We highlight here some great articles we’ve read this week dealing with art, creative placemaking, and building great communities. You’re sure to find some inspiration to make your life and our community even better!

1. Greater Farmington Film Festival Announces Lineup: Films that touch on the topics of human trafficking, the power of music, and more will be shown during this year’s Greater Farmington Film Festival, held March 5-8 in Farmington and Farmington Hills.

2. On the Democracy of Placemaking: Placemaking values not just how a building is built, but values the idea that a person can make something out of nothing. All people have a seat at the table of creating their ideal community, one that balances the interests of all parties involved.

3. The Argument for Less Infrastructure: The resulting bucolic country lanes twist up the hill and provide a feeling of retreat from both the nearby city as well as the surrounding suburban sprawl. It also ensures that no one will ever be temped to speed since the roads won’t physically allow it. This keeps the neighborhood safe for pedestrians and cyclists. And it also happens to be more ecological as an extra bonus.

4. The Invention of America’s “Love Affair” with the Automobile: If you believe America’s love affair with the automobile was a natural outcome of free choice, then it’s easier to rationalize the idea of rebuilding cities to accommodate car travel.

5. Bringing Sustainability to Small-Town America: The good news is that there are some terrific examples of green initiatives beginning to emerge in small-town America. While these communities may frequently lack institutional capacity and fiscal resources to undertake big initiatives, they do have the benefit of agility. Even a single leader can make a difference.