The city of Bell made news in 2010 with rampant misappropriation of public funds, but the problem is still (as ever) more widespread than anyone realizes.
Rick Cole, the current city manager of Ventura and former city manager of Azusa, details some of the causes and effects of the corruption making news in cities like Bell and Vernon in L.A. County in this exclusive interview:
"Yes, government corruption is outrageous. But shortchanging half a million people from vital local services is far more devastating. The most astounding story is the impact of relegating a huge swath of our workforce to conditions that guarantee we can't compete in the global economy."
"We know the checks and balances that keep most communities functioning: governmental transparency and accountability, the oversight of a free press, professional public managers, and honest elections. These are not exotic, complicated, Ivory Tower panaceas. These are everyday realities that keep local government working in the vast majority of California communities. We simply need to ensure that the residents of this region have the same rights and protections the rest of us take for granted."
Thanks to James Brasuell
FULL STORY: Rick Cole: Cities of Bell, Vernon Expose Governance Failures
New Book Sheds Light on Rural Governance
Learn more about a new book that provides some overdue attention to public governance and administration in small towns and rural communities.
Planning Through the Eyes of a Big City Mayor
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall joins the Planning Commission Podcast to talk about housing, street reconfiguration, and saving the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
How Extreme Heat Drives Inter-Agency Collaboration
City officials tasked with addressing the impacts of extreme heat highlight the importance of aligning the efforts of multiple city departments.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.
Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont