Cities are beginning to recognize that effective curb management is an important part of reducing congestion and ensuring equitable use of public space.
The humble curb is becoming a hot commodity as cities scramble to regulate curbside parking and curb usage in the wake of new services and technologies that have made on-demand pickups, deliveries, and micro-mobility options more popular than ever. Writing for Governing, Skip Descant reports on nationwide efforts to regulate curb use and manage congestion.
The city of Aspen, Colorado has established "smart zones" that drivers can book for quick deliveries, creating "a smoother orchestration of goods coming into the city’s small downtown." A Las Vegas project monitors curbside parking and alerts drivers and the city when a vehicle exceeds parking limits. "As these types of projects become more common, data sharing and data standards — like Mobility Data Specifications (MDS) — are needed to better manage public right-of-way spaces, said Regina Clewlow, CEO and founder of Populus."
Curb management initiatives and the "adoption of new digital tools" can help cities keep up with new mobility technologies and manage public space effectively and sustainably, said Clewlow. "Without data, many cities were essentially blind to how their streets, curbs and sidewalks were being used by new fleet services. With data, they’re now empowered to create policies, and more quickly establish new infrastructure that’s cleaner, that’s safer, and that’s more equitable."
FULL STORY: Cities Focus on Urban Curbs and How to Manage Them
State of Curbs & Parking Report Reveals Glut of Data
As the uses of curb space become more diverse, city officials are working to understand how to best manage this increasingly important urban amenity.
How Cities Use Tech for Curb Management
Curb monitoring technology is helping cities build a growing understanding of the shifting demand for this valuable urban space.
Why a Third of Private Garages Don’t House Cars
With curbside parking available for free in front of most American homes, residents with private garages often choose to utilize the space for household storage. Putting a price on street parking could change that.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers
The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.
Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January
Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners