Inside Government

Using a whole systems approach by partnering, internally and externally, to achieve a thriving place to live and work.

Reconnecting the Parts

Most government entities are designed in departments that each hold a piece of the system. In most government entities, water, for example, can be Water Services, Stormwater, and Waste water. With three departments, it is hard to think of water as a single entity, as Los Angeles is now doing. How much harder it is to put Urban Forestry, Stormwater, Solid Waste, and Planning all together. The truth is that when working to strengthen the biotic pump, all of these departments contribute, so they all need to work together in some fashion. It may seem overwhelming to get there, but working with what already exists makes it much easier than you might think.

A Whole Systems Approach

Village Homes

Built in 1974
60 acres, 240 homes several businesses, 25 multifamily residences, a community center, gardening space and orchards.
After a 500-year rain event (5" of rain in one day) there was NO flooding.

Sparking Commitment

Keeping the water we get requires management and forethought.
All soil in the city needs to hold water.
Healthy soil brings back water.
The Biotic Pump facilitates rainfall, soil is key.

The City as Whole System

The interdependence and reciprocity found in natural systems are the same strategies that make business systems improve their functioning, increase their results, and reduce costs. Nature knows


Revealing to humans the agency we have to help LIFE thrive here on Earth by revitalizing the cities we already live in.

1819 E. Liberty Ave        Spokane, WA 99207         (509) 934-5930