City Voice Podcast

Over the course of my life it’s become clear to me that trust is the foundation of all relationships. Trust shows up in different levels based on need and circumstances. When I go on Amazon and click on the battery powered fly swatter with the anti-fly guidance system that I’ve always wanted, I have trust that I will get it. I trust it will be as deadly accurate as advertised. If it’s not as advertised, I’m disappointed but not emotionally wounded.  On the other end of the trust spectrum is my wife. We have been together for 22 years and she likely knows more about me than I see in myself. I trust her with it all. Money, thoughts, innermost fears, and my heart. My love for her is both enormously powerful and vulnerable. With all my talk of love and vulnerability, you may be shocked, OK maybe not, to learn that as a part of our day to day lives…we don’t always agree. What’s for dinner? Yes, I was listening to you! No, I don’t still think I’m right. No, Jennifer Lopez is not a great actress. It’s too early to start talking about the Red Sox in the World Series. Lot’s of little things that at the time seem more significant due to the familiarity of many years together. Of course, life often presents bigger problems. Sometimes much bigger problems. In my experience when the more significant things come along, we have moments of debate or disagreement, and then we rally as a unified front. We can do that, as I see it, only because under it all is the foundation of love built on trust. She, this woman I love more than anyone, is also the person I have the most disagreements with, bar none. I think that’s likely true in most marriages. It’s that kind of deep, trusting love that lets us disagree, get mad, and say, that was stupid, you're wrong, are you out of your mind, and still put our heads down on the pillow together that night. It’s the kind of trusting love that I believe would let us have the worst fight in the history of us and then in the blink of an eye defend each other ceaselessly should a threat present itself.  In some ways, it’s a similar sort of thing that brothers and sisters have with each other. My life experience with my sisters was that as kids we fought like cats and dogs. Not all the time but from time to time. We would curse and scream at each other. Nobody else was allowed to do that. If someone came along and said what I said the day before to my Sister, I would have none of it. I would defend them to the end. It’s that sort of love that exists based on trust. The love for a brother, sister, husband, and wife that’s built on trust. It’s also true for friends and maybe our favorite waiter or perhaps the person you know at the grocery or the gym. All to different degrees but nonetheless a minimal essential level or a deep level of trust exists in all these relationships. Relationships are built on trust. My belief is this kind of implicit trust has existed for us all as Americans.  Listen here to Trust here on the City Voice Podcast or read the rest here . Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends.

If your life is anything like mine you think about eating healthy. To the extent that actually happens in my life, I owe it to my wife Jacqui. I am a willing participant but she makes it happen. That's probably a big part of the reason I was interested when I became aware of the new book titled Formerly Known As Food by Kristin Lawless. FYI: Jacqui is glad I'm done with the book she wants it now. The other reason was a private message I received on Linkedin but we talk about that in this episode of the City Voice Podcast...so I won't spoil that here. No doubt many of us agree that eating healthy has enormous value. We probably also agree that the big producers of food in America and much of the civilized western world care more about profit than they do the quality of the end product. So what do we do? What's the way forward? Many of the answers are in Formerly Known As Food. This is a thoughtful look at what the state of our food is, some ideas on what to do and not to do now, possible big-picture political fixes and a lot more.  Here are some of the topics we discuss on this episode of the City Voice Podcast. How did we get to where our food supply is today? The food supply is changing our bodies on a very deep level. Eating organic? Vegetarian or Vegan? Maybe organic or vegan... ish? Are you wasting your money?                                                           Animal protein in your diet? Good or Bad? What kind of choices should you make in this area? What do you know about big mono-crop organic farming? Huh? Why does that matter? Packed organic foods? I'm good to go...right? It's organic and BPA free. We discuss the realities. What do American babies increasingly no longer have in their diets that they need...and what does baby formula have to do with it? Should babies be eating what most of us think of as baby food? Given the state of our food supply, what can we do? How are our regulatory agencies doing when it comes to overseeing our food? How does the food industry get us hooked from day one? What is the impact of fewer people having basic cooking and food preparation skills? Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. Show links Get the book: Formerly Known As Food by Kristin lawless Kristin Lawless website New York Times: The Bacteria Babies Need

A few minutes before I started recording my conversation with Tamara Russell I was contacted by a friend who just lost his wife. As it turned out Dr. Russell helps us through a process called the Transitional Pause Process in this episode. I didn't fully realize it when we began but it was exactly what I needed. Among many other things she discusses how we often stuff things down because we are too busy to feel or experience what just happened. I see now that's what happened to me when I heard from my friend minutes before my scheduled interview with Tamara Russell. A little about Dr. Tamara Russell. She is a clinical psychologist, a neuroscientist, the Director of The Mindfulness Centre of Excellence in London. Dr. Russell is also the author of two excellent books. #WhatIsMindfulness? (yes the title is a hashtag) and Mindfulness in Motion.  Mindfulness is something I have a personal interest in and see value in for myself and as far as I can tell for everyone else.  Here are some of the things we discuss and do on this episode of the City Voice podcast. Tamara Russell walks us through an amazing 10 minutes of a meditation called the "Transitional Pause Process". I loved it and give my reaction to it in the moment.  What is mindfulness? Ever read something and realize you have to go back because you aren't sure what you just read? Have you ever been in conversation only to realize you haven't heard what the other person just said? We discuss. Social media pulls us in and we get lost in. It's designed to do that. Dr. Russell explains why mindfulness is particularly relevant now.  Mindfulness benefits to career and relationships Is mindfulness compatible with both a secular and spiritual approach? "BrainWise" Training. American Presidential politics and Britains Brexit have widened the divide between a great many people. Families, friends, coworkers, people on social media have a heightened level of I'm right and your wrong. So many of us are reacting at each other. What role can mindfulness play in correcting that course? Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. Show links Get the books: #WhatIsMindfulness? Mindfulness In Motion The Mindfulness Centre of Excellence in London. Try a Transitional Pause

