In hopes of inspiring future civic leaders, an innovative volunteer program teaches grade school children about how a city works.
"The program is a partnership between the city of Carlsbad, [California], area schools and Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties, a nonprofit that teaches youths about free enterprise."
"Students and volunteer teachers learn about zoning, construction, business ownership and city government."
"By the end of six weeks, participants understand that they can have a say in the city's decision-making."
"The series culminates in a mock City Council meeting where students follow a script and take on the roles of mayor, council members, commissioners and residents."
"During the council meeting, students debate whether to cut down an old tree whose roots are coming up through the sidewalk, posing a hazard to pedestrians."
FULL STORY: Carlsbad volunteer program trains future civic leaders

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health
A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA
Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands
An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.
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