If your town is invaded by tourists, does it inevitably mean more traffic, idling tour buses, and tacky trinket shops? Or is a better option possible - one that still attracts tourism dollars but also serves the needs of locals?

Dan Shilling and Mark McDermott have been studying the effects of a kinder and gentler tourism, something they call "civic tourism." They believe it is a more sustainable approach to tourism and economic development, and they are planning the first national conference on the topic in Prescott, Arizona, March 16 through 18 as part of the Civic Tourism Project.

We'll talk with Dan and Mark about civic tourism on the next Smart City.

Plus, Steve Goldsmith will introduce us to Cindy Carlson, an Innovations in Government Award winner, who runs Hampton, Virginia's Coalition for Youth.