Various kinds of papers are developed to assist in carrying out the "think tank" nature of the Roundtable: 

Discussion papers are issued by the steering committee of the Roundtable (the Core Working Group), based on discussions occurring during meetings of the larger Roundtable.  Ideas are then developed further during Core Working Group meetings and put to paper.  The resulting "discussion" paper is issued from the Core Working Group for the purpose of stimulating further public discussion so that understanding of issues, common ground, and differences can continue to deepen.  Participation in Roundtable meetings and discussions does not imply endorsement of papers issued by the Core Working Group, although the Group certainly welcomes comments and expressions of support--or disagreement--for what are the basic ideas expressed.  Additional understandings accruing from this additional discussions will be incorporated into subsequent papers.    The following discussion paper is the first to be issued by the Core Working Group:   

Why are Arizona’s Wide Open Spaces Disappearing?
What Can Be Done About It?
An Overview of the Issues

Background Papers:  Since the effectiveness of the Roundtable depends on a high level of participation from those attending meetings, "background papers" are developed to provide basic information to participants in advance of meetings dealing with specific topics.  They are designed to familiarize participants with specialized language, basic concepts, definitions, and so on, in order enable participants to feel comfortable participating in the meeting, even if it is their first.  These are developed by research staff at the Udall Center or others who have done basic research on the topic.

Purchase-Of-Development Rights (PDR) and PDR Programs:
A background paper

Reports documenting the process and progress of the Roundtable are issued by the Udall Center facilitators, and provide an overview of Roundtable history that can be helpful to newcomers and the general public in understanding how and why the Roundtable works as it does.

For further information contact: Mette Brogden
Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy*

The University of Arizona
803 E. First Street
Tucson, AZ 85719

Phone (520) 884-4393
Fax (520) 884-4702
E-mail: metteb@u.arizona.edu

* The Udall Center acts as a neutral convener and facilitator of the Arizona Commonground Roundtable. As part of this support role, the Center is temporarily hosting this web site.