Economic Growth, Development & the Environment
Below are guides to help you facilitate dialogue and deliberation programs addressing these three closely related, interdependent issues. Also included are a number of additional resources, some of which are directed to policymakers.
Guides to Dialogue and Deliberation
A Nice Place to Live: Creating Communities, Fighting Sprawl
1999. National Issues Forums.
Almost no matter where Americans live, their communities are under enormous stress. Cities are struggling to survive with fewer middle-class residents, older suburbs suffer from traffic congestion and creeping blight, and rural communities are often overwhelmed with explosive growth of new homes and malls. How can we strengthen communities facing such severe problems? This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
The Busy Citizen?s Discussion Guide: Smart Talk for Growing Communities: Meeting the Challenges of Growth and Development
1998. Study Circles Resource Center (SCRC).
$1.00. Download for free at www.studycircles.org/pages/pub.html or complete the order form at www.studycircles.org/pdf/orderform.pdf.
Energy Options: Finding A Solution To The Power Predicament
1991. National Issues Forums.
The United States faces tough decisions about how to meet growing energy needs. Various plans are available, but each involves some cost either to the environment or the economy. This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Environmental Protection: A Challenge Bigger Than All Outdoors
1996. National Issues Forums.
The vast majority of Americans consider themselves environmentalists, sharing common values as well as many concerns about wildlife, water, air, and land. But there are fundamental differences in how we propose to address environmental challenges. As state and federal officials consider legislation governing the environment, citizens can help shape the public debate by considering three major approaches to environmental protection. This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
From Welfare to Work: Who Should We Help And How?
1999. National Issues Forums.
Since 1996, states have been responsible for moving people off of welfare rolls and into jobs. But the results have been mixed, and states are still struggling to find the right combination of programs to help individuals and families make the transition. Most people agree it's best if they find jobs, but what about people who lack job skills, or those who lack transportation or child care? This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Global Environmental Problems: Implications for U.S. Policy
Tenth Edition, 2003. The Choices Program.
Choices curriculum materials are used in a range of courses including U.S. history, world history, global studies and government. At the heart of each unit is a range of contrasting policy options. By exploring a spectrum of alternatives, students are better able to articulate their own views on pressing international issues. Order teacher sets or student texts at http://store.yahoo.com/choices-education/ or print the order form at www.choices.edu/order/classform.pdf. Teacher sets can also be downloaded for a fee at www.choices.edu.
Jobs: Preparing A Workforce For The 21st Century?
1998. National Issues Forums.
Welcome to America's Third Industrial Revolution, where technology and global trade are remaking the nation's workplace and requiring most workers to possess an array of new skills in technical and academic areas. It's a staggering transition and possibly threatening social upheaval. Democracy's challenge: How can the nation prepare its workforce for the new millennium? This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Land Use Conflict: When City and Country Clash
1999. National Issues Forums.
Urban sprawl is not a new phenomenon. Metropolitan areas have been growing and expanding for the past century, pushing development into rural areas. History has shown that rural-urban conflicts are often the result. This issue book is available as a free download from the Farm Foundation website (www.farmfoundation.org/pubs2/whencityandcountry.pdf).
Living Economies
Fall 2002 issue. YES! magazine.
The magazine?s Discussion Guide Series is designed to stimulate meaningful conversations in the classroom or in discussion groups. Go to www.futurenet.org/discuss.htm.
The National Piggybank: Does Our Retirement System Need Fixing?
1996. National Issues Forums.
Public officials are concerned about how to sustain Social Security and Medicare once the baby boomers enter their retirement years. They need to know about the preferences and priorities of the American public, and what changes a majority is prepared to accept. Citizens can take part in the debate by considering three different approaches to benefits for older Americans. This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Our Planet, Our Selves
Spring 2003 issue. YES! magazine.
The magazine?s Discussion Guide Series is designed to stimulate meaningful conversations in the classroom or in discussion groups. Go to www.futurenet.org/discuss.htm.
Pocketbook Pressures: Who Benefits From Economic Growth?
1995. National Issues Forums.
Despite overall gains in productivity and record levels of corporate profits, the pay of many American workers has stagnated. For a substantial number, pay has declined. This trend poses fundamental questions about who benefits from economic growth, and what should be done to enhance the wages of most Americans. This nonpartisan guide is used for citizen deliberations in National Issues Forums. $3.90 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Reclaiming the Commons
Summer 2001 issue. YES! magazine.
The magazine?s Discussion Guide Series is designed to stimulate meaningful conversations in the classroom or in discussion groups. Go to www.futurenet.org/discuss.htm.
Smart Talk for Growing Communities: Meeting the Challenges of Growth and Development
1998. Study Circles Resource Center (SCRC).
A five-session discussion guide for public dialogue and problem solving; includes tips on involving public officials. $5.00. Download for free at www.studycircles.org/pages/pub.html or complete the order form at www.studycircles.org/pdf/orderform.pdf.
