John C. Shepard, AICP
@jcshepard.com
Trusted source for actionable insights and visionary perspectives on community planning, economic development, & rural resilience.
VC-Communications at APA Small Town & Rural Planning Division.
VC-Communications at APA Small Town & Rural Planning Division.
Nebraska’s Water Task Force is leaning toward voluntary tools—education, incentives, and partnerships—rather than new mandates to protect water quality and quantity. Worth watching for rural planners, ag, and NRDs. ruralradio.com/rrn/news/neb...
#NE #Water #econdev
#NE #Water #econdev
1
https://ruralradio.com/rrn/news/nebraska-water-task-force-leans-toward-incentives-and-education-over-regulation/[1]
December 16, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Nebraska’s Water Task Force is leaning toward voluntary tools—education, incentives, and partnerships—rather than new mandates to protect water quality and quantity. Worth watching for rural planners, ag, and NRDs. ruralradio.com/rrn/news/neb...
#NE #Water #econdev
#NE #Water #econdev
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
The brawl over the Colorado River is the highest-stakes water fight the U.S. has seen in more than a century.
The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water
The lifeblood of the West is drying up — and scrambling state and local politics.
www.politico.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The brawl over the Colorado River is the highest-stakes water fight the U.S. has seen in more than a century.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Small Town and Rural Planning Division Planning Awards - Nominations Now Open!
STaR invites nominations for outstanding individuals & projects for their contribution to planning excellence in small town and rural communities.
Apps close 1.23.26
Full info: smalltown.planning.org/community-ou...
STaR invites nominations for outstanding individuals & projects for their contribution to planning excellence in small town and rural communities.
Apps close 1.23.26
Full info: smalltown.planning.org/community-ou...
December 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Small Town and Rural Planning Division Planning Awards - Nominations Now Open!
STaR invites nominations for outstanding individuals & projects for their contribution to planning excellence in small town and rural communities.
Apps close 1.23.26
Full info: smalltown.planning.org/community-ou...
STaR invites nominations for outstanding individuals & projects for their contribution to planning excellence in small town and rural communities.
Apps close 1.23.26
Full info: smalltown.planning.org/community-ou...
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Charts! Starting with the unemployment rate, which rose to 4.6 percent, its highest level in more than four years.
December 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Charts! Starting with the unemployment rate, which rose to 4.6 percent, its highest level in more than four years.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
NIFA TAKING OVER? The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority took first steps Friday toward administering housing programs currently operated by the state Department of Economic Development.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
NIFA opens door to administering Economic Development housing programs • Nebraska Examiner
NIFA unanimously adopted a resolution letting the state's DED transfer administrative power over its housing programs to them.
buff.ly
December 16, 2025 at 4:32 AM
NIFA TAKING OVER? The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority took first steps Friday toward administering housing programs currently operated by the state Department of Economic Development.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/3GKwMuz
2025 engagement on JCShepard.com clustered around rural resilience, practical small-town economic development, and heritage-driven stories that turn local culture into real value. See the full “Top 12 Posts of 2025” rundown: jcshepard.com/2025/12/top-...
#SmallTowns #rural #planning #econdev
#SmallTowns #rural #planning #econdev
JC Shepard(dot)com - Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
JC Shepard blogs on life, liberty & the pursuit of Americana music arts & culture, since 2009.
JCShepard.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
2025 engagement on JCShepard.com clustered around rural resilience, practical small-town economic development, and heritage-driven stories that turn local culture into real value. See the full “Top 12 Posts of 2025” rundown: jcshepard.com/2025/12/top-...
#SmallTowns #rural #planning #econdev
#SmallTowns #rural #planning #econdev
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Want to make some positive changes in your community? Download an ebook & find some inspiration! All Island Press e-books just $6.99! islandpress.org
December 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Want to make some positive changes in your community? Download an ebook & find some inspiration! All Island Press e-books just $6.99! islandpress.org
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
If our cities are shaped by stories, then great books form the foundation of knowledge and inspiration needed to build more liveable, inclusive and prosperous places.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
December 14, 2025 at 9:26 AM
If our cities are shaped by stories, then great books form the foundation of knowledge and inspiration needed to build more liveable, inclusive and prosperous places.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
These are 24 titles we read this year that informed our approach to changing hearts, minds and streets. An #UrbanismBookClub thread.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Data center boom creates political conundrum for the GOP
Data center boom creates political conundrum for the GOP
President Donald Trump is all in on the artificial intelligence build-out. Other Republicans are being more cautious.
