“Our economy is facing some tough challenges. We’re seeing a giant spike in foreclosures, job losses and workforce problems (transportation, documentation, and education). We cannot continue on this path. We must chart new maps for a reinvented economic strategy. We need better jobs, small business support (not just start-up) and an innovative economy addressing the needs of the future now!”
I wrote that a year ago, and it’s past time to begin.
Local Currency
Many other cities have their own currency. Examples would include Madison Hours, Berkshares, Ithaca Hours (one of the best known local currencies), Burlington Bread and Piedmont Plenty. There are also other forms of local economic exchange, like “Comfort Dollars.”
Most community currency is based on time and can be used to exchange services in neighborhoods. This promotes local economic strength and community self-reliance. Other benefits include more community involvement and pride, patronage of local businesses (those that participate), and ultimately the reduction of traffic emissions. Because of its positive impact on the environment, local currencies are part of economic strategies of more and more sustainable living supporters. You can find an overview here.
In addition to a local currency, we need accessible micro lending, and Continue reading ‘Local Community Currency — It’s Time, Milwaukee’
11 Oct 2008 | 8:08 am | Economic Development, DIY - Do It Yourself | No comments yet - Add your comments
This Saturday we’re unveiling “Art in the Alleys” as part of ArtWalk.*
Back alley and impromptu dancing, music, poetry and performance is welcome. Come over and join us!
GUIDED TOURS: Join us Saturday from 1-3 for guided tours (raindate Sunday, 1-3) by organizers and artists. Learn what inspired this event, what inspired the artists, and the history of the alleys that we uncovered (cows, chickens, blacksmith, pigeons and more).
Continue reading ‘Art in the Alleys Unveiling!’
1 Oct 2008 | 5:39 pm | Art, Streets, Bicycles, Pedestrians | No comments yet - Add your comments
The preliminary score is in. Yet one more development in a string of them along our river, moving north despite city promises that development would end at North Avenue.
In a move that has all the looks of a “done deal,” UWM has selected the Hometown site along the Milwaukee River as their next UWM dorm location.
The development, owned by Mandel, has the kiss of blessing from the Milwaukee River Work Group (MRWG) and Alder Nik Kovac, who told me just minutes ago that he hopes to support this project.
Continue reading ‘Developers-112, Milwaukee River-O: Hometown site is chosen.’
1 Oct 2008 | 2:40 pm | UWM, Water, Development, 3rd District | No comments yet - Add your comments
This is a response to both Ann Brummitt’s email (you can follow the thread below) and the letter that she sent out on behalf of the Milwaukee River Work Group (MRWG). I apologize for the length and I’ve tried to bulletpoint and highlight the basics, so you can do a quick skim if you don’t have time to read the whole thing.If you are opposed to unsustainable, high-density development along the Milwaukee River, please call (286.3447) or email Alder Nik Kovac (nkovac@milwaukee.gov) a.s.a.p. If you’ve already made your call, thank you.
Starting out with the tiresome disclaimers that anyone who is vocally opposed to this development has to parade out:
A. I am not anti-student. All the students who worked on my campaign, the students who ask me to speak on their panels, the students who ask for my endorsement for their projects or most importantly, the students who are also opposed to developing more dorms on the river will attest to this fact.
Continue reading ‘Rebuttal to MRWG’s support for more high-density development on the river’
1 Oct 2008 | 9:09 am | UWM, Water, Development, Environmental Sustainability | No comments yet - Add your comments