THE PROJECT “Small Talks, Big Ideas” is a weekly 30 minute show on WOHM 96.3 FM that is a collaborative space shared by 4 of our community’s nonprofit organizations, including Lowcountry Local First, Coastal Conservation League, Charleston Moves and If You Were Mayor. While these 4 nonprofit and advocacy organizations serve very different needs in […]
Life in cities and urban areas is characterized by a certain balance between private space and shared spaces, like parks, streets, shops, restaurants, and other public places. Most people who choose to live in the city can accept certain tradeoffs in their private realm (for instance, a somewhat smaller home or glimpses by the passerby […]
That was the line printed at the bottom of the 1964 version of South Carolina’s Application for Registration to vote. The irony, of course, was that embedded within the application were tests or qualifications that particularly targeted the African American population and the poor for exclusion in the voting process. Here are two of the […]
An educated workforce is one key element to individual and community economic success, and quality education enhances the livability of cities for all its citizens. Many cities that have developed and maintained economic strength in recent years have elevated the conversation regarding education and research outcomes. In Charleston, the civic government and larger community stands […]
In 1988, the City Preservation Officer and Architect Charles Chase put a human face on the Board of Architectural Review. He recounted visiting a poor family in Cannonborough who was interested in making some minor repairs to the piazza of their Charleston single house. He had been concerned, at their initial meeting in his office, […]
The Charleston region is facing a composite of issues that cannot be separated, but must be addressed as a comprehensive whole in order to maintain a healthy, sustainable economy. The issues that face this region are no different than – in fact, are essentially the same as – those that are covered in a new […]
We’ve all experienced some of the frustrations of “getting around” the Lowcountry – flooded streets, traffic, and limited routes, or “connectivity.” The region’s growth brings all of these issues to the forefront of discussions regarding solutions. The issue cannot be solved by any single effort and will require forethought, vision, and perseverance. Last week’s […]
Since we’ve been doing a little paddling around the streets of Charleston during the past week, it seems to be an appropriate time to visit the topic of Urban Resilience, a concept defined by the Rockefeller Foundation as: “The capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow […]
Media plays a crucial role in communities that aim to be livable and progressive. A strong local press can “follow the money,” and shine a light on the dark corners of government, to force action, and to criticize bad ideas. Journalists can attend the meetings where decisions are being made and be there for us when […]
While visiting cities around the country (and the world), we are always on the lookout for uniquely local shops that embody the spirit of a place. Bookshops can be a good bet, especially in college towns. Famous spots such as Shakespeare and Company in Paris, or City Lights in San Francisco feel almost cliche’. But, get […]