Nicole Brueggeman

This week, I learned about the Siegel Family Endowment.  This philanthropic foundation focuses broadly on  infrastructure.  "We support work that advances physical, technological infrastructure, and helps individuals and institutions develop resiliency in order to adapt to ongoing cultural and technological upheaval."  Transportation is one pillar of the foundation's work.  I have been reviewing their recent report, Rebuilding America:  The Road Ahead.  You can access a copy of the report at  https://infrastructure.siegelendowment.org/   One of the trends I am noticing about infrastructure is the broad approach many organizations are taking, adding digital infrastructure (broadband, digital fiber) to physical infrastructure (roads and bridges).  Do you think it's a good idea to group various types of infrastructure?  Ultimately, grouping transportation with digital infrastructure may increase federal funding, but I am concerned that the root problem may be overlooked by this broad approach.  

This week, I supported a small, local, and woman-owned business.  In fact, it's my eye doctor.  She has been in business for several years and owns a boutique shop.  I am thankful that she takes my health insurance (vision insurance) and continues to fight to stay in business during the pandemic.  It's not easy for her, or any other local business right now.  My family is trying to do our part.  

Watching the Story of Bottled Water reinforces the power of advertising.  More importantly, the short story reveals the power of fear as a motivator.  Personally, I am just learning to choose a re-fillable water bottle over a plastic bottle of water.  I can honestly say that working from home (thanks, COVID) has helped me adopt a habit of refilling one reusable bottle.  I think I am actually drinking more water and saving money.  Win-win.   

This week, I watched, "What the Health."  A documentary about food choices, including animal-based protein.   This documentary reminded me that 1  out of every 3 healthcare dollars is spent on the treatment of diabetes.  While I am having a hard time separating the root cause of diabetes from sugar, this film does make me think twice about my own reliance on animal-based protein.    

This week, I was able to meet one of my neighbors.  She was outside with a new puppy, so I went over to introduce myself and meet the new puppy.  We remained socially distant, but had a nice conversation. The puppy received most of the  attention. 

This week, I selected researching a local organization as my challenge.  As someone who is involved in public policy, specifically cross-sector engagement, I am always looking across sectors to see where there is alignment.  Today,  I attended the first of six webinars through AgTech Next (https://www.agtechnext.org/).  AgTech Next is a consortium of agriculture, technology, and science partners working to advance agriculture.   Today's webinar highlighted local, state, and regional farmers who discussed agricultural innovation, workforce/labor shortages, family farming, supply chain management, and federal/state regulations.  The one stand out topic:  global trade.   When asked if farmers can withstand current trade restrictions, the panelists were apprehensive about answering the question and simply stated, "it's political."