Notes to Self—A Belated Collection of Professional Insights I really wish I had kept a journal. Not a day-to-day personal diary mind you, but a record of memorable professional and academic experiences over a 40-year career. You know, notes. What were the ups? What were the downs? What did I do right? What could I... Continue Reading →
The New Urban Crisis Richard Florida talked about his book The New Urban Crisis: How Our Cities Are Increasing Inequality, Deepening Segregation, and Failing the Middle Class-and What We Can Do About It, in which he examines the challenges cities are facing today.
Cities in California will hopefully start to understand that economic development is more than marketing and the pursuit of retail sales. It is hard to unlearn almost 40 years of history. //www.c-span.org/video/?426816-2/new-urban-crisis
Academic Gamesmanship– by Pierre van den Berghe (An Occasional Book Recommendation)
This little book cannot do justice to the intricacies of academic rankings; it can only provide a modest introduction to an extremely immodest world. Every academic belongs to at least three discrete status systems: he is a member of the larger society, of his college or university, and of the group of people who share... Continue Reading →
In Defense of a Liberal Education–Fareed Zakaria
"(Ben) Franklin believed that education should help people navigate the real world as they entered careers in politics, law, business, and other fields. At the same time, he wanted young men to gain exposure to 'the great outlines of knowledge.' The purpose of their education would be to produce 'true merit,' which meant joining ability... Continue Reading →
Book Recommendation–Without Purpose of Evasion, by John P. Thompson
I would suggest that each and everyone of you interested in the day to day life of a city manager read this book. If I didn't know better, John Thompson was a fly on the wall in my office when I was a city manager. A good read with great insights.
Book Recommendation–City Power, Urban Governance in a Global Age by Richard Schdragger
City Power--Urban Governance in a Global Age Challenges conventional theories of city power Articulates a vision of the democratic city appropriate for the new urban age Celebrates urban politics and argues for its relevance and salience in the age of global capital A thorough examination of the law and politics of the city and how... Continue Reading →
Public Books — Open Markets, Open Projects: Wikipedia and the Politics of Openness, by Nathaniel Tkacz, Reviewed by ALICE E. MARWICK
Tkacz’s book is an important reminder to be critical of any discourse that advocates technology as a one-solution-fits-all quick fix. Those in the public sector seeking to advance communication and public discourse must keep the tools of technology in perspective. via Public Books — Open Markets, Open Projects: Wikipedia and the Politics of Openness.
This Week’s Book Recommendation: Why Public Service Matters: Public Managers, Public Policy, and Democracy: Robert F. Durant: Books
I listened to an interview with Robert Durant. He truly believes in the value of the public service. This is a read well worth it. via Amazon.com: Why Public Service Matters: Public Managers, Public Policy, and Democracy (9780230341494): Robert F. Durant: Books.
This Week’s Book Recommendation–Governing the Metropolitan Region–Americas New Frontier–Raymond Cox III and David Miller
I have had the good fortune to know both Raymond and David and have had the opportunity to present with them on this subject matter at the 2013 annual conference of the Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). I found their insights to be invaluable. http://www.amazon.com/Governing-Metropolitan-Region-Americas-Frontier/dp/076563984X/ref=reader_auth_dp NASPAA PP SLIDES-2 copy 2013 NASPAA... Continue Reading →
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