Pedestrian Accessibility the Key to Buffalo's New Green Code

An op-ed column for The Buffalo News explains the thinking behind Buffalo's new Green Code—especially its benefits for walking, bicycling, and public transit.

1 minute read

February 24, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By kahawa


Daniel Baldwin Hess writes the special column for the The Buffalo News. After explaining some of the local context and national precedents that have informed Buffalo's new Green Code, Hess provides this final flourish to describe the potential impact of the plan: 

"After years of stagnant growth and languishing development, Buffalo is now at the cusp of leading American cities in reinventing how citizens and residents interact with urban space and the relationship between economic development and urban vibrancy. These potential changes are significant and analogous to the decisions made in Portland, Ore., in the 1970s that ushered in a new model of regional governance, setting the stage for urban growth and envied by urbanists from around the world."

"When the Green Code is adopted, Buffalo could topple Portland from its long-seated throne as the 'best' planned city, and may help Buffalo regain its glory days as a hotbed for civic engagement, walkable and connected neighborhoods, and urban vibrancy."

Sunday, February 22, 2015 in The Buffalo News

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

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.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.