New research out of the University of Virginia makes the case for walkable neighborhoods as incubators of economic mobility.
"New research from the University of Virginia finds children who are raised in walkable cities are more likely to climb the economic ladder, earning more than their parents did at similar points in their lives," reports Jane Kelly.
The study, "The Socioecological Psychology of Upward Mobility," was published in the journal American Psychologist.
According to the study, feelings of connectedness are a predictor of upward mobility. Nicholas Buttrick, one of the authors of the study, is quoted in the article: "We also find that if you live in a walkable city, you feel like you belong," Buttrick said. "You feel like you have a community, and that feeling also predicts whether or not you’re going to be moving up the economic ladder."
The researchers are planning to shift their focus next to the upward mobility enabled by public transit—some evidence of that outcome is already available.
FULL STORY: LIVING IN WALKABLE CITIES PREDICTS SUCCESS OF ‘AMERICAN DREAM’
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When going around the Thanksgiving table today, giving thanks for our friends and family to hear, don't forget to mention the environmental, social, and economic benefits of public transit.
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Density and Driving: A Second Look
A common argument against more compact housing is that increased population density will only reduce vehicle miles traveled at moderate levels of density, as opposed to very low-density and very high-density areas. But this might not be so.
Want to Drive a Big Pickup Truck in D.C.? It’s About to Get (Even More) Expensive
D.C. is considering a $500 vehicle license fee for private vehicles over 6,000 pounds.
Zoning Reform Gains Momentum in Northern Virginia
Arlington County and Alexandria are moving forward with actions that could potentially launch a new era of planning and development in their respective communities.
Zoning Reform Works, but Is No Magic Bullet
Improving housing affordability and boosting housing production requires more than just eliminating single-family zoning.
Piedmont Environmental Council
City of Oakland, California
Marin Transit
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of San Carlos
City of Redwood City
City of Hot Springs
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