Dinosaurs have been a fascination of mine since I was a boy. That seems to be true for many young boys and girls. I loved asking my guest on this episode of the City Voice podcast, paleontologist Steve Brusatte, for his opinion of who wins in a sprinters death race. Gold medal Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt or T-Rex. Back to my fascination with Dinos...Fast forward to the 1993 release of the original Jurassic Park movie. It seems that in the 25 years or so since the premiere of Jurassic Park we have a crop of passionate young men and woman that have become paleontologists and entered into other "Dino related" fields. Coincidence? Aaah no. Steve Brusatte agrees Jurassic Park had a major influence. He also gives credit to charismatic and brilliant giants in the field like Dr. Robert Bakker. Bakker actually was a Jurassic Park consultant in the 90's. That's when I had a number of brief opportunities to work with him and learn that Dinos might have had wings and that they might be warm-blooded. Since that time Brusatte has found Dinos with feathers among the fifteen dinosaurs he has named. In fact, he says T. Rex likely had a kind of feathers. We talk about the T. Rex evolutionary line and whether that line connects with alligators and lizards or the Mocking Bird outside my house. Steve Brusatte is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, A New History of a Lost World. He is also a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh. A graduate of University of Chicago and Columbia University. He writes for Scientific American and is the resident paleontologist for the BBC's walking with dinosaurs. Brusatte says, "this is the Golden Age of Dinosaurs" about one new species a week is being found. How amazing is that? After reading The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs I believe Brusatte's work has the potential to inspire would-be new Dino Hunters and feed curious minds everywhere.  For me, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs was a fascinating and enjoyable read and conversation about Earth, Dinosaurs, how MOST of them became extinct, and what we can learn from it all. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. SHOW LINKS Want the book? The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, A New History of a Lost World

We have all seen the news reports of children being separated from their parents on America's Southwestern border. I think for many of us there is confusion and revulsion regarding the fact that America is doing this. We hear from the Whitehouse that this is the law. The President says he hates this law but it's the fault of the Democrats. Apparently, his claim or belief is that he is being made to do something that the United States of America has never done before. Trump's claimed deep dislike for the policy of separation is juxtaposed with Attorney General Jeff Sessions justification for it. Sessions explains, "the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order." These words have been used throughout history to justify and sanctify the misguided and times grotesque aims of governments. If we are to live by AG Sessions ministry, governments have Carte Blanche and we must salute and dutifully obey. My City Voice podcast conversation today is with Antar Davidson.  He worked, until a few days ago, in a Tucson Arizona shelter with immigrant children. A great many of these children had been separated from their parents when coming across the border. They are processed and admitted with little or no idea of where Mom and Dad are or when they will be reunited. Antar tells us his story of how the kids who are often from places where their governments are a source of fear or worse are fed and given a roof over their heads. He also tells us stories of sleeping on floors and how crying brothers and sisters are forbidden to hug each other before being separated after arriving at the facility. I believe this is an important current reality for American's to be aware of. We get to decide if this is who we are as a people. Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. USA flag

Unifying stories or history, if you like, are a part of the fabric of what binds us as a race. Each country and religion has its stories of how it was founded and who the heroes and heroines are. This in many ways is the glue of me and you. Origin Story by David Christian goes well beyond national boundaries and epic tales of national pride.  It's the story of everything according to science. David Christian just puts everything into a readable enjoyable format. Well done Sir. Science does have an ability to help us come to a unifying story based on facts and highly researched theory.  It's when we discount facts or as close to fact as we are currently capable, that societies drift toward chaos.  Interestingly enough the Origin Story begins...in the beginning... and chaos was definitely present for the beginning.  I'm not going to get into the weeds here and now about what that chaotic violent origin was like. That's what the City Voice podcast is for. Besides Professor David Christian does a better job than I telling the story. In my opinion, it's important to remember that Origin Story is just that. It's the telling of the story of our origin. In fact, it's the story of the origin of everything. It's a big glorious story that takes us literally from nothing to the aforementioned chaos of universal origins, the dinosaurs, the appearance of man, farming, communities, and societies coming onto the scene. I think this a book waiting for a movie to happen. I'm hoping there is a scene where Professor Christian is interviewed by Bill Newgent, host of the City Voice Podcast... More important than the self-indulgence of a fascinating read is potential outcomes. I go back to where I started. Our stories unify us. It's only always important to question and explore but not ignore facts. Or at least the best possible information we have. We get to make our best possible judgments around those. Origin Story isn't solely looking back. The story gives us a greater understanding of where we...everything...came from and what that means in terms of where we are headed...everything. So, three cheers to an important story based on facts and highly regarded thought. Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. SHOW LINKS Where to find Origin Story

