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1. Nudges 👉 utilising behavioural insights 

You may have heard of how behavioural theory can ‘nudge’ populations, but how are local governments utilising these insights and techniques?

Our featured article introduces how local governments can take steps to use behavioural insights, complemented by multiple practical case studies. We loved an example from Boston, USA, where safe driving was ‘gamified’ into a competition.

2. Extreme heat 🔆 emergency & long-term strategies

We looked at initiatives to mitigate the impact of extreme heat in the long and short term. This includes an insightful first-person account by Daniella Levine Cava Mayor of Miami-Dade County – an area which certainly knows a thing or two about heat!

We also found inspiration in Toronto, Canada via their deep lake water cooling system and over in Australia where the City of Melbourne is deploying initiatives to ensure its urban forest thrives.

3. Health inequalities 🏥 local government's crucial role 

As the Covid-19 pandemic exposed a range of health inequalities it created fresh impetus to address the root causes. In this newsletter, we shared a brand new research paper which explores the extent of this issue and the ways in which local government can help to address it.

In our innovation and inspiration section, we spotlighted local policy in Finland which ensures equal access to essential services and the ongoing work in the USA to develop equitable building standards.

4. Emerging technologies 💻 in education

Recently, emerging technologies – think AI, learning analytics, virtual reality or robotics – have begun to take education to the next stage. In this edition, we investigated this new educational resource with an overview of current projects and an examination of the policy implications for the future of learning. 

We look to Sweden, India, Finland and Singapore for inspiration, such as the use of AI chatbots in preschools and data-driven personalised learning schemes. 

5. Open data 🔑 opportunities from openness

Open data has been ubiquitous recently in the form of Covid-19 dashboards, graphs, and statistics, but local governments can expand its use in other areas too. Our featured piece explores the open data economy and how it can inform local government services. 

We also cover the example of nordic smart cities and how they are using open data to improve population health.

Civic pride: a reflection of Pride and local government

In this bundle, we share our recent LGIU content on Pride, including how councils around the world are taking part – from celebration, preparation, profound sadness and commiseration, and finally continuation of the work to promote equality in the places where we live.

Tiny houses: a neat homelessness solution or a reminder of the problem?

As ‘self-built tiny house tour’ videos remain highly popular, it’s easy to see the appeal of these dwellings with their low-cost builds, cool space-saving tricks and minimalist, cosy interiors. In this article, we ask: can these tiny houses actually contribute to alleviating housing security for those who need it most?

Sea level rise and the case for managed retreat – The US experience and lessons for Ireland

As the effects of climate change and ever-rising sea levels bear down on coastal communities, policymakers are left with a host of new technical, financial and socioeconomic issues to consider. This case study briefing navigates some of the issues and ponders whether a policy of managed retreat should be more highly featured in the menu of solutions.

Indigenous communities and local government

Ingrid Koehler interviews Winnipeg councillor Sherri Rollins on being an Indigenous woman in local government; why representation matters; and how we all can have a role in choosing the leaders of the future.

Talking rubbish and carbon confusion

In this episode, Ingrid talks to Jill Riseley, Chief Executive of the Metropolitan Waste Resource and Recovery Group in Melbourne, Australia about engaging citizens in waste reduction and collaborative work with councils.

Gospel and Crockett: building on a small town’s cultural heritage

LGIU’s Ingrid Koehler gives you a taste of her hometown as she interviews the mayor of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee about the significance of cultural heritage. During their chat, Mayor Lay discusses the importance of having a thriving arts scene to help support local economic prosperity.

Hawaii’s biodiesel production supports circular economy model

Kelly Takaya King, Maui County councilmember and co-founder of Pacific Biodiesel, spoke at the ICLEI Malmö Summit to discuss some of the ambitious local climate action planning happening in Hawaii. In this blog for Global Local's Malmö coverage, she reflects on her experience at COP26 and explores the role of biofuels in supporting a circular economy.

Cork’s library cat Eugene Eyebrow helps kids celebrate difference

Following our Global Local on libraries and the role that they play in bringing communities together, Senior Executive Library Breda (Brigid) Hassett wrote to us about an initiative of Cork City Libraries in Ireland that helps families with hearing impaired children or parents read a children’s book together.

Permanent visibility equals permanent acceptance: an interview with LGBTQ+ Adviser Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL

Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL was the youngest and first openly gay Lord Mayor of Manchester, UK and is the current LGBTQ+ Adviser to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. We interviewed him for our Pride edition of Global Local to find out more about his background, advocacy and advice for organising effective community-led pride events.

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