Our Latest Thinking
Skills for Tiny Democracies: Community-Building
As a tiny democracy leader, your most powerful tool is almost certainly your cellphone. If you’re like me, you’d prefer to improve your community by
Skills for Tiny Democracies: Deliberation
If you’re engaged in discussions about the future of your community, there will certainly be times where opinions differ. If the issues you’re working through
Skills for Tiny Democracies: Humility
I’ve heard it said countless times that we should be “hard on ideas and soft on people.” This means we should be relentless in interrogating
Skills for Tiny Democracies: Vision
It’s no accident that we refer to incredible leaders throughout history as “visionary.” Whether we’re talking about Nelson Mandela or the Secretary of your HOA,
Skills for Tiny Democracies: How to Better Engage in Civic Life at All Levels
As a local government professional, I see my block through a lens that (unfortunately) is not easily switched off: Is there a unique funding source
Can Urban Planners Make Us Happier? Lessons from Finland on Happiness
March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness—a global reminder that well-being matters just as much as economic growth. While the U.S. continues to slide
Bridging Divides: Building Community Trust in an Era of Polarization
Since 2019, the percentage of people with a favorable opinion of their local government has declined 8%. This trend should concern us both in terms
Leading in a Polarized World: Authenticity, Influence and Inspiration
Leading in a Polarized World: Authenticity, Influence, and Inspiration The personal cost of leadership has never been higher. In today’s increasingly polarized environment, leaders face
Embracing Transparency: The Path to Consensus and Community in Decision-Making
In the realm of local government, transparent decision-making is not just a legal obligation; it’s a key component of effective governance. The challenge of adhering