My conversation this week on the City Voice Podcast is with Jeff Weaver, Bernies 2016 Presidential Campaign Manager. He is the author of "How Bernie Won Inside The Revolution That's Taking Back Our Country-And Where We Go From Here." People across the political spectrum have strong feelings about Senator and Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Some like to remind people that he is a Democratic Socialist and usually do so with the tagline that goes something like... we don't do socialism in America. On the other side of the political spectrum, some Democrats see Bernie Sanders as a threat to their political party and it's ability to win. The argument typically is something like this. If Bernie is in, he peels off more votes from the Democrat and we lose... Increasingly there are a lot of people who care less about a party and are more concerned about seeing a positive impact in their lives. I think Bernie's appeal, particularly to those not strongly affiliated with either party is that he seems to care more about reform and results and less about his own victory. Or that's the way people that feel that way see it. If Weaver is as dialed in on Bernie as I think he is, this City Voice Podcast interview should inform you and help you decide for yourself. I'm not here to tell you what to think. Below are bullet points on my discussion with Jeff Weaver about How Bernie Won and a lot more. Thanks in advance for listening and subscribing to the City Voice Podcast. If you haven't subscribed yet go to the right column on this site or to the bottom and click on what works for you. Turns out Jeff Weaver owns a comic book store We talk about Bernie, SNL, and Larry David How did Jeff meet Bernie and begin his personal "Summer of Bernie" 30 years and still going? I ask Jeff Weaver what he would say to people thinking about running for Town Council and School Board Liberal/Progressive... Bernie is a Democratic Socialist. What does that mean and what does it mean for Americans? What happened during the primaries with the DNC and the Hillary Campaign? Jeff talks about a contract between the DNC and the Hillary Campaign. Jeff says, the issue wasn't everybody at the DNC but Debbie Wasserman Schultz was clearly trying to sabotage our campaign. I ask Jeff if this was more a Debbie problem or a DNC problem. There was a phone call in the car between Harry Reid and Bernie while Bernie was on the way to see President Obama at the Whitehouse. Jeff tells us who they talked about. Jeff gives us his thoughts on Superdelegates and the impact they can have on people like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris. Do Jeff and Bernie talk with (DNC Leadership) Tom Perez and Keith Ellison? What's that like and what do they talk about? Jeff tells me. Jeff explains many of the ways Bernie won as we talk about How Bernie Won. When Bernie knew the Democrat nomination was out of reach there was a meeting in a hotel between Bernie Sanders, Jane Sanders Jeff Weaver, and Hillary Clinton, John Podesta, and Robby Mook. Jeff tells me what they talked about. Jeff answers my question. Is the political energy out there more about being anti-Trump or for proposed ideas and policies? In the book Jeff says Bernie, in many ways, was completing the work FDR started. I ask Jeff to explain and whether or not Bernie is assuming the mantle of FDR. Jeff uses words from FDR's 1944 State of The Union radio address in How Bernie Won. I end this episode of the City Voice Podcast with the same portion of that SOTU Radio address as spoken by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Thanks and don't forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends.

It's easy to think about how things were when you were a kid and fall into pure nostalgia. Nothing wrong with that but that's not where I'm going with my thoughts today. When I was a boy in the early/mid-1970's we knew all our neighbors. We lived in a tight-knit area where most everyone on our block knew each other. Most evenings neighbors would come out at night into their yards and have conversations. We also knew people who lived in surrounding blocks. I don't say that doesn't exist anymore. I do say, it was a lot more common then, than it is today.  We hear about how tribal people have become. This seems to center around politics. Is it the fault of politics? I think you will agree that tribalism has gone beyond everyday people to our elected officials in Washington D.C. and then some. Much the way people in communities don't talk political issues and opposing viewpoints (with the frequency I think they used to) neither do most of the members of Congress. Is that their fault or did we (the citizens) create that result? Of course, this conversation isn't limited to Washington. It shows up in all kinds of ways from local politics to neighborhood gatherings. Or the lack of neighborhood gatherings in many places. This week on the City Voice podcast my conversation is with Marc J. Dunkelman. He is the author of The Vanishing Neighbor, The Transformation Of The American Community. Marc is a Watson Institute fellow in International and Public Affairs at Brown University. His work at Brown focuses on how the evolving architecture of American community has affected the workings of government, the dynamism of the American economy, and the resilience of the American social safety net. During more than a dozen years working in Washington, Dunkelman served as a senior fellow at the Clinton Foundation, on the staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee, as legislative director and chief of staff to a member of the House of Representatives, and as the vice president for strategy and communications at the Democratic Leadership Council. His work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, Chronicle of Higher Education, Daily Beast, and National Affairs, among other publications. Our conversation ranges from our personal neighborhood experiences to the role of the U.S. Constitution and the chicken or the egg community or individual question. Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. SHOW LINKS The book: The Vanishing Neighbor, The Transformation Of The American Community My Guest: Marc J. Dunkelman  

Chris Matthews has been both loved and hated by legions of fans on both sides of the political spectrum. Either way you view Matthews, it's hard not to believe he loves America and our history.  His years as a presidential speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter, columnist and Washington D.C. Bureau Chief have informed his experience of America in a way few can match. It's from here, I believe, he wrote Bobby Kennedy, A Raging Spirit.  On this week's episode of the City Voice Podcast, we discuss his book, Donald Trump, high-speed rail, did Washington Post's Robert Costa lose too much weight, and do Americans care about truth. Matthews is smart, engaging, energetic and I found him fun to talk with.  I recommend his book, watching Hardball on MSNBC and of course, listening to my conversation with Chris Matthews. Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. Buy the book! Ha! (My best Matthews imitation)...

America is a treasured tapestry of towns and cities. On this week’s City Voice Podcast I’ve enlisted the help of James and Deborah Fallows. With their help, we hear about that tapestry. What does it really look like? Is it frayed? What does it's future look like? They spent the better part of five years immersing themselves in small and medium-sized town and cities across America. They did all this traveling in their small single engine airplane. The combination of both on the ground and birds-eye perspective gave them a unique look at America. The aerial insights inform how and why towns were built where they are and what their natural strengths are going forward. Getting to know the people on the ground gave them and now us a more immediate read on where America is and where it's likely headed.     They are the authors of, Our Towns, A 100,000-Mile Journey Into The Heart Of America. Our Towns reads like a modern-day Lewis and Clark single-engine airplane travel log for Cond'e Naste. It’s also bit of an urban planning enthusiasts guide to placemaking in small to medium size American cities and towns, it’s a keen observer’s take on the fabric of America, it’s a reporter's account of economic development in the heartland, and it’s an America political analysis during the times of Presidents Barak Obama and Donald Trump. James Fallows has been a national correspondent for The Atlantic for more than thirty-five years, reporting from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and across the United States. He is the author of eleven previous books. He has provided commentaries for NPR since the 1980s. For two years he was President Jimmy Carter’s chief speechwriter. Deborah Fallows is a linguist and is the author of two previous books. She has written for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times, and The Washington Monthly, and has worked at the Pew Research Center, Oxygen Media, and Georgetown University. Thanks and don’t forget to subscribe to City Voice and share with your friends. SHOW LINKS "Our Towns" Amazon Link To Purchase the book James Fallows Deborah Fallows Their blog American Futures

