Category: Theory
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A new job: Real Estate Strategist
Why did I take a job at the City? In June, I began working at the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development, as the Real Estate Strategist. There is so much to say, and I hope to have an essay for your thoughts soon. For now, here’s the cover letter that accompanied…
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Our Political Polarization: Heartbreak and Healing
Why does politics feel crazy these days, and what can we do about it? Last year, I facilitated a year-long conversation called Between Americans. The 24 participants—half red and half blue—had signed up hoping to achieve connection and understanding across the political schism. By the end of the year, most hadn’t achieved what they’d hoped…
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How Should I Vote?
How should we select political leaders in complex and changing times? As election season ramps up again, I find myself wondering more than ever before: how should I research the candidates? This year, while facilitating a conversation among people who voted for Clinton and Trump, I’ve noticed that, even among people who’ve committed time to…
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The Hierarchy of Nobel-Prize-worthiness
Why is it so hard to find developer success stories in combating gentrification? In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith explored the cultural milieu that produces our sense of right and wrong. In this work, which laid the groundwork for The Wealth of Nations, Smith notes that it’s human nature to seek praise and praise-worthiness. This basic tendency, he supposes, forms…
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Machinebrain & Gardenbrain
What the heck is development culture, anyway? And why are we so interested in it? I was quite excited to see Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau list The Gardens of Democracy as one of his two favorite nonfiction titles. This under-sung little book has deeply influenced how Brian and I think about urban development, using a concept called “Gardenbrain”.…