Around the world cities struggle to build a safe, fun, kid-friendly environments.
Cities across the world must grapple with the issue of a more sedentary generation of kids. Tim Gill author of No Fear: Growing Up in a Risk Averse Society argues that building cities for cars and commerce is keeping cities from unlocking a better quality of life.
In a survey of strategies different cities have used to tackle the issues, Laura Laker highlights the Albanian city of Tirana, where the mayor built up support for closing a large section of city to cars by creating a series of children’ events that opened up the space to pedestrians. "Tirana also boasts a 'city council for kids', where young representatives meet the mayor, debate and take their findings back to school," Laker writes.
Lexington, Kentucky had success in reinvigorating its parks during the long, hot summers by adding a novel attraction. "The following summer a pop-up water fountain was installed on the grass of nearby Northeastern Park, and its impact was transformative," Laker writes. The additional attraction didn't just make the park more enjoyable to the people who generally used it, but was successful in attracting people who would not have previously used the park.
FULL STORY: What would the ultimate child-friendly city look like?
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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