Citizenship - in a word, it is what the NewCities Institute is all about. The Institute, dedicated to promoting civic capacity in cities and towns across the nation, has identified 12 timeless principles that will help cities encourage citizenship. The twelve principles revolve around the principles inherent and necessary to building an economy that matches with the requirements of the 21st century: social connections for citizens
and quality of life. They are:
Cities must be committed to a life-long learning process, devoted to a better quality of life. Combining life-long learning with cultural amenities, such as theaters, public art, and galleries provide economic assets that more importantly nurture the soul.
more »
Connections to the greater world are critical. Businesses, as well as hospitals, schools and local governments, must be able to quickly, easily and cheaply tap into a vast array of data and information through advanced telecommunication technologies. Transportation is also a vital component of connecting a community to the world. Having these physical connections are essential, however, communities must be able to use and benefit from them through training and receptivity to innovation, technologies and ideas.
more »
Keeping money in the local community allows the money to multiply. On top of this benefit are the ones that come from having business owners live where they do business, which leads to citizenship. The flip side to this is figuring out ways to sell to the global economy or exporting. These contributions to the community promote loyalty to the community, charitable giving, and political involvement.
more »
People seek individuality, they celebrate it. Though cities may share many similarities with other cities, each is distinct from all others. To succeed, cities must build on who they are and what they have.
more »
Most associate progress and improvement with growth. The primary focus of development is and should be increasing quality, not quantity. Although some quantitative increase will result and is desirable, the key is to provide a delicate balance in order to preserve quality.
more »
A city is the greatest work of art possible. If we are going to have a valuable city, we have to build to reflect those values. In order for a community to be a good community it must look like a good community. Management is critical to call for thoughtful decisions and active care or stewardship. Managing the building process along with natural resources of the environment create a high quality of life, attracting people and businesses who create jobs and income.
more »
Local voices are getting more demanding, more organized, and exercising more control. People are deciding what the vision of their community should be. The role of citizens in creating great communities should be nurtured. After all, it is citizens who will determine the viability of all of our communities. The citizen leadership and involvement must be cultivated and embraced.
more »
An important part of this bigger world involves recognizing that a variety of opinions, cultures and ethnic groups makes up America. It is important to create an environment that nurtures our youth while they are here, prepares them to go out and succeed when they leave, and encourages them to return if they desire. If a community collectively recognizes diversity as an important part of its fabric, then the individuals in that community, whether young or old, are better prepared to deal with the larger world. It allows for an environment that thinks about what people need and want, thereby recognizing that what is good for them is, in turn, good for us.
more »
Civic leaders, local officials, and the general citizenry can take an active role in improving the health of the community. Cities that encourage infrastructure and programs for a healthy lifestyle improve the quality of life in a community and allow its citizens to reap the health benefits and economic advantages afforded to a more active way of life.
more »
It is important for communities to entice companies and businesses to locate in their city; however, this recruitment is not enough. In order to retain businesses of importance already located in a community, they must not be neglected and must be made to realize, with some assistance, whether they can keep doors from closing, expand their workforce, and increase their revenues to better themselves and the community at large. Recruitment is necessary, but must be done in the right way in order to allow a city to thrive, flourish, and generate wealth.
more »
Imitation is the truest form of flattery. Overcoming disadvantages of small town living often requires efforts that create analogies to scale or mimic bigness. Successful projects in larger cities can often be replicated on a smaller scale in smaller cities.
more »
Cities should work with surrounding counties and local governments to see that needed services are provided effectively and efficiently. Likewise, small cities that are part of a larger urban region have to accept that they are equally responsible for the development of the region and not abandon this role to larger cities.
more »
Tell us Your Story
Print the 12 Principles (PDF)
Tell a Friend
To Learn More: 1-888-352-0922.