As shoppers increasingly look to virtual shopping platforms how do mainstreets remain or regain relevance? In large part, it's a technology issue and also an issue of generational sensibilities. Boomers are increasingly online. Millenials have always been online. Brick and mortar retailers work to grab their attention in ways that allow them to prosper and hope they won't have to cyclically spend big bucks resetting themselves to keep up. This week on The City Voice Podcast my conversation is with City of West Palm Beach Director of Economic Development Chris Roog. SPOILER ALERT: We don't solve all these challenges. However, we do explore a creative new effort called 12x12 (12 for 12). The idea was awarded financial support by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. It's a competition for fledgling new businesses that have a great idea and looking for a way to get it off the ground. So if you have had a great idea, product, service...or whatever this podcast is for you. SHOW LINKS WHAT IS  12x12 I have a great service, product or whatever! How do I apply??? Thanks for listening to the City Voice Podcast! Don't forget to click to subscribe. It's Free!!

I am very much about connection and connectivity. You may already know that on the City Voice Podcast I frequently talk about urban planning and transportation issues. However, connection and connectivity comes in many forms. One of those forms is through social media. One of the great mysteries of my "social media life" has been Linkedin. The conversation in my head and with many people I have spoken to goes something like this. Yes, I have a Linkedin profile...now what? A couple of years ago I got know Debbie Wemyss. Debbie is a Linkedin expert. Her company is DW Consulting Solutions, LLC. She helps large corporate clients, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.  Social Media is another way for us all to connect. Hopefully, this episode helps cracks the door open a little wider regarding the Linkedin platform. Connection allows us all to have an opportunity to create value for one another. Hopefully, that makes the world a little better place. Show Links:  Call +1 561-444-2265 or email info@dwconsultingsolutions.com http://dwconsultingsolutions.com/ Sign up for Debbie's Linkedin Newsletter (I recommend it)

Across the United States of America, there are predominately African American Communities that experience higher rates of violence, unemployment, single-parent families, school dropout, and because of those things and more… there is a hope deficit for many. The most glaring example of that in our nation is with young African American men. Also happening across America, all be it more recently, is an increasing tendency to look to Mayors for solutions and reliable partnerships. The reasons for that include less partisan based legislative gridlock and a keener eye for the actual on the ground issues. Interests across the spectrum are increasingly seeing a bottom-up rather than a top-down approach as a more effective way forward. Today on the City Voice Podcast the conversation is with Anthony Smith of Cities United. Cities United is working directly in support of over 120  Mayors across America in an effort to more effectively turn the tide when it comes to violence, homicide, unemployment and lack of hope to name a few. Particularly for young African American men. My guest Anthony Smith has his own story of hope. My conversation on the City Voice Podcast is with Anthony Smith of Cities United. SHOW LINKS: Cities United

A streetscape reset or redesign… What is that and what does it mean? Is it purely about the way a street looks? The aesthetics of the street? Some may say when a streetscape redesign is presented that the pavement looks fine. Do we really need to go to all this trouble and expense? Why not just freshen up the stripes and plant a few trees? That’ll do the trick…right? I think the question gets to be asked when you look at a street and you think about its design what gets greater preference… People or Cars? Is either of them…the preference? If you care about the dynamic of people and cars then a full redesign may very well be needed. Today’s City Voice Podcast is a conversation with Allison Justice and Erik Ferguson. She is a Community Redevelopment Agency Sr. Project Manager for the West Palm Beach CRA and he is a Transportation Engineer for the City of West Palm Beach. They are two of the primary point people (along with a talented team that includes the firm of Dover, Kohl & Partners) working on this substantial redesign of Clematis St. Clematis St. is the main street of West Palm Beaches Downtown. This City Voice Podcast episode was recorded in the West Palm Beach CRA office located in the West Palm Beach City Hall. Related Links General Clematis St. Redesign information Clematis Street Redesign Flyover video

Ever heard of an organization called Strong Towns before? At first glance, you might hear the name and think it’s an organization that comes to town and promotes fitness. Strong Towns is about Urban Planning, Place Making, and Transportation. However, it needs to be said that if you think that’s it… you are missing their bigger point. First, let’s discuss what being strong is. In my estimation, in order to be strong, you must first have a certain baseline of health. You probably wouldn’t run a marathon or spend much time at CrossFit if you were sick or had ailments dragging you down. The smart way to approach that would be to get healthy before intense training or running a marathon. In my opinion, that’s what my guest Chuck Marohn (an engineer and urban planner with Strong Towns) seems to be saying. Let's get your town healthy. Rather than jump right into the high energy or in the context of your town huge project high expense project let's be incremental. Let’s think about what happens 5-10-15-50 years after the amazing project is done and deemed a success.  Let’s walk a couple blocks or maybe a mile every night and do some training before we commit to the marathon tomorrow. Pretty much all metaphors are imperfect on some level and I’m sure my physical municipal metaphor falls into that category. I do what I can. You might be asking yourself which towns according to Strong towns need to create that baseline of health in order to be a "Strong Town". If I hear Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns correctly. He means your town. He means my town. He means most all towns. As I hear it, he means we stopped doing what works a few decades ago and the way back to being a strong town is to stop doing what we’re doing now. He doesn’t mean stop doing, stop improving, he means look at it this way. Have a listen and form your own opinion. Find Strong Towns here. If you like what you hear and want to become a Strong Towns Member go here. Don't forget to click on one of the subscribe buttons or to submit for the City Voice Podcast Newsletter below. It's all free and I don't share the City Voice list.

