Category: Planning & Shaping Cities

How Local Governments Can Support Home-Based Entrepreneurs

This guest article was written by Michael Huling, Graduate Assistant at the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership. Entrepreneurship has long been a feature of the American economy that reflects the dynamic and creative spirit of Americans. One of the fascinating developments that has emerged in light of the pandemic is the resurgence … Continued

Measure the Fiscal Benefits of Converting a Parking Space to a Parklet

Post-pandemic, people want to see outdoor dining and parklets continue.  Does it make sense for cities to buy parklets for their downtowns?  This simple model can help you understand the fiscal impacts of that decision. During the pandemic, many communities allowed their local restaurants and retailers to expand on public streets.  This response was very … Continued

We Can Never Go Back to Before

Today’s Buzz is by Jenny Kosek (Twitter and LinkedIn), Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of West Allis, Wisconsin. What I’m Reading: Radium Girls by Kate Moore What I’m Listening To: Radiolab What I’m Watching: Shrill ________________________ In the 1997 blockbuster musical “Ragtime,” characters from across social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds encounter the upheaval and evolution … Continued

Improving American Cities through Urban Parks

U.S.’s first city park, built in 1634 Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Rebecca Cormier, Government Technology Consultant – connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter! What I am reading: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie What I am listening to: Armchair Expert podcast What I am watching: The Other Two With … Continued

Which Permitting Software is Right For You?

This guide was shared with ELGL by our friends at OpenGov.  With so many options out there for permitting software, figuring out which solution has the features your organization needs can feel daunting, especially when juggling the day to day demands of local governance. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to help government leaders … Continued

The Future of Main Streets

This article was written by Rachel Witt, Executive Director of the South Grand Community Improvement District. Read all the articles in Rachel’s Lessons & Partnerships in Community & Economic Development series. As COVID-19 continues, the makeup of our main streets will forever be changed. The slow build of closures this winter will change the footprint … Continued

Culture Shifts Require Being, Not Doing

It is often said that getting things done is about less talking and more doing. I know I have been guilty of using that as a mantra on a regular basis. However, what if we adopted a new mantra? Something along the lines of “less doing and more being”? Hear me out on this. I … Continued

Rebuilding a City Requires Partners

This article was written by Rachel Witt, Executive Director of the South Grand Community Improvement District. Read all the articles in Rachel’s Lessons & Partnerships in Community & Economic Development series. To rebuild a city requires many partners within a community. How do we connect our community? A community is connected through the partnership of … Continued

How To Be A Successful Special Taxing District

This article was written by Rachel Witt, Executive Director of the South Grand Community Improvement District. Read all the articles in Rachel’s Lessons & Partnerships in Community & Economic Development series. Special taxing districts designated for a main street all serve the same purpose, to provide communities resources that their city, town, village, or county … Continued

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