To promote the use of spatial analysis and geographic techniques to study Southern California planning and policy issues.

• Address a planning or policy research question relating to the Southern California region.
• Include 3-5 maps that provide descriptive and analytical insights.
• Include a writeup with a project abstract, research question and discussion of findings, recommendations and conclusion (maximum 2 double-spaced pages).
• Submit on 8.5 by 11-inch professional style hard-copy format.

Two contest winners will receive a stipend in the following amounts:

• 1st Place - $300
• 2nd Place - $175

Projects should be submitted by Tuesday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. to Margaret Johnson, Room 3320F Public Policy Building (or her mailbox in 3250B PPB). Awards will be announced by Monday, June 4, 2007.

Submissions will be evaluated on research organization and methods as well as the use of GIS to produce descriptive and analytical insight regarding the policy question. Winners will be selected by the GIS coordinator and the Director of the Lewis Center.*

Contest winners will be required to prepare a posterboard highlighting their project for display at the Lewis Center and an electronic version that will be posted to the Lewis Center website. All costs associated with producing these materials will be covered by the Lewis Center.

Awardees must be enrolled in a SPA graduate program Spring 2007.

For questions, please contact Margaret Johnson at mcjohnso@ucla.edu

*The Lewis Center reserves the right to make awards at their discretion based on the quality of projects submitted.