The Grandview Public Market will Open Its Doors to the Public on Tuesday, February 20. The repurposed 14,000 square foot warehouse, 14,000 square will provide dining and shopping from local and national purveyors with 15 vendors and serve as a unique event space. GPM is similar to NYC’s Chelsea Market and Krog Street Market in Atlanta. Owner, Chris Vila saw the need for a modern market hall – a gathering spot for locals and visitors – which simply did not exist in Palm Beach County. While the concept of a communal market is not new, it’s the first of its kind in the area. Chris’ wife and business partner Kristen Vila oversaw the interior design at GPM. “While it was essential that each space has its own identity, it was equally important that the market feel cohesive as a whole. I wanted GPM to have a sophisticated and playful feel within the industrial setting and that the overall vibe is inviting, clean and bright,” says Kristen. The 11 independent vendors are a mix of established local brands with loyal followings, including three concepts from nationally recognized New York-based hospitality company, Three Kings Restaurant Group, comprised of Top Chef alum Dale Talde, and his partners David Massoni and John Bush. The Three Kings will open Clare’s, a premier chicken joint which will also fulfill the market’s bar needs providing beer, wine and craft cocktail service, as well as The Corner, a Detroit-style pizza spot. Additional vendors will include Celis Produce, a boutique farm-to-table grocer specializing in organic breakfast bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and organic produce; Olive Oil of the World, importers of specialty Italian products; Grace’s Fine Foods, a full-service hormone-free butcher offering an array of heritage breed meats, as well as daily fresh sausage and sandwiches; and Rabbit Coffee, serving cold brew coffee, espresso drinks, teas, bagels and bialys every morning. Filling out the line-up of culinary brands are Crema, purveyors of natural rolled ice cream; Poké Lab eatery, using premium sustainable, seasonal and natural ingredients in Hawaiian-inspired poké and sushi-burritos; Zipitios, serving quick bites including tacos and pupusas; and Incubator, a rotating popup showcasing local talent which will debut with Ramen Lab Eatery, a Japanese ramen laboratory. Quinn will feature a curated selection of home goods and unique products. Located within the GPM footprint, The Loading Dock and The Living Room – the first outdoor, the second indoor – welcome guests to grab a seat, dine, imbibe, hang with friends, check e-mail with free high-speed Wi- Fi, and meet and mingle. Both spots will double as unique event spaces, perfect for formal or informal networkers, private parties, meetings, and luncheons. In addition to the culinary and shopping offerings at GPM, Studios Etc., a unique and collection boutique fitness studios founded by local fitness enthusiast and business owner Jacquelyn Quesada.  GPM will host weekly programming, with the focus on the community. This will include live music on the weekends, game night, a farmer’s market with Lox Farms on Wednesday evenings, wine tastings and movie nights. GPM is located at 1401 Clare Avenue and will be open daily from 7:00 am to 10:30 pm Classes at Studios ETC. will run daily between the hours of 6:00 AM and 7:30 PM. For more information, visit www.grandviewpublic.com. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE CITY VOICE PODCAST AND NEWSLETTER

No matter what your political views are, I think we are all frustrated with the ineffectiveness of the U.S. Congress and in many cases state legislatures. Bruce Katz is the Centennial Scholar at the Brookings Institution. He focuses on the challenges and opportunities of global urbanization. He along with his co-author Jeremy Nowak has just released a new book titled The New Localism.  The New Localism, among other things, is a look at the potential effectiveness of a bottom-up approach to infrastructure, economic dynamism, and the power of creating places you want to be in and come back to. It's a book that says it's about "power reimagined." This isn't a blueprint or one size fits all approach. In fact, in many ways, Katz and Nowak make the case that a one size fits all approach to governance is part of the problem. This is more about harnessing the power of local public and private and having them work alongside each other in a sustainable ongoing manner. It's model with possibilities that tap into unseen local wealth in sustainable ways. This is a digestible understandable way forward toward getting things done from the bottom up. My sense of the book is that it isn't about disempowering the federal government so much as it's about local government stepping up and filling the gap in this age of partisanship and long-standing structural limitations. In many ways that become clear in our conversation, Katz is looking back toward a reimagined future.  Below and besides this post are buttons for you to subscribe to The City Voice Podcast and to receive the City Voice Podcast newsletter. SHOW LINKS: Get the book here.

Today I took a ride to nowhere with a group of friends I have weekly coffee with. My group of friends has become known locally as the Friday Morning Philosophers. We are philosophers because we say we are. Does that make it true? Our trip to nowhere is not the truth except that I said it was. We took our trip on the new Brightline high-speed train. There actually is a destination. In this episode of the City Voice podcast, I describe the high-speed train ride, talk about death by train and who if anyone is at fault, connectivity in multiple forms, and what is preferable a roadway or streets? Throughout this episode, I contemplate and poke fun at truth. Is it anything more than what we say it is? Thanks for listening. Be sure to click on one of my  City Voice podcast subscription links.  Subscribe to my newsletter below this post. Send me an email with anything on your mind. Bill@WPBCityVoice.com  

My conversation is with West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. We discuss the issue of quiet zones for high-speed rail crossings in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. What's the hold up on the quiet zones? When will they be finished? What power do cities have to compel action? What does she think about them not being completed? Next on the agenda, we discuss possible design changes to downtown West Palm Beach on Clematis St. There are several opportunities for input from local merchants and residents. (See Notes and Links Below for details) Possible changes are tree canopy, lighting, pedestrian crossings, cafe seating, sidewalks, and more.  Finally, many of us have heard about the hateful and demeaning comments made by The President of The United States. His comments were heard by at least one sitting U.S. Senator and congressional staff. Mayor Muoio gives her thoughts. Links and Notes  regarding Clematis St design input sessions Local Merchants Tuesday, January 16 from 10:30 until 12:30 at the West Palm Beach City Hall. All residents can give input on Saturday, January 20 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at the West Palm Beach Greenmarket. Also, all residents can participate in and give their input at The West Palm Beach City Hall from 5:30 to 8:00 pm    

If you have ever been to downtown West Palm Beach you probably have been to or know about SubCulture Coffee. The Coffee is excellent but there is something going on there that lives and breathes outside of your coffee cup. The energy, vibe, community, whatever you want to call it. In my experience, it has a lot to do with Sean Scott. Sean seems to have mastered coffee of Clematis St. Now he expanding the personal vibe to podcasting.  The Coffee Life is his new podcast. When you subscribe or tune in don't expect barista lessons although someday you might get some. Expect lifestyle, community, and Sean's journey toward an authentic way of being. Here is a video from the Subculture website I think it gives you a snapshot of who Sean is what he is up to.  After your done listening to the City Voice Podcast don't forget to subscribe to The Coffee Life podcast.

