Palo Alto Paradox
Palo Alto Paradox A funny thing happened on the way to the core apple store. Driving into the heart of Silicon Valley, where the tech beat began, I started out touring the grounds of Stanford University and then traveled along their palm tree-lined boulevard, under the freeway, popping up on the main street of Downtown […]
Wenatchee Vibe
On a trip to Wenatchee, Washington I decided to do some exploring in the Downtown area. Wenatchee is situated in the dry and productive Columbia River valley, with a similar look to my home stomping grounds of Kamloops, BC. Being a continuation of the Canadian Okanagan valley, fruit orchards and vineyards abound. Driving into the […]
How Does Your Garden Grow?
How Does Your Garden Grow? Funny how your mind wanders from one place to another, seemingly random at times. While puttering around in my garden this Spring, watering some newly planted veggie seedlings, I was reflecting on how much I enjoy gardening. Planting new seeds of life, watering, tending, and feeding them fertilizer for their […]
Community and Business in Recovery
Community and Business in Recovery Who specifically can help business owners and who can help build back a thriving community? Between Organizations like Community Futures, Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Associations (BIA’s) and the City or Township itself, there are many people at the ready to take this task on. Communities in recovery […]
Building on Recovery for Urban Place Management – By IDA
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Plan For Success – 4 things you can do today!
Plan For Success – 4 things you can do today! As a strategic planning expert, I know if you do not plan for success, you will surely will not stumble across it. Strategic planning includes: Creating your overall vision and mandate Setting goals and priorities Developing policies, programs and projects And so much more! You cannot pull these things out of thin air. You […]
Productivity and Self-Care Tips
Productivity and Self-Care Tips when working from home. How can productivity and self-care be in the same sentence? Good question. I worked from home one day of my work week for many years. It worked well for me as I actually managed to avoid distractions in my home. (Not so much due to discipline but because I […]
Destination Leavenworth, Washington
Destination Done Right Leavenworth Washington must have the most insanely robust design guidelines anywhere! At some point the planners in this town of only 2000 decided that their community should be themed in a Bavarian style. It is truly an example of destination development done well. They chose a theme and committed to it completely. […]
Successful Pedestrian Malls
Successful Pedestrian Malls Pedestrianized streets work extremely well if done the right way, in the right place at the right time. After strolling streets in many cities, it is apparent that the three key elements required are: design, critical mass of pedestrians and a diverse mix of engaged businesses. Design The best streets tend to […]
Vibrant Spaces: Antigua Guatemala
Vibrant Spaces: Antigua, Guatemala Guatemala is a mystery destination for many people. In the recent past there were years of civil war that kept it out of the travel list for all but the young and daring back packers. It is still a third world country just finding its way into mainstream tourism. The lure […]