Level Playing Field’s Post

Intergenerational play and recreation fosters inclusion and brings people together to improve life for people of all ages. Read more about the evidence-based research on the importance of intergenerational park and recreation settings in our Transformational Impact: Designing Public Spaces to Promote Intergenerational Play & Recreation book. ⬇️ https://hubs.la/Q02_BGCz0

The National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) has awarded me the 2024 Achievement in Excellence for Long-form Audiovisual content for my video, Lessons in Community Planning, which I was fortunate enough to produce, edit, and create motion graphics for. Ever wonder how your townships are built? See County Engineers answer such questions as "How do you decide where roads are built?" or "Where does our water come from?" in the video below:

Quite a few people asked, after the Atmos Totnes public inquiry result, if I could share in more detail the story of the project, it's history, and how we got here. Over at The Developer, Harriet Saddington has just written an excellent piece that does that. Here it is:

The Ongoing Struggle to Protect the Aztec Cemetery and Burial Mound at the Hollywood Cross The Hollywood Cross, a historic monument in Los Angeles, has become a focal point of controversy due to the desecration of an Aztec cemetery and burial mound in its vicinity. This sacred site, which holds immense cultural and historical significance, has been subjected to ongoing disturbances, sparking outrage and calls for action from the local community. The Heart of the Issue The Aztec cemetery and burial mound near the Hollywood Cross are not just remnants of the past; they are living testaments to the rich heritage and traditions of the Aztec people. Unfortunately, these sacred grounds have been repeatedly violated, with construction projects and urban development encroaching upon them. This desecration is not only a blatant disregard for the cultural and spiritual values of the Aztec descendants but also a violation of their rights. Community Outcry Local activists, historians, and members of the Aztec community have been vocal about their concerns. They argue that the desecration of these burial sites is a continuation of historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. The community has organized protests, educational campaigns, and petitions to raise awareness and demand respect for their sacred sites. A Call to Action It is imperative that the local government steps in to address this issue. Here are some actions that can be taken: 1. Immediate Halt to Construction: All ongoing construction projects near the Hollywood Cross should be paused until a thorough investigation is conducted to assess the impact on the Aztec cemetery and burial mound. 2. Cultural Impact Assessment: An independent cultural impact assessment should be carried out to understand the significance of the site and the extent of the damage caused. 3. Legal Protection: The site should be granted legal protection as a cultural heritage site, ensuring that it is preserved for future generations. 4. Community Involvement: The local government should engage with the Aztec community and other stakeholders to develop a plan for the preservation and respectful treatment of the site. 5. Educational Initiatives: Schools and public institutions should incorporate the history and significance of the Aztec cemetery and burial mound into their curricula to foster a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures. Conclusion The desecration of the Aztec cemetery and burial mound near the Hollywood Cross is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By taking decisive action, the local government can demonstrate its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and rectifying historical injustices. Let us stand together to protect these sacred sites and honor the legacy of the Aztec people. Yes, there are several legal precedents and laws aimed at protecting Indigenous burial sites in California:

How can we imagine and create more human urban futures? It starts with us. With understanding how we, as humans, experience the places we live in. How do changes in the public square next door affect how a retired 70 year old woman makes her way to the market? How does a child, who recently moved in the city, experience the arrival of a new type of shared bikes? How will the users of one specific park feel about the installation of an arts pavilion in it, and how should the pavilion look to best fit their needs? Understanding how people interact within their habitats is what we call Citizen Experience. Curious to know more about this service? Head to our website: https://lnkd.in/emcKspCB

YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard) is an offshoot of YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) which was a reaction to NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) which has plagued affordable housing development across the U.S. since its inception. The idea, which California has codified into law, allows for land owned by religious institutions to bypass the ability for local city councils and regulations to stop or significantly delay zoning approvals for affordable housing development on land owned by the religious institution. According to the article, that is more than 47,000 acres as of 2023. Often neighborhoods will fight using zoning ordinances and environmental concerns to prevent affordable housing from being built. With litigation lasting for years. I've seen parcels that were zoned correctly sued for traffic and light pollution on the grounds that they infringe upon the neighborhood property rights. Obviously, it's not legal to sue based on the perceived socio-economic status of the new proposed housing. Even though the argument that we don't want "those people" in our neighborhood is in itself a misnomer. Many young professionals and most minimum wage workers make below the threshold for affordable housing. Think your pre-school teacher, barista, grocery clerk, or janitor. All of which you need for a functioning society. All of which generally earn $30,000 or less per year. Having worked with a lot of affordable housing developers who have had projects killed or delayed for years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation, I personally like the idea. I've often said I would love to do a podcast showing the true face of Affordable Housing and the people that live there. So that they can stop being "those people" and start being seen as the amazing individuals they are. https://lnkd.in/epmD_ZAx

I was so delighted to read this headline at first. Anyone that has ever met me knows I advocate for #sustainability at all levels of education so to finally see this happening in Ireland's Post Primary schools was a great moment. But my heart sank reading the article: "These new subjects will be introduced into schools next year, for fifth year students starting the 2025/2026 school year. The subjects will initially be offered to 100 schools and the selected schools have yet to be announced." 100 schools in 2025/2026? Do we need to wait until we fail to meet all requirements of the #2030agenda before #ESD is nationwide? Or perhaps it could become nationwide when we lose another few metres of coastland due to storms and soil erosion? https://lnkd.in/edTXedFN

Great article for those interested in agent-based models: A new approach to agent-based models of Community Resources Management based in analysis of cheating, monitoring and sanctioning (Lapp & Long, 2022) https://lnkd.in/e-vfadJ3

At our recent (super) conference, we unveiled our new localism guide—a go-to resource for transforming localism into action. This guide is packed with practical tips for councils and features an array of inspiring case studies from both local and international projects. Here’s a glimpse at some standout localism initiatives making an impact across the country: The School Sustainability and Resilience Fund: Powered by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, this fund is all about empowering schools to champion sustainability. It supports projects aimed at environmental education, sustainable practices, and resilience-building activities. The goal? To help schools cut their environmental footprint, adapt to changing conditions, and instil the importance of sustainability. Urban Plus: Based in Lower Hutt and operating under the Hutt City Council, Urban Plus provides social housing to Hutt City residents in need. From urban regeneration to housing development, their work is all about creating vibrant, sustainable communities. Te Kōrari, the People’s Panel: This innovative initiative by Environment Canterbury invites community members to weigh in on regional decisions through online surveys. It’s a simple yet powerful way for everyone to voice their opinions on various issues. The surveys are quick, optional, and provide invaluable feedback without replacing formal consultations. Catch the highlights in our video here: https://lnkd.in/gaHpkYRF

Broadband is transforming rural America by preserving history and empowering communities. This NCTA video highlights how digital access is helping preserve Native American culture while driving growth in education, healthcare, and beyond. https://lnkd.in/g44GbDAg #broadband #broadbandcommunities