In this episode of the City Voice Podcast, I look forward into 2018. In 2017 we began to see local governments i.e. Mayors stretch their muscles collectively on the global stage. Expect to see more of that in 2018. This will particularly be true (but not limited to) the issues of climate change, refugee & immigrant issues, as well as economic opportunities. How much momentum this gets is dependant on how great the need for it becomes and how many Mayors and Governors realize the power of collective strength.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukkah, Cool Kwanzaa, and Leave Festivus for the rest of us. This episode of the City Voice podcast has a special gift at the end presented by my love,  Jacqui Agostinelli. All the best to you all!

More often than not the City Voice Podcast discusses issues that are thought of as local. Urban planning, how we interact with local officials, mobility issues... Well in the last couple of days North Korean Missiles just got local for most of America. My guest is Joe Cirincione. I decided to call Joe after seeing him on the Rachel Maddow show. The segment was kicked off with the news of Hawaii restarting it's attack siren program for the first time since the U.S. was in the in the Cold War with the Soviets. It was this kind of local action that really made it real for me. The City Voice Podcast started this discussion last August when I interviewed the Editor of The Pacific Daily News in Guam. At the time the concern was for a U.S. territory in the middle of the Pacific and for our friends in Japan. That concern remains but now it's here too. My Guest: Joe Cirincione, President of Ploughshares Fund    

During this week of the Thanksgiving holiday, my thoughts have frequently gone to being thankful and towards gratitude. Initial thoughts were to do a commentary on gratitude and how it serves us in our personal lives and towards strengthening our community. After further thought, I came to the conclusion that it may be more effective for us all to hear perspectives on gratitude from a variety of people. This episode of the City Voice podcast is not so much me asking questions as it is me listening. I'm thankful you are doing the same. This week's guests are: Juan Orellana, author of the BikeWPB.com blog, General Manager of SkyBike, and co-founder of Connect West Palm Beach. Charlie Hugh-Jones, Life and Business Strategist http://www.charliehughjones.com/.Author of "Unlocking a More Productive You" Kevin Jones, Assistant Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, FL. Joe Todesco, Empowerment Coach http://www.managemymindset.com/. Jesse Bailey, Author of the Walkable West Palm Beach blog and co-founder of Connect West Palm Beach. Holly Berube, transformational trainer, facilitator, and Lifestyle coach. Joy Schonholz, Entrepreneur and animal advocate.   

This episode of the City Voice podcast is about Old Northwood's Holiday Home Tour on December 17. For me, it's also a different way of seeing how neighborhoods and neighbors come together. It's about community building. I hope you will listen and I hope you buy a ticket and support Old Northwood, one of West Palm Beach' great historic neighborhoods. LINKS: Tickets and information Or go to Facebook and search for Old Northwood's Annual Candlelight Holiday Home Tour

This week on the City Voice Podcast: I hope this is the first of many conversations that explore, record and reveal interesting aspects of the lives of people. People that we stand next to in line at the grocery store or pass in traffic often have stories we will never know. This weeks conversation is with Bob Cosgrove. Bob is my neighbor. He also happens to be a former navigator on one of America's first nuclear submarines.  Bob is also an author. His recently published book Vincent Van Gogh: A Poisoned Life: A Novel is just out and available on Amazon.com. More than those things I wanted to hear his stories and get his perspective on what they neighborhood we live in (Historic Grandview Heights) was like almost a decade before I moved there. The blight, the drug houses, Howard Park, the neighbors.

A non-profit organization called Connect West Palm Beach is on the scene in West Palm Beach.  Connect WPB sees itself as an organization for all of West Palm Beach. Educate, Activate, and Change in street designs in favor of people and neighborhood Connection seems to be their mission. They hope to provide technical assistance and amplify the voices of people who want that also. My conversation on the City Voice Podcast this week is with Jesse Bailey and Juan Orellana. Jesse Bailey is the author of the Walkable West Palm Beach blog. Juan Orellana operates SkyBike (a bike share company) in West Palm Beach and is the author of the Bike West Palm Beach Blog. Show Links Connect West Palm Beach Contribute to Connect West Palm Beach Walkable West Palm Beach Blog Bike West Palm Beach Blog

In past episodes of the City Voice Podcast, we have discussed housing for the homeless with our friends at The Lords Place and with others. We are going to discuss homelessness today. First I want to talk about what's most often referred to as workforce housing i.e. housing for your average working person within a certain economic range. Lately, I find myself referring to it as housing for the missing middle. For a while now I have been talking with talented young people in WPB and in other cities who went to college, go to work every day, are single, and are looking out at their lives and saying how will I get married, have kids, and raise a family here. Is there an area where I can afford a house, in a reasonably safe area, have a decent school, and be able to put down roots? This is an issue in many areas of the country. The issue doesn’t just affect the young professionals who want all those things. It affects every one of us. How does that affect me you ask??? I’m doing fine you say??? Well, just one way is talent i.e. intellectual capital and energy. Those things equate to a more resilient dynamic economy wherever you live. Economies are driven in part by the talent or lack thereof that drives it. This week's Conversation I’m joined by Armando Fana, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of West Palm Beach. Among other things… Armando over the last 20 years has been program manager for the Broward County Workforce Development Board, where he was part of welfare reform implementation and workforce housing programs. He was also the Director of the Hollywood Florida Workforce One Center, and went on to be the field office director for HUD’s (as in dept of Housing and Urban Development)  Miami office…which covers 10 Florida Counties. Armando has been with the city of West Palm Beach since 2015. Show links and notes: West Palm Beach Department of Housing and Community Development Housing and Community Development phone number. (561)822-1250