dlvr.it
December 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Data center boom creates political conundrum for the GOP
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
via @uscensusbureau Vintage 2025 Population Estimates — The US Census Bureau is providing an updated release schedule for the Vintage 2025 population estimates due to the recent lapse in federal funding. The first set of 2025 population estimates is scheduled to be released Jan. 27. [1 month late]
Schedule
The annual population and housing unit estimates are released on a flow basis throughout the year.
www.census.gov
December 13, 2025 at 11:27 PM
via @uscensusbureau Vintage 2025 Population Estimates — The US Census Bureau is providing an updated release schedule for the Vintage 2025 population estimates due to the recent lapse in federal funding. The first set of 2025 population estimates is scheduled to be released Jan. 27. [1 month late]
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
The review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement kicked off in recent weeks with consultations in all three countries about whether officials and businesspeople want to keep, tweak, or scrap the agreement.
USMCA Deal Comes Up for Review
Trump has kept Canada and Mexico guessing about whether he will renew the trade agreement.
foreignpolicy.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement kicked off in recent weeks with consultations in all three countries about whether officials and businesspeople want to keep, tweak, or scrap the agreement.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
A national preservation group is suing to halt the East Wing ballroom construction at the White House.
The group argues the Trump administration must seek congressional approval and consult federal commissions and the public before work continues.
The group argues the Trump administration must seek congressional approval and consult federal commissions and the public before work continues.
National preservation group sues to halt East Wing ballroom construction
The National Trust for Historic Preservation argues the Trump administration must seek congressional approval and consult federal commissions and the public before work continues.
www.politico.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
A national preservation group is suing to halt the East Wing ballroom construction at the White House.
The group argues the Trump administration must seek congressional approval and consult federal commissions and the public before work continues.
The group argues the Trump administration must seek congressional approval and consult federal commissions and the public before work continues.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Vote to overhaul FEMA canceled after leaked report
Vote to overhaul FEMA canceled after leaked report
The FEMA Review Council was scheduled to approve its recommendations for overhauling the agency Thursday.
dlvr.it
December 11, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Vote to overhaul FEMA canceled after leaked report
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
There’s no way to get around it: learning how to live off the grid is going to be hard work. However, it also has the potential to be deeply rewarding.
Here's a list of tips for off-grid living to help you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. thetinylife.com/off-grid-liv...
Here's a list of tips for off-grid living to help you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. thetinylife.com/off-grid-liv...
20 Tips To Know Before Living Off The Grid - The Tiny Life
Get the best off-grid living tips for new and existing homesteaders. Learn about utilities, food preservation and practical off-grid skills.
thetinylife.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
There’s no way to get around it: learning how to live off the grid is going to be hard work. However, it also has the potential to be deeply rewarding.
Here's a list of tips for off-grid living to help you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. thetinylife.com/off-grid-liv...
Here's a list of tips for off-grid living to help you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. thetinylife.com/off-grid-liv...
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Disney announced an agreement to bring its characters to Sora, OpenAI’s short-form video platform. Videos made with the tech will be available to stream on Disney+ under the three-year deal, which does not include any talent likeness or voices. nyti.ms/4rOyYN4
December 11, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Disney announced an agreement to bring its characters to Sora, OpenAI’s short-form video platform. Videos made with the tech will be available to stream on Disney+ under the three-year deal, which does not include any talent likeness or voices. nyti.ms/4rOyYN4
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
As an avid sports fan I view sports betting as poison that hurts the integrity of the sport while alluding to low instincts of greed. I’m in favour of a total sports betting advertisement ban. Banning betting completely might just drive betting underground.
December 11, 2025 at 2:26 PM
As an avid sports fan I view sports betting as poison that hurts the integrity of the sport while alluding to low instincts of greed. I’m in favour of a total sports betting advertisement ban. Banning betting completely might just drive betting underground.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
The police in southwestern England are searching for four people in connection with the theft of more than 600 artifacts from the Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, in what the authorities described as a “high-value burglary.”
