9/13/18 I flew from Jakarta to Surabaya, which is located on the east side of Java island, and met with Riska and Amir from ECOTON, a NGO whose mission is to stop river pollution and promote conservation practices. Our first stop was to the Wonorejo Mangrove Education Center where we met with Ratno, a local … Continue reading Brantas River downstream area
Lao – The Whole Hearted People
All good things must come to an end, including my fellowship to Laos. In terms of my professional development, while working with my host community at the office of Natural Resources and Environment of Xayaboury province, I learned how environmental sustainability is a key tenate in development. Within the context of development in Laos environmental … Continue reading Lao – The Whole Hearted People
Whoa! Bangkok – The Arrival
September 7 & 8, 2018 I started writing this blog onboard ANA flight 11 from Chicago to Tokyo (after beginning the day in Greensboro, North Carolina at 6 a.m.). A long flight, but I'm an aviation geek, so no major complaints from me. The empty seat next to me helped. (I flew on a 777-300, if there … Continue reading Whoa! Bangkok – The Arrival
Common Ground for Growth Management in Malaysia
What strikes me most about the many, many conversations I've enjoyed with professionals, community groups, and government officials here in Malaysia is how much we share the same challenges. One basic fact rings true, which is that our land is finite and our needs are growing. The tensions brought by global investment in real estate, … Continue reading Common Ground for Growth Management in Malaysia
A few days in Jakarta, Indonesia
September 7 - 8 I left my home in Tennessee to begin my journey to Jakarta, Indonesia. My flight was delayed out of Dallas, Texas so I missed my connecting flight to Jakarta once I landed in Hong Kong. The airport was very well organized and there was already a hotel room and boarding pass … Continue reading A few days in Jakarta, Indonesia
Striking a Balance – Developing Sustainable Industry in Rural Laos
The opportunity for international investment and natural resource extraction is on the rise in Laos. When determining agreements for development the GOL (Government of Laos) weigths the impact of investment to existing communities and sets goals to maintain sustainable village lifestyles. This is balanced with the objective of encouraging more population density and connecting villages … Continue reading Striking a Balance – Developing Sustainable Industry in Rural Laos
This is how we do it! Sophomores studying Local Administration at the University of Chang Mai
I was invited to speak to students studying local administration at the University of Chang Mai. A class of sophomores is a class of sophomores in any country. The students were eager, alert and they took me seriously despite my language barrier. My presentation covered the composition of the city of Dubuque’s local … Continue reading This is how we do it! Sophomores studying Local Administration at the University of Chang Mai
Kentucky Planner in Cambodia – Part One
September 14, 2018 I. About Me II. Travel III. Activities - Week One I. About Me My name is Jordan Miller and I am from Lexington, Kentucky, USA. I reside there with my husband, Donovan, of 9 years. I work as an Urban Planner for the City of Frankfort, Kentucky in the department of Planning … Continue reading Kentucky Planner in Cambodia – Part One
Xayaboury Province – Learning by Doing
We traveled for several hours to reach Xayabouly, which gave us an opportunity to discuss food ways and traditional agricultural practices in the region. In addition to farming rice and beans, many families keep their own livestock and collect fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the jungle. My host noted that although many rural provinces have … Continue reading Xayaboury Province – Learning by Doing
Values and Planning
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges faced by planners is understanding and helping express the values of the communities we serve. After just a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur I'm overwhelmed by the diversity of cultures and humbled by the prospect of finding common ground, identity, and a shared set of values to guide the city's future. Since every culture … Continue reading Values and Planning
