To balance the interests of current residents and economic well-being, does a city's signature identity need an update?

Discussing an ongoing initiative of Friends of Architecture Santa Fe, Chuck Wolfe describes the organization's efforts to reimagine a "Santa Fe Style" that is more inclusive and reflective of current challenges than the original City Beautiful formulations, blending Pueblo Revival with more contemporary designs that reflect the multicultural heritage of its residents, as well as modern challenges such as climate change, enhanced walkability, more creative use of density, and housing affordability.
He considers the role of design and historic preservation reviews, as well as different approaches from his experience and research, and endorses the Friends approach as a positive example of a pluralistic and co-created approach.
He concludes:
In keeping with my experiences elsewhere and related research, I appreciate Friends’ advocacy of an essential and sincere dialogue about reshaping the narrative around the Santa Fe Style and avoiding physical determinism, where the built environment and framing decisions over-dictates social and other environmental outcomes.
Tweaking plan language and employing regulatory tools are not enough; a focused, contextual, and collaborative approach involving city planners, businesses, community leaders, and residents is crucial for crafting a vision that genuinely reflects the values and needs of all inhabitants.
FULL STORY: How to Avoid a Misplaced Place

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

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.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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