Local governments, concerned about these failures but unable to address regional problems on their own, increasingly are turning to locally-based, collaborative structures. Such programs mesh effectively with citizens’ increasing activism and their lack of confidence in agencies physically remote from their own community. In this, these new structures conform to the increased passion and commitment seen in contemporary civic affairs. Citizens are willing to work to improve the quality of life in their communities to an extent not seen in past generations. And these programs provide a positive structure for this increased interest in civic engagement. Several recent efforts in different parts of the country have focused on economic revitalization of strip commercial arterial corridors (many of which are state highways), though almost all concern themselves with a single agency or with a limited number of agencies. If local agencies are to achieve their goals of enhancing public systems in order to meet GHG reduction targets and to provide affordable, walkable, and workforce-friendly housing, they will need a newer and more aggressive form of collaboration.

Problems throughout urban America go unanswered because of jurisdictional tangles. While Americans love living in small cities within urban areas there are, from an administrative perspective, too many small cities. This makes it unlikely that regional problems can be addressed by any one of them. In a sense, this matter is not urgent. However, each day sees these regional problems fester, and sees limited service to our citizens.

The Grand Boulevard Initiative is working on an unprecedented model, one that respects community desires for local control but crafts a federated approach by agencies willingly cooperating because they see the common good of the street will improve their operations and the quality of life of their citizens.