Consider this proposition: As a resident of the city called Steinbach, each of us are part of a negotiation over what our city will be like, for us, our families, and neighbours.
As people who live in urban centers, we agree to pay taxes, and to be “good citizens”. Our taxes are used to support the healthy functioning of the city and as good citizens we agree to rules that make life with our neighbours safe and convivial. Cities in turn provide a range of services that attract us to be their residents. When maintained these services build a compelling argument for why we should continue living in the city… and paying taxes.
The following graphic, shows the mix of things that combine to make cities attractive – the key elements of what I call “the Bargain”. Each item exists on a continuum from low to high. Together they represent our “quality of life” experience in Steinbach.
Imagine this city with several of these indicators being especially low. And consider the contrasting scenario, if all of them could be relatively high? Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to live in a city where these “quality of life” components were all strong? Or would you prefer to pay less taxes and have some items cut back?
Clearly, in our society there are some areas where the “marketplace” plays a key role – things like jobs, housing, work-life balance. These are mostly market supplied, but even so, the city is responsible for creating the framework and environment that makes them possible. And some items like culture and leisure are a mix of city, market, and good citizens, working singly or together.
By thinking about the relationship between citizen and city as a negotiation, we begin to realize our true role as citizens. Through responsible civic engagement we can largely determine our shared future. But in doing so we also need to know our limitations as we engage with the complexity of city operations, administration, and leadership. It’s a space for careful consideration, humility and a willingness to listen, learn, and cooperate. And perhaps most importantly, it requires us to see our concerns in the wider context of what is best for the whole community.
In my next blog, I’ll look at a civic bargain in crisis. Sadly, the most valuable lessons come out of the most difficult situations. If we want to maintain a good future for Steinbach, there’s one lesson we can’t fail to learn and apply.