An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City

An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Suzanne Hayden (Citizens Crime Commission), Traci Manning (Portland Bureau of Housing), Matt Morton (Native American Youth and Family Center), and Leo Rhodes (Street Roots). KGW's Reggie Aqui will moderate.

This initiative builds on past efforts, such as Nan Roman's (National Alliance to End Homelessness) April 4th presentation on causes and solutions. A City Club research committee is also studying how Multnomah County's homeless population can benefit from healthcare reforms, with results due in January. The City Club of Portland has dedicated 2014 to finding practical solutions to end local homelessness through research, advocacy, and public forums.

Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in

Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in favelas. Instead of small units in large buildings, he designed flexible "half-homes" that each family could expand. This complex problem found a simple solution through direct collaboration with the families themselves.

Aravena showcases three projects where clever rethinking led to beautiful, beneficial design. Learn more at Alejandro Aravena's website, or follow TED on Twitter and Facebook.

Strong positive social connections are key to happiness, both for individuals and cities. Charles Montgomery explored this concept at Sam Sullivan's February 2014 Public Salon in Vancouver,

Strong positive social connections are key to happiness, both for individuals and cities. Charles Montgomery explored this concept at Sam Sullivan's February 2014 Public Salon in Vancouver, BC.

Montgomery investigates how urban design intersects with the new science of happiness, drawing insights from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics. From Disneyland to Dubai, his work reveals how city design influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions. He demonstrates that by changing our relationship with the cities we inhabit, we can transform our own lives.

Learn more by ordering his book from Amazon or visiting your local bookstore.