One of my favorite people to have coffee and conversation with is Joe Chase. Joe is The Chairman of The Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches an accomplished business and corporate attorney for the Gunster Law Office. He is also husband to Alexandra Chase and Father to Joe Jr. In this episode of The City Voice Podcast we discuss: Why he personally chose West Palm Beach over Chicago. The Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches and if it delivers value to its members and community. The Palm Beaches Marathon, it's evolution, its business opportunities, and community building potential.  The Chambers efforts in the areas of homelessness and the opioid epidemic. The benefits of efforts that improve cycling and walkability in West Palm Beach. How public service and leadership opportunities are there. Show links: Palm Beaches Marathon The Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches Flagler Shore Joe Chase  

This week was the opening of The West Palm Beach Green Market. It seems that this year is the biggest and most interesting Green Market yet. One of the most interesting new aspects of downtown West Palm Beach this year is the Flagler Shore experiment along Flagler Drive from Lakeview to Banyan.  This weeks episode of City Voice is some of my thoughts on the Green Market and Flagler Shore and a conversation with Juan Orellana of SkyBike and Sherryl Muriente of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. We spoke while they were volunteering at the free bike valet. Our conversation was sitting at a table in the middle of Flagler Drive. Episode links: Flagler Shore Bike WPB  West Palm Beach DDA  City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach, it's CRA, and the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority are rolling out an innovative idea on Flager Drive. Six-tenths of a mile between Banyan Blvd and Lakeview Ave will go from two northbound and two southbound lanes to one north and one southbound lane. The two easternmost lanes will be turned into a sort of linear park for pedestrians. The "Flagler Shore" Pedestrian experiment will be ongoing to encourage people to ride their bikes, walk, picnic, be creative, and communicate with each other along Flagler Drive. It's a way for the city to try on new concepts before committing to large expenditures of funds. This temporary 5-month experiment will take place from October 7, 2017, through March 1, 2018. Also on this episode of City Voice, we discuss what a prestigious $180,000 Grant from the Knight Foundation will be used for on Clematis Street. THE INTERVIEW: My conversation is with Sherryl Muriente. She is the new Manager of Urban Placemaking for the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. She is an Urban Designer who specializes in "Urban Acupuncture" designs.  Show links: Flagler Shore Information

On this week's City Voice Podcast my conversations are with Assistant West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Chief Brent Bloomfield and Kerlyne McHenry. Assistant Chief Bloomfield is also the City of West Palm Beach Emergency Manager. Kerlyn McHenry is an Industrial Engineer for the City of West Palm Beach who is actively sitting in as the City Operations Manager. We discuss: Asst. Chief Bloomfield Grades the City and residents performance and preparedness. Tells us about residents at Savannah Court Assisted Living Facility and how the City of West Palm Beach stepped in on behalf of residents after the storm was over and had no A/C. He also explains how he felt while helping those people.  How West Palm Beach Fire Rescue partnered with the West Palm Beach Police Department to rescue a family from their home during the hurricane (while the weather was coming into their home) with an armored SWAT vehicle Kerlyn McHenry Explains how The City of West Palm Beach partnering with FEMA to help more residents than ever at no cost to residents We put the amount of vegetation picked up in football terms Gives the project estimate on how long before trash, bulk, and yard waste pickups get back to normal. Explains what residents need to know to help the city get it done.

This Podcast was originally sent out just before Hurricane Irma arrived in West Palm Beach. Understandably, many of you were busy with Irma. I feel our drinking water is a very important issue worthy of your consideration. Hence the repost. In a recent West Palm Beach City Commission meeting, I heard residents urge the City to keep fighting the construction of a State Rd 7 Extension (hear their comments) in our water catchment area (where we catch rainwater that becomes our drinking water). I thought it was too late for residents to work against this issue (listen and find out if that is correct) I wanted to confirm where the City of West Palm Beach stands on this issue as of now. So I spoke to Mayor Jeri Muoio. (hear her comments) I also wasn't clear that our Grassy Waters Preserve / West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area supplies the drinking water to the entire City Of West Palm Beach, Town of Palm Beach, and South Palm Beach. I needed an expert on this issue. THE CITY VOICE PODCAST INTERVIEW Lisa Interlandi: She is Senior Staff Council at the Everglades Law Center

Some Mostly Useless thoughts on Hurricane Irma.  Spaghetti Model Zombie Stare Windshield Wiper Fluid Fear Not underestimating the power of...  

The latest on West Palm Beach from Mayor Jeri Muoio. Know Your Zone http://pbcgov.com/knowurzone City of West Palm Beach Storm info http://www.wpb.org/storm  

In a recent West Palm Beach City Commission meeting, I heard residents urge the City to keep fighting the construction of a State Rd 7 Extension (hear their comments) in our water catchment area (where we catch rainwater that becomes our drinking water). I thought it was too late to work against this issue (listen and find out if that is correct) I wanted to confirm where the City of West Palm Beach stands on this issue as of now. So I spoke to Mayor Jeri Muoio. (hear her comments) I also wasn't clear that our Grassy Waters Preserve / West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area supplies the drinking water to the entire City Of West Palm Beach, Town of Palm Beach, and South Palm Beach. I needed an expert on this issue. THE CITY VOICE PODCAST INTERVIEW Lisa Interlandi: She is Senior Staff Council at the Everglades Law Center  

Doesn't it ever seem to you that we don't see the best in others or ourselves until the worst happens? Without fail when a storm like Harvey, Sandi or Andrew hit we the best in people. Of course, we can never forget how America and much of the world stood together after 911. People give, they show up, they rescue, and they do this for complete strangers. I love it and I'm always inspired by it. Understood, it's not likely to be that kind togetherness and US attitude all the time every day. But, it does seem we could do much better in finding ways to be more US and less US and Them. This podcast is my thoughts on US.

