An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.
An analysis from the Oliver Wyman Forum and the University of California, Berkeley ranks San Francisco at the top of its Urban Mobility Readiness Index, which assesses “how well people and goods can move through a city and to surrounding population centers.”
As Magdalena Del Valle explains in Bloomberg CityLab, “Other cities in the top five, including Paris, Munich and Amsterdam, saw robust public transportation systems and strong universities that collaborate successfully with the private sector.”
The analysis looks at dozens of metrics related to sustainability, public transit, and technology. Singapore ranked first in public transit, while Helsinki led in sustainable mobility.
According to del Valle, a heightened focus on technology in this year’s analysis pushed U.S. cities to the top of the list despite their poor performance in public transit and bike and pedestrian infrastructure ratings. “San Francisco, which landed in 24th place in public transit and 18th in sustainable mobility, scored points for its EV adoption and the infrastructure it is working to set up for air taxis. Similarly, New York rose to eighth place from 12th last year, and Boston and Los Angeles made it into the top 15.”
FULL STORY: San Francisco, Paris Named Best Cities for Urban Transportation
Study: Automobile Dependency Reduces Life Satisfaction
Automobile dependency has negative implications for wellbeing. This academic study finds that relying on a car for more than 50 percent of out-of-home travel is associated with significant reductions in life satisfaction.
Public, Private Transportation Systems Offer Free Election Day Rides
From transit agencies to ride-hailing, bike share, and car rentals, transportation companies are encouraging people to vote by offering free and discounted rides to polling locations.
Proposed Alabama Bill Would Fund Public Transit
The senator who introduced the legislation cited concerns about the state’s low levels of workforce participation, noting that a lack of transportation is one of the main reasons Alabama residents can’t participate in the workforce.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Reimagining Your Street
How to use free online tools to redesign your local streetscape.
Research: Sprawl Linked to Poverty
Low-income families living in high-sprawl neighborhoods are limited in their access to education, jobs, and other amenities, often trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Nature and Nurture: Understanding the Diversity of Biophilia
Biophilia, originally thought to be an innate and universal love for nature, is now understood as a temperament trait with significant individual differences influenced by genetics and experience.
Washington Lawmakers Eye Rent Stabilization
Democrats are pushing for a statewide rent stabilization bill that would give renters some protections while offering more flexibility for landlords than blanket rent control policies.
Wildfires Devastate LA Outdoor Education Spaces and Schools
The current Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed schools and outdoor education spaces like Eaton Canyon, displacing families and disrupting vital learning and community resources while highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
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.
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Ada County Highway District
Charles County Government
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland