Recommendation 14

THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS:

Emphasize community information flow in the design and enhancement of a local community’s public spaces.

Survey research shows that the physical aspects of place will often drive people’s sense of attachment to their local community. Concern for the environment is converging with strategic planning around issues of social and economic development to renew interest in the creation and redesign of inviting public spaces. Such spaces can become inviting hubs for social contact within and among community groups. They can also become key spots for information sharing.

In addition to architectural measures, information technologies can help bring people together in a common space. It is easy to imagine public digital displays of news and culture becoming a major attraction in many communities. Public transportation venues, parks, community centers, and shopping malls could become the sites for kiosks featuring local information.

These efforts would not be a substitute for home access to broadband, but they could promote community information flow by encouraging citizens to be out and about. They would be interesting and aesthetically appealing ways for local residents to connect to the larger community.

Next Page: Recommendation 15