Everywhere you look, the tough problems created by the “new normal” have people, communities and governments in a tough spot. Do more with less…and do it better.

We at the Foundation know that the solutions to these problems often aren’t immediately evident. And they’re certainly not easy to create and implement. Yet a group of courageous leaders of human services departments in 12 southeast Minnesota counties are doing just that. They have come together to collaborate on redesigning their delivery of public services in a way that acknowledges and overcomes the challenges of the new normal. The work they’ve undertaken is bold and innovative, and it will help ensure the continued vitality of their communities.

The new normal is requiring new ways of working, thinking and prioritizing. Kudos to the leaders of this redesign project for working together toward solutions that can not only sustain their communities, but also offer hope—and guidance—to other communities who face similar challenges.

Talk back to Bush:

How have you seen the impact of the new normal in your community? Which institutions are ripe for redesign? How are you working in your community to solve its tough problems?