How Charismatic Is Your City?

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Can cities have charisma? Of course they can. Just like people.

Charisma usually requires a sense of humor: A Long Beach bike rack. Photo: waltarrrr via Flickr.

In this TEDx SoCal talk, Charlie Gandy, mobility coordinator of the city of Long Beach, Calif., points out that scientists say charisma is about one-third something you’re born with, and two-thirds something you learn.

And he talks about how Long Beach has added to its own natural assets of good weather and relaxed Southern California attitude by investing in high-quality bicycle infrastructure and encouraging bike-related businesses.

It’s a strategy that, as we told you yesterday, makes it the perfect place for the 2012 Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference, organized by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW).

Watch Gandy’s talk and ask yourself, how could your city add to its charisma?

Photo: waltarrrr via Flickr.

Related posts

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  3. Using Ciclovia to Plan Your Streets
  4. Right-Sizing the Street: Not Just for the DOT Anymore
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  • Anonymous

    As a long-time observer of cities, applying the notion of charisma to cities is a natural. Characteristics such as being bike-friendly, kid-friendly, tolerant of diverse ethnicities and lifestyles, beautiful as a result of natural bounty or iconic visual arts, and redundant with venues and methods for social interaction really count. I submit that success is due not only the 1000 bike racks, but also the fact that the one for the optometrist is a cute visual joke. 

    Find a few great community crusaders for these causes, bring them together, and watch your city prosper.

  • Anonymous

    As a long-time observer of cities, applying the notion of charisma to cities is a natural. Characteristics such as being bike-friendly, kid-friendly, tolerant of diverse ethnicities and lifestyles, beautiful as a result of natural bounty or iconic visual arts, and redundant with venues and methods for social interaction really count. I submit that success is due not only the 1000 bike racks, but also the fact that the one for the optometrist is a cute visual joke. 

    Find a few great community crusaders for these causes, bring them together, and watch your city prosper.

  • Anonymous

    As a long-time observer of cities, applying the notion of charisma to cities is a natural. Characteristics such as being bike-friendly, kid-friendly, tolerant of diverse ethnicities and lifestyles, beautiful as a result of natural bounty or iconic visual arts, and redundant with venues and methods for social interaction really count. I submit that success is due not only the 1000 bike racks, but also the fact that the one for the optometrist is a cute visual joke. 

    Find a few great community crusaders for these causes, bring them together, and watch your city prosper.