Antanus Mockus, former mayor of Bogotá, on the art of changing a city.

Here’s what I learned: People respond to humor and playfulness from politicians. It’s the most powerful tool for change we have.

One example of the creative methods he used to change the way the city was run:

Another initiative in a small area of the city was to replace corrupt traffic police officers with mime artists. The idea was that instead of cops handing out tickets and pocketing fines, these performers would “police” drivers’ behavior by communicating with mime — for instance, pretending to be hurt or offended when a vehicle ignored the pedestrian right of way in a crosswalk.

People weren't sure if such an idea would work out. But in the end, it did. Click on the link for the full article!