Drawing from lessons learned by a Seattle-based economic development organization working in Africa, Chuck Wolfe notes that "[s]ometimes, finding a way to keep a meaningful rural existence trumps city life."
Wolfe interviews the founders of Lumana, a Seattle-based organization started by young, multi-national entrepreneurs. In Ghana, Lumana facilitates community economic development that increases opportunities for rural Ghanaians and makes it easier for them to thrive in the villages they choose to call home. With a rural village focus, the city takes a background role.
According to Lumana's Director of Programs, Cole Hoover:
"Although there is an amazing potential for growth and innovation in cities and urban areas in Africa, I think it is important to recognize that it's not for everyone. Many people do not have the resources or connections to migrate to cities and some, quite frankly, even when possible, do not want to do so...[m]any young people are not rushing to the cities because they want to, but because it is their only option."
Ironically, Hoover notes, "many are looking for ways to advance their careers, become educated and then return to the rural communities they love best."
Wolfe concludes: "Sitting with Lumana representatives back home in Seattle, I could only wonder whether recent emphasis on cities risks losing sight of universal principles, easily forgotten in an all too competitive world".
Thanks to Chuck Wolfe
FULL STORY: should the 'creative class' be more rural in the developing world?
Philadelphia's New Arrivals Are Unapologetic Gentrifiers
As the new arrivals—young, mostly white urbanites—have descended into some of Philadelphia's working class and immigrant neighborhoods, the push back by locals has been met with a push back by the gentrifiers.
Report Finds Surging City Center Job Growth
For half a century, suburbs surpassed city centers in population and job growth. These economic and demographic trends appear to be reversing. America's cities have grown faster than outlying areas and new research that jobs are coming with them.
Maximizing the Economic Potential of American Cities
Inspired by three books published in the last year that help to elucidate the role of cities and density in making people and countries richer, Ezra Klein compiles some lessons for economic development in the United States.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service