The attraction of genuine change

Genesis. Marking the beginning of something new is exciting. Something is alluring about starting fresh and launching something new.

We need new things. New people bring life to stagnating neighborhoods. Economies in decline benefit when new money from the outside flows in. A new car boosts my sense of comfort and ease to navigate the outdoors.

Of course, if we only pursued new, then existing places, people, and things get ignored. Many rural towns, villages, and cities have pockets of decline and disinvestment. These pockets inhabit good people, doing good things, with natural strengths and assets, even while others' newness passes them by.

The typical response by planners, architects, and civic leaders is the need to redevelop, rebuild, or some other "re" word. I will keep the “re” pattern going while advocating for a new approach for transforming places into thriving communities - Regenesis.

If we want to see connection, vibrant, and inclusive cities, we must take a whole-systems approach to placemaking and community development. I firmly believe the only way to equitable towns and neighborhoods is through a systems approach. Systems approach enables us to understand the unique dynamics of existing people, places, and resources while also integrating new resources to transform communities. Regenesis enables new things to emerge from what already exists.

Genuine change enables what is already inside of us to naturally exist. But, it requires us to undergo a process in order for that change to occur. A regenerative (or “regenesis”) approach moves neighborhoods and cities out of stagnation and decline toward something better, more resilient, and genuinely attractive.