Cities can do more.
Let’s be ambitious.
Municipal governments can create economic safety nets that protect the community. Cities can directly and indirectly combat issues that arise from the inaction of state and federal governments. The fight for change doesn’t start anywhere else but here at home.
Affordable Housing.
Affordable housing fulfills a basic human right.
The inability to afford housing hurts more than our wallets, it hurts our physical and mental well being. As housing cost skyrocket families are left with less money to spend on everyday needs such as healthier meals and vital services such as healthcare. By providing our residents affordable options we can keep families healthy, safe and together.
Fiscal Responsibility.
The spending we do today will decide the financial situations we leave for our children tomorrow. We need to provide better services to our community but that doesn’t mean having to break the bank or reaching into taxpayers’ wallets. Spending has to be justified and transparent in order to earn the public’s trust. We must explore every possible avenue to fund programs including private-public partnerships and grants.
Green Spaces.
Their purpose goes beyond aesthetic and recreation. Trees and grass are an efficient and less expensive method of managing storm water compared to sewers and drainage systems. The abundance of blacktop streets and human activity create smog and heat. Green spaces virtually eliminate this effect and reduce summer heat by 1-5 degrees.
Parks create spaces for residents to interact and engage in recreational and healthy activities.
Local Economics.
When you buy local, money stays local.
A local economy helps sustain vibrant, compact and walkable town centers. A multitude of small businesses can help a city create a unique and appealing shopping experience that will attract outside consumers and retain profits. Buying locally enhances the velocity of money circulation , the faster money circulates the more hands it goes through.
Local economics mean local ownership.
Social Integration.
Regardless of where you come from, your socioeconomic status or how you identify you have a place in your community.
Social integration increases the voice of the most vulnerable. It creates opportunities for their political participation and representation. In turn, this will ensure everyone has equal access to services and rights.
Walkable City.
Where driving can be reduced in the course of everyday life.
A walkable city can help mitigate climate change. Being able to walk around your city reduces dependence on fossil fuels. It encourages people to live more active and healthy lives.
Walkable cities are green cities.