In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

Wolfe distinguishes between those who envision a traditional return to the commute-based office-residence split, and others who insist that downtowns must rethink their purpose and redesign underused spaces to attract more people. He lists ten signs of ongoing processes that indicates a city’s ongoing recovery and regeneration.
He suggests that these guideposts, backed by real-world examples, might offer a roadmap to inspire resurgence:
- Innovative interventions by government, non-profits, and the private sector.
- Mixed-use spaces, both temporary and permanent.
- Encouraging of artistic expression.
- Community subsidies.
- Safety assurance.
- Embracing creativity and colors.
- Enhancing street sounds and scents.
- Encouraging children’s participation.
- Highlighting scenic views.
- Developing a “places worth visiting” mindset.
FULL STORY: It’s not just about bringing workers back to the office: 10 indicators of a downtown resurgence

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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