The Urban Studies program at the University of Washington Tacoma is holding an open forum, The Urban University, Feb. 3, to examine how universities interact with their host cities and the implications of those relationships for Tacoma, its residents and businesses, and for UW Tacoma. The all-day forum begins in Carwein Auditorium on the UW Tacoma campus with a breakfast roundtable on “Economic and Social Impacts of Urban Universities.” Speakers include Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland; Bruce Mann, economics professor at the University of Puget Sound; Rick Allen, president of United Way of Pierce County; and Wim Wiewel, president of Portland State University. The rest of the forum takes place in William Philip Hall. Two panels of academics, community leaders and residents will discuss important themes. The Urban University is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Registered participants will receive a complimentary breakfast and box lunch. Sponsors of The Urban University include John Korsmo Construction, the City of Tacoma, Olson Kundig Architects, BCRA and the Port of Tacoma. For more information and to register, visit http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/urban_studies/forum .