Exploring Your Creative Genius: Episode 137
In last week’s show I shared thoughts about the concept of common wealth as the most effective way to maximize our return on resources to benefit each of us and all of us.
In my new book, ‘Common Ground for US’—scheduled to be published in Spring ‘26—the discussion of common wealth concludes with suggestions to politicians and community leaders that they should bring an understanding of the generative nature and societal impact of common wealth to their consideration of the importance of not budgeting for public schools and libraries but investing in them as a community or neighborhood’s vital common wealth.
A number of research projects—from the RAND Corporation to the National Bureau of Economic Research to the Annenberg Institute for School Reform—show conclusively that quality public schools contribute significantly to economic growth and community development. Improving educational outcomes leads to increasing property values, reduced crime, and a skilled workforce. The studies show public schools play a key role in enhancing the economic vitality of their neighborhoods and communities.
The studies that quantify the return on investment in public schools find a 100% return in educational and community benefits for every dollar invested.
The benefit of leaders shifting their mindset from ‘spending’ on public schools to ‘investing’ is useful: we tend to want to limit our spending, but when an investor finds this sort of return an investment they want to invest more.
“Exploring Your Creative Genius” takes an expansive view on what it means to be creative and entrepreneurial in an ongoing conversation led by Carl Nordgren — entrepreneur, novelist, and lifelong student with decades of experience growing his own creative capacity and assisting others to do the same in exciting new ways!
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