What's New at "A Good Community"
Here are the most recent important changes to our website, including new articles, visitor questions, and editors' answers. You'll also find links to significantly revised pages and time-sensitive or short items we want to bring to your attention. Sometimes we also add short items of interest, especially time-sensitive notes about conferences, webinars, or seasons.
This Code Enforcement Overview Explains the Usual Process
The code enforcement overview describes why and how local governments use this tool to obtain compliance with local ordinances. Typical flow is explained.
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Purpose of Community Development Efforts
The purpose of community development involves both improving your geographical place and thinking about your own purpose in life. Find your "why."
Five Essential Principles in Planning a Community Mural
Learn the steps for planning a successful community mural strategy. A skillful project can initiate revitalization or reinforce neighborhood identity.
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11 Key Steps to Start a Community Development Corporation
Start a community development corporation (CDC) to advance vital work on housing, economic development, social issues, community unity, and clean-up.
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Co-Housing May Languish for Lack of Financing
Co-housing is a form of intentional community centered around a joint home development project. In this article we explore the compromises and advantages.
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11 Urban Design Principles for Beginners
Learn how consistent use of 11 urban design principles helps civic and community leaders improve both appearance and function of neighborhoods and blocks.
Land Use Classifications Ranging from Simple to Sophisticated
Land use classifications in your city plan are not fixed categories. Here are ideas to help you decide what designations to use in your long-range planning.
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Local Design Guidelines in Planning and Zoning
Local design guidelines are the most legally defensible way for local governments to regulate building materials, colors, and other design choices.
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How to Organize Cleaning Up Your Neighborhood Park
Learn the steps for cleaning up your neighborhood park, starting with preparation all the way to post-project activities. As community events go, this one is easy.
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School Site Selection Should Coordinate Closely with Community Plans
School site selection should be integrated with community planning. Poor placement aggravates traffic, parental involvement, and growth pattern issues.
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What Residents Need to Know About New Street Lighting
This page discusses street lighting choices in the language of citizens and community leaders.
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Start a Community Garden in Good Times and Bad
Start a community garden, a stellar team-building activity that can provide quality food and help neighbors bond in urban, suburban, and small town sites.
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How should our city zone data centers
Visitor Question: Our city does not yet have any data centers, but we know, or maybe we fear, that they are coming. Given the complaints we hear in other
Are the Benefits of a Business Improvement District Worth the Costs?
A chief benefit of a business improvement district is building and maintaining a better commercial area than the city's standard level of service would allow.
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