Tokel UnNipi (How We Live): Community Development On The Rosebud
2000. National Issues Forums.
The Rosebud Reservation is comprised of twenty communities located in south central South Dakota (USA). Tribal Enrollment records indicate approximately 31,000 members - half under the age of 18. Unemployment rates fall around 60-70% and per capita income is about $5,000. Despite these troubling economic figures, there are many positive developments happening around Rosebud. Tokel UnNipi encourages discussion and invites people to the table by acknowledging that, as tribal citizens, we cannot act together until we decide together. Copies of this 16-page guide are available from the Sicanu Policy Institute, P.O. Box 557, Mission, SD, 57555. Phone: 605-856-4262; email: .
U.S. Trade Policy: Competing in a Global Economy
2002. The Choices Program.
Choices curriculum materials are used in a range of courses including U.S. history, world history, global studies and government. At the heart of each unit is a range of contrasting policy options. By exploring a spectrum of alternatives, students are better able to articulate their own views on pressing international issues. Order teacher sets or student texts at http://store.yahoo.com/choices-education/ or print the order form at www.choices.edu/order/classform.pdf. Teacher sets can also be downloaded for a fee at www.choices.edu.
Additional Resources
Accepting the Challenge: The Rebirth of America's Downtown
Case study report highlights eleven cities with exemplary downtown revitalization partnerships between community and business. $15.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
All In It Together: Cities, Suburbs and Local Economic Regions
Report shows how the economic growth or decline of cities and their suburbs are interrelated and that uniform national economic policies are less likely to succeed than strategies which recognize the diversity of local economic regions. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
American Cities in the Global Economy
Summarizes the results of a survey of 476 cities. Covers the perceived effects of foreign direct investment, the rise of a move competitive global economy, the approval of NAFTA, and more. $15.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Borrowing to Make Ends Meet: The Growth of Credit Card Debt in the 1990s
Tamara Draut and Javier Silva. Demos.
Demos publishes original research and timely analysis of policy issues. Their publications introduce new ideas, help reframe political debates and provide factual information to policymakers, advocates, and grassroots reformers across the U.S. Downloadable at http://demos-usa.org/demos/Pubs/.
Building Learning Communities
This report from NLC's Advisory Council Futures Process suggests ways municipal officials can help build learning communities that encourage and enable citizens to prepare for life and work in the emerging knowledge-based local economy. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
City Distress, Metropolitan Disparities, and Economic Growth
Shows how city/suburban economic disparities adversely affect overall metropolitan area prosperity. Examines the federal role in dealing with the nation's human capital, technology, and infrastructure deficits. $15.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
City Finances, City Futures
Shows that the future financial health of cities will depend on local self-reliance. And also shows how to use local option sales taxes, fee-based financial structures, regional tax-sharing arrangements. $30.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Community Building in Public Housing: The Ties that Bind People and their Communities
Naparstek, Arthur J. Naparstek, Dennis Dooley, Robin Smith. 1997. The Urban Institute/Aspen Systems Corporation.
This 5-part guide discusses the implementation of community building in public housing and "explains what community building is, why it makes sense for today, and how public housing authorities can implement it." Prepared for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Public and Indian Housing, the Office of Public Housing Investments and the Office of Urban Revitalization, this report also provides stories on dozens of community building initiatives in public housing communities across the country. View on the Civic Practices Network website at www.cpn.org/tools/manuals/Community/publichousing.html.
Crossing Divides: New Common Ground on Poverty and Economic Security
Demos publishes original research and timely analysis of policy issues. Their publications introduce new ideas, help reframe political debates and provide factual information to policymakers, advocates, and grassroots reformers across the U.S. Downloadable at http://demos-usa.org/demos/Pubs/.
The Effects of Poverty on Metropolitan Area Economic Performance
Examines the economic impacts of high rates of poverty in the U.S. Suggests the need for better research on the statistical relationship between poverty and the welfare of the nonpoor. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Global Dollars, Local Sense: Cities and Towns in the International Economy
Focuses on the role of local governments in various aspects of the international arena, such as trade and export development, direct foreign investment, and cultural exchange opportunities. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Is the New Global Economy Leaving State-Local Tax Structures Behind?
Examines how electronic commerce, the mobility of capital, deregulation, and the shift from a manufacturing-based economy are affecting state-local tax systems. Challenges state and local officials to face these issues head on. $15.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Leading Cities in a Global Economy
Primer for municipal leaders discusses why cities should go global and how. Includes chapters by national experts on how U.S. cities can compete in a global marketplace. $25.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Local Officials Guide: Achieving World Class Local Economies
Guidebook supports the premise that the competitiveness of a city's local economy requires jobs and business growth and that world class performance is the goal for every local economy. $15.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Local Officials Guide to the Community Reinvestment Act
Shows how cities and towns can use the Community Reinvestment Act to unlock millions of dollars in community and economic development funding in their communities. Discusses the basic provisions and politics of the law. $30.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Local Officials Guide to Public Real Estate Asset Management
This guide presents a step-by-step approach to help local officials capture unrealized real estate potential and details a six-step process for successful community real estate asset management. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Major Factors Affecting America's Cities
Report highlights six recurring major factors - the new economy, limited revenue capacity, the movement of people and business, suburbanization and sprawl, education, and changing city government roles and relationships - that are affecting cities. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
New Opportunities? Public Opinion on Poverty, Income Inequality and Public Policy: 1996 ? 2001
Demos publishes original research and timely analysis of policy issues. Their publications introduce new ideas, help reframe political debates and provide factual information to policymakers, advocates, and grassroots reformers across the U.S. Downloadable at http://demos-usa.org/demos/Pubs/.
