Opinion: Tempe ‘Diamond in the Rough’ for Walkability

One Arizona State University student urges peers to take advantage of the city’s growing public transit system to get to class without paying for costly parking.

1 minute read

February 27, 2024, 10:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Green Tempe streetcar with downtown Tempe glass building in background.

Valley Metro streetcar in downtown Tempe, Arizona. | Eduardo Barraza / Adobe Stock

In an opinion piece in The State Press, Shane Brennan urges the Arizona State University (ASU) community to stop asking for more parking near campus, calling instead for better public transit options for students and staff.

According to Brennan, despite some loud complaints on social media, “Parking demand is low, and the University can use its money for other student accommodations. Also, by not having a car, students eliminate gas, insurance costs and repair costs.”

Further, “Tempe has gone to extraordinary lengths to increase the walkability and accessibility of its infrastructure. If you think driving around Tempe is difficult, it is by design.” Brennan urges fellow students who live near the city’s train line to use it to get to campus. “It's a safe, active way to get around, and makes you a larger part of the community. It's also much cheaper than having to spend money on gas.”

Thursday, February 22, 2024 in The State Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

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.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

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.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

21 minutes ago - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

1 hour ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

2 hours ago - Cambridge University Press

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.