“I have to see a thing a thousand times before I see it once.”
-You Can’t Go Home Again by Thomas Wolfe
Last week, I had a chance to listen to the book Our Towns. It is the story of a couple’s 100,000 mile, five-year journey throughout America in a small plane. It will inspire and remind you of America’s greatness and give you hope for meeting your community’s challenges. It may also serve your curiosity as to how your “place” is represented by its small businesses and community leaders to traveling strangers.
If you don’t have time for the book, this podcast from the Commonwealth Club of California is also great.
The civic pride and economic and culture histories of places across America, and the energy and effort that is taken to improve them, is why I believe economic development matters more than ever. Kudos to authors James and Deborah Fallows for capturing this spirit.
-Kenny McDonald