A few things to know this week: February 26, 2021
This week’s things to know:
Book Recommendation: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
This book is a must read for anyone seeking to make positive change in today's world. The author examines the critical art of rethinking: learning to question your opinions and open other people’s minds, which can position you for excellence at work and wisdom in life. Grab a copy, read it, and put it into practice. We'll all be better for it. -Kevin
Now that failing infrastructure has our attention, it needs our investment (Rice University)
First, we all said that if the current health crisis didn't make cities start thinking differently, nothing would. On the heels of the pandemic, the crises Texans were plunged into last week angered and frustrated millions with the impacts of power grid and water system failures. It represents a glaring failure to upgrade and construct the level of infrastructure necessary to serve residents. The time to invest is now. This piece by William Fulton and shared by the Kinder Institute frankly discusses the many disastrous conditions existing and what investment must happen to change our course. -AJ
Online Schooling Prompts Municipalities to Map Digital Inequities (ESRI)
At least a couple families we know is still schooling their child(ren) from home at least part of the week. Working with a school that was dealing with students who were both in the classroom and virtual last semester as a graduate school project it illuminated the often overlooked inequities that are in our neighborhoods and households when it comes to access to the digital realm. The ESRI blog takes some time to comment on the subject as well as provide maps for reference. -Ryan
Cultivating a Culture of Transit - Features (Planetizen)
I've been thinking a lot about transit recently, and one of my favorite finds on Twitter recently was David Gifford, the founder of Transit Guide: Detroit. My Dad grew up in the Detroit area, which mirrors my own city Shreveport with its strong car culture. In this article, Dave explores what it takes to develop a transit culture, and get people to take that 'next step' towards using more public transportation. Better maps, fare schedules, partnerships with businesses, and transit gear are all some suggestions to grow that culture and make transit more familiar to the public. -Tim
An Atlanta Neighborhood Will Finally Own Property as a Community (Next City)
Capitol View, a black neighborhood in Southwest Atlanta, tired of seeing absent investors buying up all the commercial property in their area - having no vested interest in the future of the neighborhood. The Guild, an organization focused on building community wealth, stepped up and purchased one of these prime buildings. The plans are ground floor retail (including a grocery store) and housing - both of which residents of this neighborhood sorely need. The model is representative of the incremental development and community buy-in we encourage in our own work with cities. The model allows anyone in the zip code to contribute and get a return through an annual dividend and share price. Contributions can be as low as $10. As share prices increase, every one of the predicted 250-350 investors build their own wealth. This is a model that can be replicated across the country. It's worth the read! -AJ
Part South By Southwest, Part Burning Man—But for Local Leaders. Introducing: Govapalooza (Route Fifty)
Alliance for Innovation has put together a 5-day virtual conference they're calling Govapalooza. Inspired by South by Southwest and Burning Man, the event's organizers want local governments to rally around the concept of “anti-fragility” and embrace big, bold changes. The anti-fragility theme is what initially caught my eye, since that's a key part of the Strong Towns-inspired philosophy we share, but I'm also a fan of events like this that mash up people and ideas and force local government leaders outside their traditional silos and associations. The event is live March 1-5 and costs $299 for the week. You can view the full event and register at transformgov.org -Kevin
Elevate the Debate: How to Drive Fact-Based Policy Conversations (Urban)
This is a podcast episode from 2019, but still very timely and relevant. Check out episode 43 of the Urban Institute's "Critical Value" podcast, titled "Elevate the Debate: How to Drive Fact-Based Policy Conversations". There are some great insights on the best ways to communicate despite all of the competing messaging and facts out there. -AJ
Hyperlocal Zoning Can Expand Affordable Housing (Bloomberg)
Many of us are familiar with NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) opinions. Personally, I've seen plenty of rezoning efforts for well-intentioned infill and redevelopment projects get squashed thanks to a handful of vocal citizens who spoke passionately about how the proposed projects would lower their property values, add traffic, or alter the character of their neighborhood (these are just a few of the common arguments). If you've ever tried, you know that getting sites in existing neighborhoods rezoned for infill is hard, especially if it involves higher density housing.
But what if these projects are what is needed for the benefit of the broader community? What if they will provide additional housing that serves a growing portion of the population who no longer wants or can't afford detached single family homes? What if they provide critical retail options for nearby residents who aren't able to drive to the Walmart 15 minutes away? And what if these types of infill projects are the solution to growing resource gaps in cities and give cities more tax revenue without having to raise the tax rate or fees?
As this article states: "If ever there were a moment for pro-housing, “Yes In My Backyard” reforms that allow for the development of denser housing, it should be now. More cities are eliminating single family zoning and moving to approaches that allow "upzoning" to the next level of intensity by right. Your city may not be one where you can pass upzoning by right as a citywide policy, but every community in this country would greatly benefit by identifying neighborhoods where this will work, passing the policy change, and letting the market get to work. -Kevin
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