Cities from Fayetville, AR to Pendleton, OR are taking advantage of their public libraries as places to get input on important strategic initiatives.
The International City/County Management Association looks at local governments across the country that have taken advantage of the fact that people use their public libraries as a gathering spot. ICMA lists a number of such programs:
"The Iowa City Public Library partnered with the public works department and others to develop ECO Iowa City, an educational program providing residents with demonstration projects and up-to-date information on sustainability, particularly storm water management, local foods and compost, smart waste disposal, and energy efficiency. ECO Iowa City developed partnerships with other city departments, community groups, local businesses, and city council members."
Other educational and participatory efforts include hurricane preparedness, tribal services, and job training.
FULL STORY: Public Libraries: A New Type of Town Square
Friday Eye Candy: The Nation's Most Beautiful Libraries
Never mind that old adage about judging a book by its cover: the way a library is designed makes an undeniable difference for its patrons. Here are 20 of the nation's most picturesque.
Chicago to Co-Locate Libraries and Public Housing
The city wants both public uses to be housed in "eye-catching works of architecture."
Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Colorado Bill Would Tie Transportation Funding to TOD
The proposed law would require cities to meet certain housing targets near transit or risk losing access to a key state highway fund.
Dallas Surburb Bans New Airbnbs
Plano’s city council banned all new permits for short-term rentals as concerns about their impacts on housing costs grow.
Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks
New, circular docks let e-bikes charge at stations, eliminating the need for frequent battery swaps.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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