The City of West Palm Beach has been working on a Bicycle Master Plan. It may be a game changer. It's part of an overall effort to improve mobility, create a sense of place, and generally improve quality of life. THE INTERVIEW: Uyen Dang is the City of West Palm Beach Transportation Engineer who is heading up the Bicycle Master Plan work. Show Links: Bicylce Master Plan Update pdf

The City of West Palm Beach has become known for it's amazing year round downtown events. Mary Pinak, City of West Palm Beach Community Events Manager, has been at the creative center of every Downtown West Palm Beach event for the last 28 years. THE INTERVIEW: In this episode of City Voice, Mary Pinak talks about downtown events and dates. My favorite part of this episode is hearing Mary tell the inside back story of where Clematis by Night and Sandi The Christmas Tree came from and how they got their names. Episode Links: West Palm Beach Community Events Calendar and Information Clematis By Night Want to be a part of it all and become a Sponsor?

This evening (08/18/17) all seventeen members of The President's Committee On The Arts And Humanities have resigned. This episode is the content of their powerful letter to the President.

How much do you know about trains? Jim Kovalsky knows a great deal. I would call him an expert. He is President of the Florida East Coast Railway Society and a former volunteer presenter with train crossing safety program Operation Life Saver. Jim dispells myths, talks a little train history, and teaches me a few things about trains. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Florida East Coast Railway Society  Operation Life Saver Tri-Rail Brightline

May thoughts about Charlottesville 

Vanity Fair Magazine recently made reference to New York's Trump Tower and Palm Beaches' Mar-a-Lago in the context of Trump's Bedminster New Jersey Golf Club as follows, "It isn't faux cosmopolitan, like Trump Tower, or a poor man’s version of the Mediterranean, like Mar-a-Lago.”  Prompted by Vanity's Fair' assertion, The Palm Beach Post asked in its headline, "Is Vanity Fair right to trash Mar-a-Lago’s architectural style?"  The Post went on to describe Trump's New Jersey Bedminster resort, Mar-a-Lago, and Palm Beach as follows, "Bedminster seems authentic while Palm Beach and Mar-a-Lago, in particular, are concocted pastiches of various Mediterranean architectural styles."  After reading this I thought who better to ask if Mar-a-Lago is a concoted pastiche than Trump's Mar-a-Lago Architect Rick Gonzalez. As to whether Palm Beach is a concocted pastiche....I leave that to you. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Mar-a-Lago Architect Rick Gonzalez Palm Beach Post Article

I record City Voice from West Palm Beach, Florida. In my hometown, our big heightened awareness and preparedness issue shows up during hurricane season. Even then, mostly only when a storm is imminent.  North Korean ICBM missiles are a threat to hit the US Territory of Guam, our allies in Japan, South Korea, and possibly even the West Coast of The United States. That threat has ratcheted up significantly over the last week.  Guam is a relatively small community of about One hundred and sixty-thousand people on a small island in the Pacific Ocean. How are the locals handling this threat? How would we handle this threat? How would you handle this threat? The Conversation: My conversation is with Dana Williams, Executive Editor of the Pacific Daily News in Guam. The "PDN" is Guam's newspaper. SHOW NOTES and LINKS: The Pacific Daily News  

This week I was struck by the stark contrast between two completely different events. Either event can or could have ended up turning into "Fire and Fury". This is my point of view.

Did you know the City of West Palm Beach is not the "decider" on most issues that related to the Okeechobee Blvd. Corridor? Who is and what can you do to support The City of West Palm Beach? This weeks conversation: Scott Kelly is the City of West Palm Beach Assitant City Administrator. He explains who is in charge of what, what's the latest on Okeechobee Blvd. traffic improvements, and what you can do to support improvements in West Palm Beach. Scott Kelly talks about everything from trees to traffic. Show Notes and Links: Contact info for Palm Beach County Commissioners.  

Ricky Aiken, Executive Director of Inner City Innovators grew up on the Tamarind Ave. Corridor in West Palm Beach. He grew up tough. He grew up hopeless. That is until hope found him. Ricky spent years figuring it out, being mentored, educating himself, and now he is back on Tamarind Ave. with a little hope. This is my conversation with Ricky Aiken. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS  Inner City Innovators Support Inner City Innovators

Andrew Gillum is the Democratic Mayor of Tallahassee. Gillum is campaigning to be the Democratic nominee and hopes to be the next Governor of Florida. I had the chance to meet him while he was speaking at a Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches meeting. This an opportunity for you meet him and hear where he stands on a variety of issues. NOTES and LINKS from our conversation.   Here is Andrew Gillum's campaign website City of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum  Campaign To Defend Local Solutions    

Recently, I was watching "NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt" and I saw a segment on a company called Turo. Turo works in a similar way for cars that Airbnb does for houses. You can rent a car from high end to lower end for reasonable price. Or you can make your car available to "earn it's keep" when it's just sitting in the driveway costing you monthly money.  My interest is also that America is very slowly shifting from an ownership to an access paradigm when it comes to cars. More and more people and choosing not own a car. Of course, this happens with much higher frequency where public transportation and walkable bikeable circumstances exist but it is happening. The City Voice conversation this week is with Christin Di Scipio of Turo. SHOW NOTES: NBC Nightly News segment on Turo Turo website I recommend you go to your favorite "app store" and check out the Turo phone app. See what's available where you live.  

In a recent West Palm Beach Mayor / City Commission workshop, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Raphael Clemente started his presentation by asking the question, "What's wrong with Downtown". We explore that question. Show notes, links, and discussion points: What makes a place "sticky"? How is Subculture Coffee a good example of creating a "sense of place"? Large deep storefronts present unique difficulties. Can alleys behind those spaces be part of the solution?  The current master plan is based on assumptions that have changed. Is it time to revisit it? One of our greatest assets is _______? Video of Mayor / Commission Work Session. Downtown Development Authority