Paths to Economic Opportunity
Includes over 30 examples of development programs for building job readiness, improving schools, working with community groups, promoting minority and small business enterprise and fighting crime in cities across the country. $30.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Pocketbook Pressures: Who Benefits from Economic Growth?
1996. National Issues Forums.
A report on the outcome of forums held across the nation on this issue. Making use of participants' answers to Pre- and Post-Forum Questionnaires, reports from moderators, and in-depth studies of selected forums, these reports describe in some detail what happened as people deliberated about the issue at hand. These reports range from 20 to 48 pages and cost $3.00 (or download free at www.nifi.org). Order from Kendall Hunt Publishing at 800-228-0810 or use the order form at www.kendallhunt.com/order/index.html.
Poverty and Economic Development: View from City Hall
Report is based on an opinion survey of city officials. Describes how officials view their ability to bring about economic development and the political issues surrounding poverty-reduction strategies. $25.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Protect Your Groundwater: Educating for Action
1994. The League of Women Voters Education Fund.
A 60-page manual provides a step-by-step guide for research, outreach, public meetings, forums and workshops, as well as publicity and fundraising. It is based on the successful experiences of 18 local Leagues, and contains 4 case studies. Also includes sample data forms and further resources. Call 202-429-1965 to order from the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Viewable at www.cpn.org/tools/manuals/Environment/groundwater.html
Small City Economic Development: Road to Success
Report highlights business retention and expansion strategies, new business creation plans, downtown development success stories, and economic development planning and organizational approaches in 19 small communities. $30.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Two Futures: Citizens Define Ways to Manage Glacial Lake Agassiz Ecosystems
1996. Prepared by The Harwood Group for the Glacial Lake Agassiz Citizen Forums Project and the Great Plains Partnership.
Most people agree that ecosystem management - managing environmental resources such as land, water, and wildlife - is important. But the farmers, ranchers, business people and residents of the Glacial Lake Agassiz region of Minnesota and North Dakota are frustrated by tough issues surrounding ecosystem management. Two Futures, which is based on an intensive five-month Policy Dialogue, addresses tough questions and sheds light on how groups and communities might work together, from the perspective of the people living and working in the region. Order at www.theharwoodinstitute.org.
A Way of Life: Great Plains Citizens Talk About Ecosystems
1996. Prepared by The Harwood Group for the Great Plains Partnership.
In an effort to help the Great Plains Partnership develop a strategy to manage ecosystems, and to help Great Plains residents find ways to maintain vibrant economies and communities, the Harwood Group conducted a series of focus group discussions with citizens across the Plains. This report captures their voices and presents the key findings that emerged as we explored people's views about ecosystem management. Order at www.theharwoodinstitute.org.
Welfare Reform: How Do We Make It Work?
The Urban League of Portland, Oregon, outlines alternative approaches to implementing welfare-to-work programs, and answering a number of questions raised by new welfare laws. To order, email Ruffolo at or call 800-600-4060.
Yearning for Balance: Views of Americans on Consumption, Materialism, and the Environment
1995. Prepared by The Harwood Group for the Merck Family Fund.
Americans are struggling with issues surrounding consumption, and the effect consumption is having on their lives, the environment, and our society. Yearning for Balance is based on a series of focus group discussions and a national survey, both of which allowed Americans to describe the concerns, beliefs, and values they bring to bear in thinking about the role of consumption in their lives and in our society. Order at www.theharwoodinstitute.org.
Housing/Human Services: Connecting Poverty Reduction, Workforce Development and Economic Development
An interim report on lessons learned from NLC's three-year project on workforce development for poverty reduction. A must-read for officials working on these issues. $5.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Education: Everybody's Business
Examines the municipal role in promoting health-related services, insuring school-ready children, providing a safe, disciplined, and drug-free learning environment, and serving as partners, resources, and boosters of education. $20.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
Reducing Poverty and Revitalizing Neighborhoods: Making Collaboration Work
Contains insights from city hall and CBO collaborations working to reduce poverty and revitalize communities. Based on a national survey, recommendations are intended to guide local efforts and stimulate dialogue among stakeholders. $5.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
The Impacts of Welfare Reform in America's Cities and Towns
Discusses the favorable and unfavorable effects of Congress' welfare reform proposals on the nation's cities and how cities would advise Congress if given the opportunity. $10.00 for nonmembers. Order at the National League of Cities? online catalog at www.nlc.org/nlc_org/site/inside_nlc/catalog/default.cfm or call in your order to 202-626-3150.
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