A few things to know this week: December 4, 2020
Happy Friday, friends! Every week we collect some of the best things that members of our Verdunity team read, watched, or listened to over the course of the week—plus anything new from us.
This week’s things to know:
For the Public Good (ICMA)
The International City Managers Association (ICMA) put out this piece that centers on the need for unity in cities, and uses the acronym PUBLIC as a model of conduct for city leaders - and leaders at all levels. I found it to be a great reminder of why public leaders exist and the leadership example they should provide. In fact, there's truth in each of these elements for all of us as members of a community as well. The acronym outlines each of the six elements (Promote Unity By Leading Informed Change) and talks about them each in turn. Give it a read, and let it inspire you - whatever your role in your community. Share it with your elected officials. I know I plan to. -AJ
Just Print the Money (StrongTowns)
My favorite part about the Strong Towns Podcast is the way that Chuck can use big picture ideas to inform practical, concrete issues in our communities. The latest podcast explores how abstract ideas and catchy slogans are used to justify fixing New York MTA's budget struggles. These slogans and abstractions are often part of our political and civic discourse as well, however they are hard to build consensus around and often ignore the hard truth around us. Instead, looking at the tangible assets in our communities, using what works, and improving off of that is the real way to build resilience in our communities. At Verdunity, we aim for our projects to do just that - look at the assets in your community, and find tangible, resource-conscious, and people-friendly ways to build off of them, instead of using abstract ideas to justify expensive and hurtful projects. -Tim
The death of the department store and the American middle class (Vox)
This article discusses something that I don't think has been talked about enough - the connection between the collapse of the middle class and the death of department stores and other big box retailers. Online retail has all but killed the department store as we know (or knew) it, so the challenge now is finding ways to repurpose these buildings and the sites they're on. -Kevin
The Top Urban Planning Books of 2020 (Planetizen)
Every year I wait in anticipation of Planetizen's list of the Top Urban Planning Books. I'm thrilled when I can check off several I've already read, and excited when there are others I'm unfamiliar with and can immediately order or purchase by shopping local or ordering online from Latinx and Black-owned bookstores (here's a list, wherever you live). Looks like my debit card is going to get a workout this weekend! Enjoy, and consider these as Christmas gift ideas! -AJ
Brain Coach Jim Kwik on How to Learn Any Skill or Subject Quickly (INC.)
Do you want to remember and learn new information quicker? Brain coach Jim Kwis says it's possible if you use a 4 step process he's defined with the acronym F.A.S.T. -Kevin
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Hey, friends in local government:
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