Category Archives: Economics

Creating the right conditions to invite investment

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

Time to visit Grayslake again, and see how recent circumstances there compare to Round Lake Beach. (Of course, no two villages should strive to be identical, but there are always many aspects in common among successful municipalities since they all … Continue reading →

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Hey Dude… where’s our Downtown?

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

At a recent event held as part of the Round Lake Beach 75th Anniversary Celebration, I was partnered with a former RLB mayor. As volunteers, we were both scheduled to staff a given check-point/display for 4½ hours. As a long-time … Continue reading →

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The “Greying” of Round Lake Beach: Are we ready?

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

(More than 13 percent of the US population is over 65, and by 2030, that figure will be 20 percent. Many of those Baby Boomers plan to “Age In Place“, and many others will move… to smaller houses or multifamily … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning, Seniors | Leave a comment

“10 Benefits of Creating Good Public Spaces”

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

There is a value beyond the obvious to creating “places that work“. We’ve all seen the results of well-intentioned plans which do not seem to deliver as promised; this includes the uber-controlled world of “Happy Consumerism”, endless cheap energy,  and … Continue reading →

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“The Five C’s of Neighborhood Planning”

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

As we look for ways to improve of neighborhoods, each with its own strengths and challenges, here is a brief look at some of the common elements found in neighborhoods that work. Examine your own neighborhood… what category of functionality … Continue reading →

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Sources: Sprawl Repair Manual

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

One of the pre-eminent experts in suburban redevelopment, Galina Tachieva is the author of the “Sprawl Repair Manual“: We’ll be using it as one of our main references in the coming months because “Perception is Reality“! One of the aspects of dealing … Continue reading →

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