December 10, 2017 — As brick and mortar stores close because of tough e-commerce competition, local governments can take a page from the retail playbook. Innovate with the times, or risk being left behind. When local private investment dries up and empty stores predominate downtown, “Buying Local” is only one step in thinking critically about how to improve a local economy. Why not buy local…online? Here is how one local government almost made this a reality.

December 12, 2016 — Last year I took a course in Public Participation in the planning process. It was a natural next step in my education. I learned what government agencies must adhere to when engaging with the public on their planning efforts. Government agencies with planning departments need not fear WordPress CMS. In fact, they can embrace it. They can easily integrate [the] custom tools created in house and still fulfill the legal requirements they must follow when engaging the public. Let me share with you my lessons from the classroom.

December 11, 2015 — Council meetings sit empty until a road closes, a subway schedule changes, or property taxes increase. Suddenly, meetings are packed with concerned residents. It’s often too late by that time. Use WordPress.com as an interactive digital communication tool to engage the public before meetings are crowded. Incorporate the public’s voice in your local planning process with simple steps outlined in this session.