Recent studies show that upwards of 77% of Millennials are opting to live in urban areas. The impact on the local economy will be huge, IF urban planners rethink how we build our downtowns.
It's no surprise that driving less and walking more can have significant benefits to the environment and our health. Less commonly discussed, however, is the implications to our local economy. Author Amanda Maher reflects on a presentation by Jeff Speck, author of "The Walkable City" and discusses why cities should be rethinking their downtowns. There are four keys to getting residents walking more: (1) having a reason to walk; (2) feeling safe to walk; (3) having a comfortable walk; and (4) enjoying an interesting walk.
When city planners focus on these four areas, cities reap the economic, health and environmental benefits.
It's not easy to create a walkable downtown. The author explains, "It often takes a while to create the momentum for downtown investment, but the downtown is the one neighborhood that belongs to the entire city. The city's reputation hinges on its ability to attract people and businesses to these downtown areas."
FULL STORY: Designing Walkable Downtowns Help Cities Reap Real Benefits
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
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Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
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Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
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City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.