This short series from Next American City looks at the emerging trend of entrepreneurs applying their own private-sector business savvy to the world of local government.
One program focuses on luring new young talent into city positions -- the majority of which are staffed by soon-to-retire baby boomers.
"The Teach for America-style program pairs employment in high-level offices with training to enhance fellows' skills and understanding of the social context of their host cities, which include San Francisco, Houston and Baton Rouge, La.
The program recognizes that young people tend to view city government as overly bureaucratic, scandal-ridden and ineffective. When recruiting applicants, Henderson challenges young people to improve their understanding of how city government works. "How many of you in the room have gone home and told your parents, ‘My mission in life is to work for the city's sewer department'?" she asks. Seeing little to no response, Henderson reveals that this seemingly unglamorous department actually oversees many of the environmental issues that young people care strongly about. "
FULL STORY: Entrepreneurs Reboot City Government
For Transportation, Real Reform Can Only Happen at the State and Local Levels
Without buy-in for new ways of thinking at the state level, the presidential election is not likely to change much about the ways the United States plans and funds transportation infrastructure.
Counties and Cities Facing Sudden Dip in Property Tax Revenue
Property taxes have traditionally been viewed as recession-proof channels for local revenue, but first the Great Recession, and now the pandemic depression, are proving to be exceptions to the rule.
Another Planning Commissioner Ousted After Coronavirus Controversy in California
Another cautionary tale of a planning commissioner that went too far during the social upheaval of the coronavirus pandemic, and has since been removed from their civic position.
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.
Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.
How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.
San Diego Trolley Nation’s Most Popular Light Rail
The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.
San Jose Affordable Housing Development Gains Approval
A proposed project is moving forward with reduced building heights and all-affordable units.
Oklahoma City Begins Work on Parking-Protected Bike Lane
The project is part of the city’s broader plan to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure and road safety.
City of Morganton
San Joaquin County
University of New Mexico - School of Architecture & Planning
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
