Government agencies partner with local residents to solve community problems, design new projects, coordinate beautification efforts, and keep lines of communication open. As a longtime city employee, I have worked on many community “outreach” or “engagement” projects over the years. One conversation I had with a resident had a profound impact on my work perspective.Read… Read more »
Have you ever found yourself tilting at windmills, only to discover the enemy is within? The expression, “tilting at windmills” refers, as you probably know, to fighting imaginary enemies, and is taken from Don Quixote’s misconstrued view of windmills in the distance to be larger-than-life enemies: “Just then they came in sight of thirty orRead… Read more »
Have you ever found yourself tilting at windmills, only to discover the enemy is within? The expression, “tilting at windmills” refers, as you probably know, to fighting imaginary enemies, and is taken from Don Quixote’s misconstrued view of windmills in the distance to be larger-than-life enemies: “Just then they came in sight of thirty orRead… Read more »
Nextdoor (city link) is a promising alternative web-based communications opportunity for local governments and other agencies with physically localized or contiguous client populations. Where Facebook taught us to talk to people all over the world who we will never meet, Nextdoor is re-training us to talk to our neighbors. Nextdoor operates by neighborhoods, and youRead… Read more »
Over the summer I saw several notices about “walks with the mayor” in two different communities. While these efforts seem to focus on improving the health of people living in those areas by encouraging walking, I can see how these walks also have the potential to help build a strong community. (Photo credit: Mary R.Read… Read more »
Driving to work today, I was listening to a popular talk radio station that led discussions focused on September 11. Likely so, as today marks the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that changed our nation. Specific conversations on this radio show centered on effective methods to weaken terrorist groups, potential new attacks using biologicalRead… Read more »
It has been 12 seemingly long years now since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 changed America forever. Thus as we honor the victims and pay our respects to their families, let’s also remember an unsettling but stark reality: America and our global interests are still at risk of massive terrorist attacks. Doug’s Story It hasRead… Read more »
Since it is looking like furloughs are going to happen, I’ve been thinking about what I will do with my newly found “free time.” I admit the first day I will probably relax a bit and tackle my personal to-do list; but over the long term, assuming furloughs continue long term, that seemed somewhat unfulfilling.Read… Read more »
Peter Corbett is the founder of DC Tech Meetup – a monthly meeting of the local community of techies and startups – to encourage demonstrations of latest technology and what’s up with the entrepreneurial community. It is soundly build on open source principles – sharing and advancing good ideas. DC Tech Meetup attracts over 1,000Read… Read more »
Teamwork between different law enforcement agencies is one of the key concepts to keep children safe. This was perhaps the most discussed topic at a town hall meeting held by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office last night. By Lilia Bonilla The meeting was held at the North Campus of San Jacinto Community College. Representatives fromRead… Read more »