A Pirate Looks at . . . Seventy?

Reflections on a long career, a great interview, and six sssentials for greener, healthier communities via Kaid Benfield, one of the founders of Smart Growth America

1 minute read

September 11, 2020, 5:00 AM PDT

By Hazel Borys


"Most people who know my work expect the writing I do in this space, as well as my speaking, to focus on what we should be doing to create and sustain greener, healthier communities. Don’t worry, that’s eventually where this particular piece of writing is going. I can’t help myself when it comes to that subject. But I’m not going to start there: allow me to self-indulge my way around a few personal detours first. I’ll try to make them entertaining."

Kaid Benfield gives a poignant survey of his life's work, to the beat of Jimmy Buffett. And then shares six points on achieving what have been his driving forces over the decades. He starts with three caveats then drills down into each of the six points, but generally:

1. Celebrate and invest in walkable neighborhoods.
2. Provide an abundance of accessible nature.
3. Be thoughtful about where to build.
4. Embrace density. At human scale.
5. Promote green & healthy buildings.
6. Sustainability Is where the heart is.

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