U.K. Police Seek Suspects in Theft of Over 600 Artifacts From Museum
The items were stolen in a “high-value burglary” from the Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, the police said.
nyti.ms
December 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The police in southwestern England are searching for four people in connection with the theft of more than 600 artifacts from the Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, in what the authorities described as a “high-value burglary.”
Bullshit 💩
Trump Says White House Ballroom Exempt from Permitting, Zoning Rules - h/t The Independent
Trump Says White House Ballroom Exempt from Permitting, Zoning Rules - h/t The Independent
The President reportedly told teams working on the ballroom that the project doesn’t have to comply with regulations.
dlvr.it
December 10, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Bullshit 💩
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
The Duluth City Council voted 8-1 late Monday night to transfer the former Lester Park Golf Course to the Duluth Economic Development Authority. This clears the way for a land use study of the more-than-200-acre parcel that could lead to a neighborhood-scale housing development.
Duluth City Council votes to transfer former golf course land for future housing
Despite concerns voiced by some residents claiming a lack of transparency and a flawed public process, the Duluth City Council voted to transfer the closed Lester Park Golf Course property to the city...
www.mprnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 12:49 AM
The Duluth City Council voted 8-1 late Monday night to transfer the former Lester Park Golf Course to the Duluth Economic Development Authority. This clears the way for a land use study of the more-than-200-acre parcel that could lead to a neighborhood-scale housing development.
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
One of many Cambridge street watercolours I did 30-40 years ago. Working on the spot uniquely preserves memories and feelings. The shop signs at that time in Green St were extravagantly beautiful and the passers by were sketched in quickly. Still have this one.
#fineart ##pleinair #Cambridge
#fineart ##pleinair #Cambridge
December 7, 2025 at 8:28 AM
One of many Cambridge street watercolours I did 30-40 years ago. Working on the spot uniquely preserves memories and feelings. The shop signs at that time in Green St were extravagantly beautiful and the passers by were sketched in quickly. Still have this one.
#fineart ##pleinair #Cambridge
#fineart ##pleinair #Cambridge
On the blog for your holiday gift-giving: 12 planning & sustainability books for 2026, from small-town action and civic branding to agri-energy and rural futures. What’s on your reading list for the new year? jcshepard.com/2025/12/plan...
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
December 7, 2025 at 5:16 PM
On the blog for your holiday gift-giving: 12 planning & sustainability books for 2026, from small-town action and civic branding to agri-energy and rural futures. What’s on your reading list for the new year? jcshepard.com/2025/12/plan...
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
#smalltowns #rural #planning #econdev #books
Reposted by John C. Shepard, AICP
Today, we honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in defense of our nation at Pearl Harbor. We remember their courage, sacrifice, and the resilience that defines our country. Let us never forget the lessons of that day and the freedoms Americans fought to protect.
December 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Today, we honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in defense of our nation at Pearl Harbor. We remember their courage, sacrifice, and the resilience that defines our country. Let us never forget the lessons of that day and the freedoms Americans fought to protect.
Rural Entrepreneurs Aren’t Taking No for an Economic Answer
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
December 6, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Rural Entrepreneurs Aren’t Taking No for an Economic Answer
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
The line between Main Street and Country Roads has never been as clear as people often thought….
#SmallTowns #rural #econdev
medium.com/small-towns-...
Yikes! #diabetes #publichealth
About 3 million glucose monitoring sensors were potentially affected by a production error that caused incorrect low glucose readings. n.pr/4pQYNub
7 deaths and hundreds of injuries are linked to faulty Abbott glucose monitors
About 3 million glucose monitoring sensors were potentially affected by a production error that caused incorrect low glucose readings.
n.pr
December 6, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Yikes! #diabetes #publichealth
Rural Main Streets are off the floor but still hurting, as the November Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) inches up from October’s five-year low yet stays below growth-neutral. Towns need resilience and diversification, not complacency. jcshepard.com/2025/12/rura... #RuralEconomy #AgPolicy #SmallTowns
Rural Mainstreet Index: From Five‑Year Low to Fragile “Recovery” -
Despite a slight rebound from October’s five‑year low, Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index report shows the Midwest & Northern Rockies
jcshepard.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Rural Main Streets are off the floor but still hurting, as the November Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) inches up from October’s five-year low yet stays below growth-neutral. Towns need resilience and diversification, not complacency. jcshepard.com/2025/12/rura... #RuralEconomy #AgPolicy #SmallTowns