NewCities Institute Overview

What We Are.

The NewCities Institute was established by the Kentucky League of Cities as a separate 501(c) 3 entity in 2001 and operates under the guidance of its own board of directors. The Institute shares the same passion for cities as the League, but abstains from advocacy efforts and exists solely as a charitable organization to promote citizenship and build civic capacity. Funding comes from tax-deductible contributions from corporations, individuals, and other private foundations.

What We Hope to Accomplish.

The NewCities Institute seeks to define and promote the economic and social vitality of what we call the “New City,” regardless of its size or location. A “New City” is simply tomorrow’s city, including changes in the social and physical environment, the economy, and the children who will become its leaders. The Institute’s programs are offered to strengthen local leadership, promote citizenship, and engage citizens in their communities to build civic capacity.

What We Do.

The NewCities Institute was created to cultivate civic leadership and citizen involvement. The Institute exists to identify and research issues that affect cities. That information is used to inform citizens and local leaders about citizenship and its important role in the future of cities and communities. In addition, the Institute provides training and programming for cities, city officials, community leaders, and citizens.

The NewCities Institute offers innovative programming, services, resources and publications that promote the NewCities Principles and cultivate civic leadership and citizen involvement. Through education, partnerships and community building, the Institute is pleased to offer the following services:

• City and Community Expertise
  
• Training and Leadership Development
  
• Speakers Bureau
  
• Presentations
  
• Publications
  
• Programs and Special Events
  
• Meeting Facilitation
  
• Community Consensus Building
  
• Community Visioning
  
• Hometown Services
  

Citizenship

Citizenship - in a word, it is what the NewCities Institute is all about. The Institute, dedicated to promoting civic capacity in cities and towns across the commonwealth, has identified 12 timeless principles that will help cities encourage citizenship.

Connections to Place and People

1. Connect to the world. Cities and citizens must expand their horizons to include global markets and to embrace global citizens in the community

2. Encourage Youth, Diversity and Inclusiveness. If a community collectively recognizes youth, diversity and inclusiveness as an important part of its fabric, then the individuals in that community are better prepared to deal with the larger world.

3. Feed the Mind, Nurture the Soul. Citizens must commit to lifelong learning, including exposure to the cultural amenities in a community that nurtures the soul.

4. Embrace Healthy Living. Healthy communities encourage a healthy population.

Civic Pride

5. Remain True to the City's Uniqueness. Honor the history of the city's art, architecture, and traditions. Cities must build on who they are and what they have.

6. Don’t Merely Grow - Plan and Develop Over Time. There is a delicate balance between size and quality of life that must remain intact.

7. Build Beautifully and Steward the Environment. Buildings and architecture reflect a community's values. Growth, however, should be balanced with stewardship.

8. Cultivate Leadership and Citizen Involvement. Engaged citizens take all forms. Whether serving as a local official, a civic leader or a community volunteer, the city is strengthened by involved citizens.

Hope & Vision for the Future

9. Recruit, Retain and Generate Wealth. Cities must work to attract new businesses and new residents, while nurturing existing ones.

10. Mimic Bigness, but Think Small. Imitation is the truest form of flattery. Successful projects in larger cities can often be replicated on a smaller scale in smaller cities.

11. Rethink Boundaries. Cities must expand their boundaries by seeking partnerships with businesses, surrounding communities and other local governments.

12. Buy Locally, Sell Globally. In addition to contributing to the local economy, this principle promotes citizenship, including loyalty to the community, charitable giving, and political involvement.