Understanding Growth (part 1)
“We have become over-obsessed with the idea of growth. We are not exactly sure what we are growing toward, but we compensate for this shortcoming by accelerating.” -Tomas Sedlacek in […] The post...
View ArticleWhy Plans Fail: The 5 Pieces of Neighborhood Revitalization Infrastructure
Do you ever wonder why the grand visions of many neighborhood plans fail to materialize? Have you heard neighborhood residents and stakeholders complain of planning fatigue? I’ve recently been thinking...
View ArticleThe time has come to reimagine sustainability
The time has come to reimagine sustainability. We find ourselves at the dawn of a terrifying new era. We know now that essentially every planetary system is in crisis, that […] The post The time has...
View ArticleAn Update on Program Open Space Funding
The legislative session is well underway and things are moving quickly. There is significant support for Program Open Space from the administration and the legislature and we are optimistic that […]...
View ArticleHarnessing the power of the sociable city
Sociability is an economic engine driving the development of cities throughout the world. Keys are to enhance vibrancy, assure safety, and plan for people. As more people seek a more […] The post...
View Article6 Easy Steps to Turbo Boost Climate Action in Local Government
While nations deliberate on national and international policy related to climate change, local governments worldwide are faced with the daunting challenge of addressing the localized implications of...
View ArticleWhat We Can Learn from San Francisco: Recycling, Composting and Zero Waste
I recently visited San Francisco, California—what an incredible city! With its diverse blend of cultures, beautiful vistas, and incredible food, what’s not to love? The people living and working in […]...
View ArticleClimate Change Working Group Formed: Consider Joining Us!
If you are interested in working as part of a purposeful group, with a vision of creating a resilient future in the face of Climate Change, you are invited to […] The post Climate Change Working Group...
View ArticleTHE SCHOOL OF NATURE: Greening Our Schools May be the Real Cutting Edge of...
Outside Atlanta, after returning from a class hike through the woods, an excited six-year-old grabbed his head and said, “There’s so much nature and I only have two eyes and […] The post THE SCHOOL OF...
View ArticleWhy I oppose Narconon at Trout Run
Social Betterment Properties International (SBPI), the real estate arm of the Church of Scientology (COS), purchased part of the property long known as Trout Run in 2013 to be used […] The post Why I...
View ArticleOur Watershed, Too Good to Trash: Volunteer to help clean it up on Saturday,...
Third Annual Frederick Watershed Trash Pick Up The trashing of one of our community’s most beautiful and ecologically sensitive areas is getting us down and getting us out. Volunteers are […] The post...
View ArticleThe sun shines and the wind blows in Frederick County
The renewable energy future is coming fast. Solar and wind have reached a tipping point — they’re less expensive than fossil fuel and nuclear power in more and more situations. […] The post The sun...
View ArticleFour Characteristics of Active, Healthy Neighborhoods
Scientists are learning more and more about how where we live affects the amount of exercise we get, and thus how fit and healthy we are likely to be. In […] The post Four Characteristics of Active,...
View ArticleHarvests of Hope: join the film’s creators at Local Food Happy Hour (April 21)
Last week I had the privilege of attending a conference on local solutions to global climate change hosted by Antioch University New England and The EPA. Community leaders, scientists and […] The post...
View ArticleThe Role of the Strong Citizen
A fair portion of the Strong Towns audience is professionals, people who are considered experts in their field. As we’ve spent this week highlighting the contributions of the Strong Citizen, […] The...
View ArticleMeet the New Green Face of Affordable Housing
When you think of “affordable housing,” what’s the image that comes to mind? For lots of people, including many of those most in need of it, the picture is not […] The post Meet the New Green Face of...
View ArticleGreat Infographics: Compost Impacts More Than You Think
“The dust storms and floods of the last few years have underscored the importance to control soil erosion. I need not emphasize the seriousness of the problem and the desirability […] The post Great...
View ArticleFracking in Frederick County?
There has been a fierce debate in Maryland over hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, for more than six years. The controversial drilling method had started an oil and natural […] The post...
View ArticleHelp protect Frederick County’s farming future: Repeal the ARTO!
If you oppose the development of scattered sprawl across Frederick County farmland, please consider attending the County Council hearing this Tuesday evening (at 7:00 PM in Winchester Hall) about a […]...
View ArticleFlashback to a decade ago: “Demonizing Developers?”
Ten years ago, I was in the middle of my campaign for election to the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners. It would be an understatement to say that a […] The post Flashback to a decade ago:...
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