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Articles in "Trends"

The Democratization of Mapmaking: The Result of a Potent Digital Revolution

Christine McLaren

We see them every day, popping up on our Twitter feeds, filtered through blogs, or even scattered throughout the New York Times: maps portraying not the usual locations or destinations, but data. From people’s kisses in Toronto, to the concentration of pizza joints in New York, to the number of women who ride bikes, to the likelihood of being killed by a car in any given American city, the list of lenses through which we can now view our cities and neighborhoods goes on, thanks to data-mapping geeks.

Shifting Roles for Public Libraries: From Supporting Player to Community Engagement Leader

Nicole Davis

When you think of the most democratic place in your neighborhood where resources are universally available, does one government entity immediately come to mind?

2012 Ted Prize Awarded to “The City 2.0”

Chris Haller

For the first time the Ted Prize has been awarded to an idea rather than a person. The 2012 Ted Prize has been awarded to “The City 2.0.” The Ted Prize winner receives $100,000 and also "One Wish to Change the World." The prize ties in with the TED community's assembly of expertise and resources, and works towards collaborative initiatives that will influence millions.

Top 5 Most Popular EngagingCities Posts of 2011

Nicole Davis

We hope all of you have had a joyous holiday season, and from all of us here at EngagingCities, we wish you a prosperous and happy New Year! In conclusion to a great 2011, here’s a quick look back at our most popular posts, according to our web analytics data, from this past year. Cheers - more to come in 2012! 

White House Soliciting Input on Public Participation Best Practices

Chris Haller

Last week, the White House announced that they are actively seeking input from citizens to help identify best practices for public participation in government and suggest metrics that will allow agencies to assess progress toward the goal of becoming more participatory. The solicitation for input is directly related to the U.S. Open Government National Action Plan which was announced earlier this Fall as a government-wide effort to reform and modernize records management policies and practices.    

It’s a 3D Model, what’s the difference?

David Leonard AICP, ASLA

Land planning and design is highly driven by the need for schematic designs, but understanding the best methods and tools to reflect these schemes can be daunting. Technology continues to advance at an accelerated rate and we must stay up to speed on these changes in order to most appropriately accomplish the task at hand. 3D technologies have emerged over the past two decades increasing our ability to create stunning images of our visions, but are we using the tools correctly?

Social Cities: How to Engage Citizens With Digital Media

Michiel de Lange

The increasing growth and complexity of cities raises the question how we can use digital media technologies and principles from online culture to design livable and lively cities. How can digital media aid citizens to engage with their environment, with fellow urbanites, and with issues at stake in their cities? Most mobile and location-based apps are about personalized consumption and sharing preferences with an in-group of like-minded people. Can we use digital technologies to help solve collective problems in the city too?

Road Rules: Finding Balance For All

Chris Haller

As cities across the country add more bike lanes and introduce mentoring programs to easing congestion on the streets, and bike-sharing programs are popping up and becoming even more trendy in big cities like Austin, Miami, Philadelphia, Denver, Des Moines, and Washington, D.C., the debate over traffic laws and general etiquette heats up. The overall support of cycling programs in our country is strong, as many Americans understand the positive impacts to air quality, traffic congestion, etc. However, there is also somewhat of an unexpected ‘bikelash’ among some aggravated citizens when it comes to traditional ‘road rules’ vs. bicyclist  courtesy and a cohesive safety standard for all commuters. Should all states operate as Oregon does, with its dedicated biker's section in the driver's manual, or Washington, with its statewide bike-route network? Should there be stricter laws enforcing bikers to stop at traffic lights just as drivers are required to?

User Experience Experts Have Much to Offer Gov2.0

Chris Haller

Government does not have to be inefficient and unpleasant to deal with - especially in a democracy where we are seeing a more concerted effort to help define best practices in user experience for government agencies. So what is the ideal design to offer citizens a touch point with government agencies which builds trust, transparency and loyalty? In a recent article published by UX Magazine, these complex questions were explored - in search of techniques that might be employed by Gov2.0 supporters, to inspire positive alternatives in typically change-resistant environments.  

Strong Towns: Shedding “Dead Ideas” from Suburban Era

Chris Haller

This morning, in response to America’s current economic conditions, Strong Towns released a new report calling for a dramatic change in America’s approach to growth and development. Curbside Chat; A candid talk about the future of America’s cities, towns and neighborhoods, suggests an entirely new approach to growth. In the report, Strong Towns calls on local officials to change course and shed the “dead ideas” of the suburban era and to take control of their own financial futures.