Profiles of Communities That Have Confronted Tricky Social Problems

Smart Communities: How Citizens and Local Leaders Can Use Strategic Thinking to Build a Brighter Future
by Suzanne W. Morse

Cities and towns that possess the “ability to see the big picture and to make strategic decisions” are often able to tackle difficult social problems, writes Suzanne W. Morse, executive director of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, a research organization in Charlottesville, Va. Her book gives examples of localities that have successfully revitalized their economies, strengthened local education, and improved race relations.

Ms. Morse provides advice to help government and nonprofit leaders determine which problems to focus on. She suggests that groups work on developing long-term solutions rather than stopgap measures. She also cautions that people often underestimate the extent of problems in their own neighborhoods. Nonprofit groups can help fill this void by organizing meetings to educate residents about local concerns, she says.

The book gives examples of towns in which groups of residents have devoted months to studying a particular problem and exploring possible solutions. The book also advises localities to focus on their strengths when confronting hardships. One chapter describes several small towns in western North Carolina that drew upon their tradition of creating handmade crafts to begin economic-development efforts.

Other sections of the book provide tips for improving working relationships, promoting civic participation, and developing leadership skills in businesses, nonprofit groups, and government, and among the general public.

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 989 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94103-1741; (317) 572-3986 or (800) 956-7739; fax (317) 572-4002; http://www.josseybass.com; 256 pages; $34; I.S.B.N. 0-7879-6516-2.