Escanaba City Council Meeting (October 17th, 2024): The value of grants, playgrounds and community involvement.

In this city council meeting participants are actively seeking solutions to challenges that they may face like many other rural communities. In particular is the ability to think in advance and that can help the community to minimize upcoming challenges, increase opportunities to capitalize on changes, and develop rural town/city re-emergence. Change and adaptation are needed in thoughtful manner and should be an ongoing process (They seem like they have hired the right enthusiastic and strategic city manager. Most people plan reactively around crisis/pressure but thinking ahead is a little different as one steps outside bounded rationality. Thinking Ahead the Decision Problem). In this case they are using grants, improving quality of life factors (QOL) and drawing in community members. October 17th, 2024 Escanaba City Countil Meeting  (Keep in mind the Economic and QOL needs as they relate.)

The Value of Grants.: 

Parks have been used a long time
for socializing and recreation.
They can equate to long-term health.
Source: Paintings of Parks

Grants are a beneficial way to develop the community by using an infusion of resources that when used well can significantly enhance an area (In this case the rejuvenation of Escanaba-Delta County as a hot spot investment and vacation destination.). Grants can be thought of as starter money that updates infrastructure, education, arts, playgrounds, industry, and any number of things (You can search Govt. Grants if your looking. I sometimes do and should do more for a fire dept and sometimes find something for another organization or two.). If you find the right grant and right corporate interest it is possible to revitalize a downtown as well attract new entrepreneurs and investments. Updating buildings, improving the building fronts, and maybe even seed money to match with those who have a well thought out idea and resources needed to support their ideas.Think of some of the things that support local growth in Forbes Entrepreneurship). Grants help but the ultimate goal is to create independence where grants are not needed and reinvestment keeps things growing. The Perpetual Sustainable System. It would seem they are doing the right thing and maximizing grants and should continue to do so to update the town as well as create as much reach for tax dollars as possible. 

Playgrounds and the Demographic It Attracts:

Kids love to have fun and play. Make kids happy, tire them out for bed time and mom & dad have a much smoother time. We often find the value of neighborhoods improve as families with kids get attracted to certain areas and invest their time in the community. Likewise playgrounds are part of good child upbringing and overall well being. The impact of young people playing ranges from social to physical health and when you start kids out right they are often better adjusted at older age. That means they become community contributors. See a cycle forming? Strong youth with the right environment (i.e. considering playgrounds as a factor in young life quality similar to quality of eduation and others.) grow up to be productive members of society by allowing their best skills and abilities to come forward. Those benefit are on top of the land value (i.e. tax value) of property, quality neighborhoods, shared social space, etc. Neighborhood Environments on Free Play

Community Involvement in Committees: Younger generations should get involved and make their mark by being part of these community administration committees. When such committees hold cross generational knowledge it allows young people to better frame their needs into practical outcomes. If there are open seats consider wetting your beak in government activity. Know a younger person who has interest in politics and seems to put others before oneself then we certainly could put them to good work helping their community. Perhaps a college student would like to get involved while studying civics (Sometimes we think the study of histioy, leadership and civics isn't as valuable as other fields but it does influence knowledge of government and hence its impact on entrepreneurship and business.) People need new ideas that solve local and national problems. It starts in small towns like this! Conceptualizing Community