August symposium to offer case studies and continue conversation about UF’s Strategic Development Plan

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On Aug. 31, the University of Florida will host a symposium to explore how cities and universities across the country have worked together to implement plans similar to UF’s Strategic Development Plan. The symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Presidents Ballroom at Emerson Alumni Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The symposium will provide an open forum to address UF’s aspiration to lead by example in research, education, culture and collaboration, while defining the “new American city.” In the morning session, leading thinkers from both the public and private sector will present relevant case studies from their work in other cities with large academic institutions. In the afternoon session, they will offer insights into the university’s evolving Strategic Development Plan.

UF’s Strategic Development Plan will seek to provide a roadmap for the university and surrounding community’s future that supports UF’s rise to preeminence by identifying the best opportunities for wise growth, economic viability and livability over the next 40 to 50 years.

UF, along with consulting firms Elkus Manfredi and DumontJanks, aims to complete the planning process by December.

Two public forums have been held to date, with the next one scheduled for Aug. 24 (time and location to be announced) and more to come in the fall. The most recent forum, held July 27 at the GRU building downtown, drew a capacity crowd including UF and community members, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and several city commissioners. Topics included how to preserve Gainesville’s history and independent character while moving forward to lay the groundwork for a successful city and university in years to come.

UF leaders and the consultants have been meeting with key community stakeholder groups about the plan since February, including leaders and experts in local business, schools, transportation, sustainability and research. Meetings will continue into the fall.

For more information, and to download a PowerPoint presentation shared with the UF Board of Trustees in June, visit the Strategic Development Plan website.

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