Urban sprawl is not a new phenomenon. Metropolitan areas have been growing and expanding for the past century, pushing development into rural areas. History has shown that rural-urban conflicts are often the result.

Community Dialogues is a once-per-term series which seeks to cultivate connection and deep learning through exploration of critical and contentious issues. Utilizing the National Issues Forum Model we hope to engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in dialogue which:

• Deepens understanding of critical issues and the tensions within them
• Encourages insight into different perspectives
• Creates connection between participants through their stories and experiences
• Guides exploration of personal ethics, morals, and values  
• Inspires socio-political action, both individual and collective