Upzoned - When The Ribbon Cutting Is the Cheapest Part

Upzoned - When The Ribbon Cutting Is the Cheapest Part

Author: Think & Act Locally May 13, 2026 Duration: 41:17

Des Moines just approved an $8.4 million first phase for a $54 million park overhaul. The bid came in over estimate, and there's no maintenance plan in sight — meanwhile the city was cutting services 9% across the board just last year. Norm Van Eeden Petersman talks with parks consultant Jamie Sabbach, author of the new book The Bison Principle, and writer Michel Durand-Wood about what cities consistently leave out of these decisions. Construction is only about 20% of what a public asset costs over its lifetime, and most cities aren't planning for the rest. The conversation gets into maintenance backlogs, why capital and operating budgets are really the same money, and what a city would actually decide if the 50-year cost were part of the conversation from the start.

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The Think and Act Locally podcast explores the quiet, powerful intersections where faith meets daily life and community action. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of grounded conversations on how spiritual principles can directly fuel practical work in your own neighborhood. Each episode delves into the real-world application of ideas, examining how education and entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in a sense of purpose, become tools for meaningful local engagement. You'll hear from people who are quietly building, supporting, and connecting within their communities, discussing both the successes and the challenges of creating tangible, positive change. The aim is to offer thoughtful reflection and actionable insight, reminding us that the most significant shifts often begin right where we are. Tune in for a podcast dedicated to the belief that thoughtful local action is a profound expression of both spirituality and citizenship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

Think and Act Locally
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