The FOCUS Forum offers monthly meetings, focused discussions and guest speakers that provide opportunities to learn more about specific issues concerning the creation of complete communities near transit in urbanized areas. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact JoAnna Bullock at JoAnnaB@abag.ca.gov or 510-464-7968.

Upcoming Events:

"Health in Urban Areas" Personal eating choices and genes undoubtedly affect our weight, but the urban, suburban, commercial and organizational environments we live in can also play a vital role in our health. Dr. Jackson will explore the problems associated with our existing state of ill health and highlight the changes needed to give ourselves and our children a healthier future. A pediatrician and public health leader, Dr. Jackson has served in many positions with the California Health Department, including state health officer. Guest Speaker: Dr. Richard Jackson, MD, MPH Chair and Professor Environmental Health Sciences Department at UCLA Thursday, July 9, 2009 9:30 am to 11:30 am MetroCenter Auditorium, 101 8th Street, Oakland, CA Please RSVP to JoAnna Bullock at JoAnnaB@abag.ca.gov or 510-464-7968.

Conference Archives:

• February 2009: "Incorporating Child Care in Our Communities," Kristen Anderson, Redwood City Child Care Coordinator and Ellen Dektar, LINCC Coordinator, Alameda County Child Care Planning Council
• June 2008: "Urban Landscapes," Walter Hood
• May 2008: "A Conversation with PDA Jurisdictions: Developing a Regional Capital Incentives Program," Ted Droettboom, Regional Planning Program Director for the Joint Policy Committee
• April 2008: "Development Without Displacement: What Can We Do?," Victor Rubin, Vice President for Research at PolicyLink
• February 2008: "Sustainable Development: The 21st Century Model," Curt Johansen, Executive Vice President, Triad Communities, L.P.
• January 2008: "Innovative Parking Strategies," Dan Zack, Downtown Development Coordinator, City of Redwood City
• December 2007: "Designing Mixed-Income Communities: Keeping Units Affordable, Dealing with Density," Michael Pyatok
• November 2007: "Building the Sustainability Talk: Transforming Policies Into Real Projects," William Fleissig, Communitas Development Inc.
• October 2007: "Urban Density: Getting the Public Onboard," Gordon Price