Imagine a world without constant, blistering, buzzing distraction. Can you envision fuller, immersive technology that doesn’t scream for your attention every two minutes? Picture a world where you don’t argue with Alexa for an hour trying to get her to play a specific version of a song, or barking back at Siri for insisting you take a U-turn, or accidentally clicking a misspelling proffered up by AI in a formal and important work email. Do you fantasize about a simpler time, before your entire world revolved around that pesky-yet-indispensable brick with more computing power than the first manned mission to the moon that lives ubiquitously in your pocket? You may soon get your wish. Well, within 10 years, most likely.
Our world changed irrevocably in 2007 when Steve Jobs dangled the Holy Grail of technology in our faces with the launch of the iPhone. Right then and there, the die was cast, and we’ve hurdled ever-closer and even-more-annoyingly into a mind-numbing, distracted age — punctuated by annoyances, interruptions, broken social norms, and deteriorating relationships wrought with doomscrooling and data privacy issues. We thought we were the ones consuming the products, but in reality, humans, and our associated behaviors, purchasing patterns, and media consumption make us the consumables in 2025. We are “our data” so to speak, but the maturation of AI and a consumer demand for less invasive relationships with technology will most likely end up upending our love affair with the omnipotent “black mirror” in our pockets.
This thought-provoking piece from Deezeen outlines how we got to where we are today, and where we may be headed in the coming decade. It’s a thoughtful, balanced piece that prognosticates a sea change on the horizon, but where exactly we head and mass adoption thereof, could be unlike what we’ve experienced in the past. We may be entering another future of extreme schisms and fractionalized fan bases. That tracks with human nature. But it also promises a human future that may enable us all to enjoy technology that feels more like a serene walk in the woods, as opposed to a frenetic game of Frogger on Fifth Avenue. And we, for one, would welcome a less annoying, native human language-based interface that returns some peace and normalcy to our daily routines — provided it doesn’t kill us, or give us the ick. Creepy or comforting? You decide.
Photo credit: Envato Elements By Image-Source
ABBA said it best, and today we’ve got two awesome opps for you to secure funds to improve your local economy. Both of these grant opportunities come grace à Main Street America, and there’s nearly $100K on the line for qualifying communities! First up is the “Backing Small Businesses” grant program funded by American Express, designed to equip small businesses with the resources to grow and innovate today, prepare for tomorrow, and overcome challenges big and small. With up to $10K available to 400 nationwide recipients, the application deadline is July 31, 2025 with the chance for direct investment into your community. And don’t miss out on an even bigger pot o’ gold with the T‑Mobile funded “Hometown Grant” program, awarding up to 100 towns a year with project funding of up to $50,000 each! This program funds projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers. Fall applications are open thru September 30th, 2025. Best of luck, and let us know if there are other funding sources on your faves list.
Photo credit: Envato Elements By TTereza
… that the undergirding principle of a nighttime economy is equity? While myriad benefits exist by integrating your location’s day and nighttime economies, ultimately, the true benefits emerge when we put an emphasis on an enmeshed, 24-hour experience. Traditionally planners have focused solely on the 9-5 experience, however, all cities should embrace sun-up thru dawn design — rather than prioritizing only daytime activity. This article from Gensler highlights how nighttime economies drive innovation, economic vitality, and climate resilience — citing the success of Amsterdam’s Night Mayor, as well as cities adapting to extreme heat by shifting activity after dark.
The key impacts that planners and place management professionals should consider are:
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Policy shift: Move from restrictive curfews to flexible 24-hour licensing and programming
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Infrastructure needs: Design spaces with lighting, safety, and amenities for night use
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Equity focus: Serve shift workers, global teams, and non-traditional schedules
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Economic opportunity: Night economies generate significant revenue and employment
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Climate adaptation: Nighttime activity becomes essential as daytime heat increases
Regardless of where you’re located, taking a more integrated approach to inclusion ‘round the clock will result in a more vibrant, comfortable, adaptable, and enjoyable experience for you and the communities you serve.
Photo credit: Envato Elements By TonyTheTigersSon
One of the most common things we hear when working with place management clients is that “nobody knows we’re the ones behind all of this!”, and that seems nearly universal. The general public does not understand the role that BIDs play in the urban scheme of things. And in general, Americans don’t have a firm grasp on how their cities work, period. We have very lax and varied requirements for the study of civics in public schools today, and there’s no handbook on how to navigate your city! Or is there? Cue this li’l gold nugget out of Philadelphia, where the City of Brotherly Love has produced an illuminating 24-page guide that breaks down the city, its history, and how its charter of rule works. Produced by the Committee of Seventy, (originally a watchdog group established in 1904 to combat corruption), the guide is published in English, Spanish, and simplified Chinese, addressing a significant majority of the over 180 languages spoken locally, with additional translations in the works. While the handy-dandy primer only tangentially alludes to the role UPMOs play locally in Philadelphia, (referred to as RCOs locally), we hold up this example as a model roadmap or template that could easily be parlayed into a snazzy infographic or website content explaining your place management organization’s role locally. If you take the bait and build out captivating content like this that shows the impacts your UPMO plays, we’d love to feature you in a future edition of Bright Brothers Bulletin, so send us all the things, kids!
Photo credit: Adobe Stock By Roman Babakin
It can be fun to get dressed up and go out to eat. It can also be a PITA. Sometimes you just hanker for a plateful of down-home, creature comforts and solid servings of your favorite foods. Nothing too fancy, just a relaxed atmosphere and abounding deliciousness. So what’s the best place your state has to offer? The Daily Meal did you the favor of rounding up the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the States. Does their assessment track? If not, shoot us a note and let us know where you’d recommend we eat next time we’re visiting your home location.
Photo credit: Envato Elements By joshua_resnick
“People want technology that respects them and enables their humanity, rather than trying to capture and commodify it.” — Designer Adrian Westaway, Special Projects
