Shelterforce Magazine: Budgeting and Democracy

Posted by on May 29, 2007

NEW ISSUE OF SHELTERFORCE MAGAZINE

The Summer 2006 issue of Shelterforce Magazine features several articles on how low-income residents and community groups can play a role in crafting their city?s annual budget and write long-term plans for their neighborhoods. In some places local governments have encouraged residents to get involved with budgeting and planning; in others residents have had to demand influence. In either case, a commitment to organizing is crucial to build residents? strength, as is a willingness to collaborate among a neighborhood?s many organizations.
You will find a summary and links to each of the feature articles below. Contact David Holtzman at dholtzman@nhi.org with questions. To view the full issue or subscribe, go to http://www.nhi.org.

Budgeting for Democracy

Citizen engagement is changing the way one city develops its budget.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/budgetingfordemocracy.html

Let the People Decide
Two Canadian cities are trying different approaches to participatory budgeting.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/canadianbudgeting.html

Following the Money Trail
For 18 years, Neighborhood Capital Budget Group has supported Chicago?s grassroots community groups in understanding where and how their public dollars are spent.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/moneytrail.html

Planning Beyond the Project
Neighborhood planning, while complex, strengthens communities and brings support for projects.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/planningbeyondprojects.html

Building Trust
After 9/11, when economic forces threatened Chinatown?s survival, collaborative planning built consensus on where to go next.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/buildingtrust.html

Also in this issue:

Managing the Message
The right choice of words, stories and images can have a remarkable effect on how the public views affordable housing.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/managingthemessage.html

The Politics of Poverty
Can fighting poverty win elections? John Edwards thinks so.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/politicsofpoverty.html

Say NO to Wal-Bank
Why is it a bad idea for Wal-Mart to become a bank? Ask all the small businesses driven under by the cutthroat behemoth.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/notowalbank.html

The Second Storm
Hurricane Katrina was just the first setback for many tenants who are now fighting landlords? efforts to throw them out.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/thenewhomeless.html

Jane Jacobs? Radical Legacy
Jane Jacobs is remembered for her far-reaching influence on communities.
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/146/janejacobslegacy.html

Important reading in the new issue of Shelterforce, the Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Building

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David Holtzman
Associate Editor
Shelterforce Magazine
460 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 211
Montclair, NJ 07042-3552
973-509-2888
973-509-8005 fax
http://www.nhi.org