NEW BOOK LOOKS AT CITY GOVERNANCE

You can’t fight City Hall, but you can strive to better understand the challenges facing those tasked with providing municipal services in an ever-changing political landscape. To that end, the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs (SSPA) at Boise State University has released the second book in its Idaho Metropolitan Research Series.

Titled “Urban West Revisited: Governing Cities in Uncertain Times,” the book is a revision of an acclaimed 1990s study, updated and colorfully illustrated with more than 200 graphics and photos. The softbound volume sells for $29.95.

“Urban West Revisited” offers a solid primer on challenges faced by elected officials in 10 midsized western cities hit hard by the Great Recession: Boise, Idaho; Eugene and Salem, Ore.; Modesto, Calif.; Pueblo, Colo.; Reno, Nev.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Tacoma and Spokane, Wash.; and Tempe, Ariz. The book explores their common problems and illustrates hard-fought solutions in difficult times.

The Idaho Metropolitan Research Series illustrates a commitment to good scholarship, accessibly written and colorfully presented.

“Our new primer on city governments is especially timely,” said SSPA Dean Melissa Lavitt. “Written for policy makers, students and the general public, it shows how cities have responded to the challenge of lost revenue during our current recession. It offers hope that Boise and its peer communities can learn to think beyond the current crisis, to govern smartly and to cope.”

“Urban West Revisited” is masterfully written by Stephanie Witt, professor of public policy and administration, and James Weatherby, emeritus associate professor of public policy.

Topics covered include city governance, influences and trends in city administration, the history of municipalities and government, tax limitations and the impact of policies, among others. Timelines, tables and illustrations combine with text to educate readers about the day-to-day governance that affects so much of their lives.

What gives Boise its individuality? – ” Quintessential Boise ” offers an architectural and anecdotal tour of what makes Boise, Boise

Idaho Statesman, The (Boise, ID) – Sunday, April 18, 2010

Author: BETHANN STEWART ; bstewart@ idahostatesman.com ; Bethann Stewart: 377-6393
© 2010 Idaho Statesman

With renowned Boise architect Charles Hummel and Idaho Statesman columnist Tim Woodward as guides, ” Quintessential Boise : An Architectural Journey” takes readers on tours of neighborhoods to identify what makes the city unique.

It’s not a book just about architecture but the chemistry and history of Boise, overlapping the past and the present, the high tech and the low brow.

Hummel chose the places that define the city for him. Some of them would never be mentioned in a typical homage – for example, Edwards Boise Stadium 22 on Overland Road, in all its neon glory.

“You can’t ignore it,” Hummel said. “It’s considered throwaway architecture, but it has weight. It’s a great public space.”

” Quintessential Boise ” also contains a visual treasure trove. Digital technology helps bring the historical black-and-white photos to life with new clarity. They share the pages with stunning color photos and photo cutouts in a pop-art style layout by Adele Thomsen.

The paintings of local places by Karen Woods and Bob Neal feature prominently in the mix.

How people use those places and how well those places fit the needs of people is the book’s central theme. A rating system of the fundamentals of place – identity, scale, utility, consistency and impact – helps readers better understand this relationship.

The theme is intended to arouse curiosity and entice readers to make their own decisions about whether a place means something to them or not, Hummel said.

The book is divided into the familiar Boise neighborhoods, plus some areas “beyond” Boise, such as Lucky Peak State Park and the Meridian Speedway.

“The book celebrates not only our history and examples of good architecture, but quirky little places and sights that few would expect to find in a book about architecture,” said Woodward, a Boise native. “That was largely Charles’ doing, and his choices made me see and appreciate Boise with new eyes.”

The book was the brainchild of Boise State University history professor Todd Shallat, director of Boise State’s Center for Idaho History and Politics. He wrote many of the chapters.

He envisioned the book unfolding as a conversation.

“Boise’s pretty cool, but you have to learn how to look at it to appreciate it for what it is,” Shallat said. “With appreciation comes understanding.”

Local writer and journalist Jeanne Huff also contributed.

This is the first publication of Boise State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs Idaho Metropolitan Research Series.

“First of all, I want people to enjoy it,” Hummel said.