boards and commissions, and staff from housing, sustainability, and human services as well as the University of Colorado and other community leaders.
Local participants include Mayor Piercy, City Councilors Chris Pryor and Betty Taylor, City Manager Jon Ruiz and Assistant City Manager and Planning and Development Director (PDD) Sarah Medary, Police Chief Pete Kerns as well as staff from the City Manager’s Office, Transportation, PDD, and Cultural Services, in addition to representatives of the University of Oregon and Lane Transit District.