For the Love of Cities

In 2015 the community that I worked for wanted to kick off their Comprehensive Plan update process with a bang. We brought in Peter Kageyama, an internationally recognized author and expert on community development and grassroots engagement to speak. He also helped kick-start the minds of the stakeholder groups we had assembled to start the visioning process.

Peter’s presentation, entitled “For the Love of Cities“, is a terrific speech for those who love their community. His speech is inspiring and makes you think why you love your community. What about your community stirs your soul. What draws you to read Rural Resurrection to help your town.

I have since seen his “For the Love of Cities” presentation a few more times at various conferences. He has tweaked it over time, but the ever-important root message is still there. Taking the speech in has been worth it every time. It re-energizes me to do more. Not just in my community, but rural communities throughout the Midwest.

As we are coming off the emotional high of Valentine’s Day yesterday, watching this video is appropriate as it turns your beating heart back towards your community. Check out Peter Kageyama’s speech from Iowa City below, and if you get the chance, see him in person.

Peter’s website has more information on him and his speaking schedule. He has a new speech centered around his new book. The Emotional Infrastructure of Places.