UrbanVision2014 Study Tour
UrbanVision2014--Boosting The Economic Vitality and Livability of Cities and Communities
You may be asking, why this study tour?
It's simple-- I am personally disheartened by where our nation is headed and want to make a difference in terms of thwarting its precipitous decline. In my mind the central piece with respect to righting this ship involves addressing the problems facing the very U.S. cities and regions where we live, work, and raise families.
Like many American's I took a ferocious blow to the chin in 2013, a full-on face plant in the mud financially. In openly sharing my journey with others, I discover that many well meaning, hard working American's were struggling mightily just to remain upright. It gurgled my stomach to hear tales of small business fighting to stay afloat amid onerous government regulations and taxes, single moms working three jobs just to keep hungry mouths fed, unsustainable housing, transportation and healthcare costs, and crime rates that make some feel hostage in their own community.
Unfortunately we keep hearing the same ole broken rhetoric from our political leaders about fixing the very cities that are a key pillar to our nation's prosperity. Many of our urban centers are in critical condition fiscally and structurally thereby restricting their effectiveness as engines of economic vitality and livability. Urban America is not well and I am intent on making a difference in terms of doing something about it!
It is within the spirit of this quest that I am pleased to announce the launch of UrbanVision2014, a nationwide study chronicling the role of downtown, central cities as epicenters
of civic and economic connection. These environments play a pivotable role in our nation's recovery. The goal of this fifty-city tour
is to highlight the importance of urban centers in fostering a vibrant, livable
economic communities for all.
About the
Tour
Beginning in January 2014, I'll proceed
to capture emerging perspectives on select urban cities, and document key
findings on on my UrbanWebcity site. The mission: to create a powerful
groundswell of dialogue around city factors that foster economic activity,
community, jobs, mobility, education, and health care.
A published book documenting these emerging trends is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2015. A comprehensive website will also be launched assisting people in identifying cities and communities that are in alignment with their lifestyle needs and goals.
I believe that by promoting a
deeper sense of connection on a local and regional scale, and through evolving
civic-mindedness, stakeholders will be inspired to invoke transformations in
their respective urban communities. It is my desire to underscore the importance
of urban centers as hubs for a long-term sustainable, viable economy. My sincere hope is that you'll join me on this exciting quest through a generous donation.
Onward and Forward,
Michael Scott
