links for 2010-02-11

"Civic Center champions civic engagment through stories, services, products, and public installations."

For example:

“E is for eminent domain!” This coloring book explains urban planning-related topics in a friendly format. Terms like central business district (CBD), urban agriculture, and non-governmental organization (NGO) are illustrated to help young and old alike understand the lay of the land and how they can help shape it."

and

"

Neighborland.org is a crowdsourced matchmaking service between residents who want specific services and businesses who want a viable place to open. Citizens can publicize and pledge for the local businesses they want, reducing the risk for new entrepreneurs and allowing individuals to directly shape the future of their neighborhoods."