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This website features work from the completion of Phase 1 of the SCALES Project.

We are currently seeking partnerships for Phase 2.

Memo

  • Assignment 3 – Observe a Public Meeting

    Attend a public meeting in the Boston area, take careful notes on the event, and report back in a succinct, well-organized informational memo. Be sure to also collect any materials distributed at the event for reference. Your memo should describe the organization, discuss where its power originates, identify the purpose of the meeting, explain the structure of the deliberative process used to collect input, and discuss what, if any, outcome resulted.

    Read more: Assignment 3 – Observe a Public Meeting

  • Assignment 2 – EPA Open Docket on Pesticides

    The EPA has opened docket ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0844 to review neonicotinoids, pesticides that may have an adverse effect on pollinators, including bees. You have been asked by your client to review the EPA primary and supporting documents and provide a 2-page memo of comments to the EPA stating your position. You may choose your client. Decide who you will represent—an advocacy group, a state environmental protection agency, a farmer, etc.

    Read more: Assignment 2 – EPA Open Docket on Pesticides

  • Disaster Mitigation Plans, Planners & Policies

    Students will explore and analyze a mitigation plan in a U.S. city or town.

    What is your town’s Mitigation Plan?

    Decide on a town to research. We prefer that you use your hometown, if possible. As someone from the town, you will better understand town dynamics, town threats, town government, and maybe even town politics.

    Find a copy of your town’s mitigation plan, if there is one, and analyze the plan.

    Read more: Disaster Mitigation Plans, Planners & Policies

  • Planning for Growth in the Lower Mystic (Assignment 4)

    After assessing the level of growth projected from the various developments in the Lower Mystic area, the impacts and capacity constraints of major transportation infrastructure in the area, and projected and estimated mode shares, now it's your turn to propose as individuals how to achieve a transportation plan that can maintain and improve access to jobs and opportunities while supporting the plans and goals of the surrounding cities.

    Read more: Planning for Growth in the Lower Mystic (Assignment 4)

  • Assessing the Impacts of Growth in Lower Mystic (Assignment 3)

    A 15 page (max) double-spaced memo to the Boston Chief of Streets

    Read more: Assessing the Impacts of Growth in Lower Mystic (Assignment 3)

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Please reach out to esi [at] mit.edu and include SCALES Website in the subject of your email.
Feedback and any actions taken with regards to the feedback, will be shared as they are addressed.