FIRE: Gaisatsu (or, let someone else be the heavy)

Those who remember the 1980s may recall a constant back and forth on trade relations between the US and Japan. Although there was much talk of “The Japan that can say No,” Japanese policymakers found the concept of gaisatsu, or ‘outside pressure’ particularly convenient when pushing through a cherished but outdated regulation.

It works wonders on-site as well. Local curfews, breed restrictions, auto registrations, many localities provide owners and managers with a full kit of tools to improve the appearance of the property and the behavior of residents. In one particularly difficult property in Atlanta, we enforced a curfew to encourage younger residents to quit looking for trouble. Robust enforcement, parental notification, and frequent reminders helped reduce vandalism costs by 85% in 60 days. We went from 4 police calls per night to 0.75 over the same period.

In the summer.