AUP+D sponsors Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture hearing

AUP+D hosted a tour of Katz Hall before the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture hearing.

The UMKC College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Architecture, Urban Planning + Design (AUP+D) sponsored Missouri Representative Jason Holsman’s first Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture hearing July 11 at Pierson Auditorium. More than 80 people attended, including Chancellor Leo Morton, seven Missouri representatives and one Missouri senator. AUP+D also led the committe on a tour of its building, Katz Hall.

“AUP+D is honored to have the opportunity to sponsor this critical event,” said Joy Swallow, FAIA and AUP+D chair. “Each year, we offer an introductory course on Urban Agriculture and we are active in several local garden projects. Because of the university’s commitment to urban agriculture, we believe UMKC is the perfect location for this hearing.”

Assistant Professor Jacob Wagner talks about AUP+D’s commitment to urban agriculture.

The General Assembly authorized the creation of the Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture with the passage of Senate Bill 356 earlier this year. The committee Is investigating trends in urban agriculture, including vertical farming, urban farm cooperatives and sustainable living communities and evaluating existing services, resources and capacity for such urban farming and the impact on local communities. The committee will use this information as the basis for future legislation.