Issues Monographs
ARS publishes a monograph series on topics of interest to regional stewards, such as community decision-making, leadership development, regional governance, and more. The first monograph is free, the remaining monographs are available to members only.
This monograph defines the concept of regional stewardship; explains why the region is the scale at which we need to address the complex issues that connect our economic, environmental and social well-being; and describes the roles that regional stewards play in crossing boundaries of jurisdiction, sector, and discipline to build coalitions for action. Monograph #1 (October 2000)
The following Monographs are available to members only: (Become a member)
This monograph provides a user’s guide to tools for community decision making. It examines the challenges of contemporary regional governance, provides insight into how to democratize the planning process, describes the tools available to support civic engagement, and gives examples of successful regional engagement efforts.
Monograph #2 (April 2001)
This monograph summarizes the lessons from regions across the
U.S.
that are working in new partnerships to build creative downtowns for living and working. It examines demographic, cultural and business trends; describes how downtowns are evolving into centers of retail services, entertainment, and creative activity; and provides a framework for choosing your downtown’s future. Monograph #3 (August 2001)
Garrett Hardin’s seminal 1968 publication “The Tragedy of the Commons” illustrated the collective disaster that can occur when each member of a commons is allowed to pursue his or her individual interests without regard to their impact on the whole. This monograph examines the current state of regional governance and presents a vision and strategy for navigating future challenges. Monograph #4 (October 2001)
This monograph examines how more than two dozen regions have developed the capability over time to lead themselves into the future. It describes the common stages of regional change—initiation, mobilization, collaborative action, and sustaining success—and provides insight into why some regions continually innovate while others become stagnant. Monograph #5 (March 2002)
How can foundations advance the smart growth and livable communities agenda that is emerging in communities led by regional collaboratives? This monograph suggests that metropolitan regional grantmaking is a distinct style of philanthropy, one that is strategic, proactive, values-based, collaborative, cross-disciplinary, pragmatic, innovative, durable and accountable. It describes strategies and practices among metropolitan regional grantmakers, and offers lessons learned by their experiences. Monograph #6 (October 2003)
This monograph describes the concept of inclusive stewardship, an emerging form of collaboration connecting neighborhoods, communities and regions. It distinguishes this kind of collaboration from other approaches, provides examples of it in action, and offers a diagnostic roadmap for assessing a region’s readiness and initial focus for inclusive stewardship. Monograph #7(November 2003)
What do people seek in the communities they choose to live? This monograph suggests that the concept of livability has many dimensions and exists along a continuum. Although some characteristics of livability are shared by all communities, many are subjective. This publication considers the experiences of numerous communities in promoting livability in equitable and inclusive ways. Monograph #8 (October 2004)
This monographs gauges the extent to which business-led civic organizations are embracing social and economic development issues to promote overall regional economic competitiveness. A new breed of business organizations is enlisting unconventional partners in a climate of collaboration. This publication includes a diagnostic tool to assist regions in assessing their readiness for cross-sector regional action. Monograph #9 (October 2004)
This monograph examines how indicators are being used at the regional level for a variety of purposes. In 2004, ARS conducted a regional indicators survey; this monograph includes feedback received from 21 regions regarding their own experience with regional indicators. Also included is an indicators "matrix," outlining which indicators are used by the majority of indicator initiatives. Monograph #10 (November 2005)
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