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In a Historic Downtown, Disaster Becomes a Chance to Build Something Better

Adina Solomon

March 20, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Clarkesville, Georgia

After a fire destroyed much of downtown Clarkesville, the city invested millions of dollars in properties to restore. Local government leaders sought feedback from community members, and the result was a revitalized downtown, an improved version of the previous downtown. The redevelopment success can be a model for other cities.

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Civic Participation Begins in Schools

Sylvia Rousseau Scott Warren

March 20, 2018 |

Stanford Social Innovation Review |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The educational system in the United States prioritizes individual student success over the common civic good. But schools and organizations are bringing back civics education by creating democratic learning environments inside schools and helping students work on real-world policy issues.

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Rural Montana summer fairs worth the weight shouldered by civic groups

Seaborn Larson

March 19, 2018 |

Great Falls Tribune |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Choteau, Montana

Small towns along the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana have a history of putting on summer festivals to attract locals and tourists alike and to earn funds to benefit their communities. As the festivals now face challenges, such as aging populations, locals are coming up with creative solutions. Whether promoting younger community members or finding corporate sponsors, these small towns will work to ensure their communities survive.

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Children's Cabinet

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 19, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Somerville, Massachusetts

In Somerville, MA, businesses, nonprofits, government officials, and schools take a collaborative and holistic approach to improving children's lives. “Thinking about city budget, priorities, decision-making through the lens of kids ensures good outcomes for everybody,” a director of the initiative notes. Could Philadelphia benefit from breaking down silos and following Somerville's innovative lead?

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How snow has become a tool in urban planning

Matt Rocheleau

March 08, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

An increasing number of cities are looking to redesign roadways, sidewalks, and intersections based on the way spaces are needed after snow storms. Snow piles left after snowplows carve paths for vehicles are basically unused pavement that could be repurposed for things like wider sidewalks, green spaces, and bike paths. Philadelphia officials have redone an intersection after viewing photos by residents and advocates showing unused portions of pavement.

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How College Campuses Are Trying to Tap Students' Voting Power

Farah Stockman

March 03, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Universities are using competitions, music, and prizes to encourage civic engagement among students. Efforts are aided by a national study that allows schools to see how many of their students voted either locally or absentee.

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Champions of the Vote

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 02, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Fairhill, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, voter turnout was a mere 12% in one recent election. Fairhill Neighbors, a coalition of neighborhood groups, is seeking to combat lower turnout rates with a personal engagement program. “Voting Champions” are community members who will work to register voters, drive them to polls, and generate excitement about voting, with the hopes of transforming civic participation in their area.

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How a small town reclaimed its grid and sparked a community revolution

Aditya Chakrabortty

February 28, 2018 |

The Guardian |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Germany, Wolfhagen

In Wolfhagen, Germany, one man led the quest to take back the electricity supply into the hands of the public. By entering a lengthy negotiation with E.ON, one of the biggest energy companies in the world, Martin Rühl demonstrated that public ownership of utilities would save residents money and empower them, as well. The small German town is now using its extra funding to explore renewable energy, acting as a leader for municipalities across Europe.

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Ohio Schools Start Thinking out of the Box to Stem School Shootings: Expanded Teacher Training Versus the 22 Safes With Loaded Guns

Lucia Wallinchus

February 27, 2018 |

Eye On Ohio |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Licking Valley, Ohio

Statewide, Ohio schools are debating the best methods to prevent school shootings. A seemingly bipartisan measure that is becoming increasingly popular is “red flag” laws, meaning individuals that show a potential threat can have their weapons temporarily taken away. Such laws have already been passed in California, Indiana, Connecticut, and other states. While the state weighs its options, issues like financial and practical viability present an underlying concern for everyone involved.

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The 'Most Hopeful' New Housing in Turkey

Jennifer Hattam

February 23, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Turkey, Düzce

After an earthquake devastated the town of Düzce, Turkey, residents banded together to create a housing cooperative and later Düzce Hope Studio, a group of pro-bono architects and engineers working to help rebuild the town. What makes the building team unique is that the design process included and valued residents’ voices. Yaşar Adanah, an urban researcher, states, “What’s happening in Düzce is a rare example of a holistic approach to housing that can be a model for other neighborhoods.”

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