Change Is Good, Right?

This Thursday the UW will host a panel discussion about change in Seattle's Central District, pitting gentrification against "revitalization"--the latter, we hope, being something said panel will subject to more rigorous definition. We are pleased to see this topic discussed in a public forum, but these days we wonder who listens to panels any more, much less an academic-sponsored one (as opposed to those ever-popular corporate-sponsored panels--everyone listens to them). What happens after the panel? Will EW cover the hot after-panel gossip?

Moderated by Professor Paul Waddell, Director of the Center for Urban Simulation and Policy Analysis, the panel will include:

Councilmember Larry Gossett, King County Council
George Staggers, Director, Central Area Development Association
John Fox, Director, Seattle Displacement Coalition
Reverend Dr. Samuel McKinney, Mt. Zion Baptist Church

They'll entertain a host of questions, none of which have simple answers:

What is the proper balance between neighborhood revitalization and gentrification? Is gentrification inherently bad? To what extent is Seattle's Central Area experiencing gentrification? What community issues and concerns necessitated change in the Central Area?

At this point, Seattlest has conflicting plans for Thursday night, but we just might reschedule for a topic so near and dear. We wonder if we could invite the entire Mayor's office to join us. We also wonder, where are the panels serving heavy refreshments these days?

Thursday, April 20, 2006
Parrington Hall Forum, University of Washington
6:00pm-6:30pm: Reception with light refreshments
6:30pm-9:00pm: Panel Discussion with Audience Comments and Questions