Downtown revitalization can be a small town planning priority too.
Cinnamon Janzer reports on a "renewed nationwide focus on small-town downtowns and Main Streets," exploring the recent planning work of Bozeman, Montana as a primary example.
Bozeman in April approved the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan, Janzer reports, which employs five principles to achieve desired population and economic growth: "maintaining downtown as the heart of Bozeman — yet focusing on more than just the Main Street Historic District. Ensuring that downtown is walkable and accessible. Designing downtown to be welcoming to everyone. And connecting it to both nature and culture."
Other examples are readily available, Janzer notes: "North Dakota’s newest governor ran on a platform that centered on a Main Street Initiative with the slogan “Putting Main Street to Work” at its helm. The tiny town of Water Valley, Mississippi (population 3,362), began an effort to revitalize its Main Street in 2016 that included restoring historic buildings and turning vacant buildings into new businesses."
FULL STORY: Bringing the Crowd Back to Main Street
The 'Mountain Lion' Cities Rising in the U.S. West
An economist identifies the growth in nine U.S. cities—scattered from Utah to Texas, Arizona, Washington, and Idaho—as similar to the economic power generated in parts of Asia.
Bozeman's 'Only Racially Diverse Neighborhood' at Risk
Thanks in part to an influx of remote workers, the Montana town faces soaring housing costs and practically non-existent vacancy rates.
Sun Belt Cities Are Facing Many Changes and Challenges
Cities across this swath of the country have rapidly growing populations and economies. At the same time, Sun Belt cities are contending with a common host of urban issues that should not be overlooked.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Mapping Groundwater Risks from Orphan Wells Across U.S. Aquifers
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the nation’s documented orphan wells lie within aquifers supplying the vast majority of U.S. groundwater, posing widespread risks of contamination from aging, unplugged infrastructure.
Reflections on Representation and Legacy in Parks and Public Service
In a personal reflection for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, planner Clement Lau explores how cultural identity, public service, and a commitment to equity have shaped his career in parks, community planning, and sustainability.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
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