Downtown revitalization can be a small town planning priority too.
Cinnamon Janzer reports on a "renewed nationwide focus on small-town downtowns and Main Streets," exploring the recent planning work of Bozeman, Montana as a primary example.
Bozeman in April approved the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan, Janzer reports, which employs five principles to achieve desired population and economic growth: "maintaining downtown as the heart of Bozeman — yet focusing on more than just the Main Street Historic District. Ensuring that downtown is walkable and accessible. Designing downtown to be welcoming to everyone. And connecting it to both nature and culture."
Other examples are readily available, Janzer notes: "North Dakota’s newest governor ran on a platform that centered on a Main Street Initiative with the slogan “Putting Main Street to Work” at its helm. The tiny town of Water Valley, Mississippi (population 3,362), began an effort to revitalize its Main Street in 2016 that included restoring historic buildings and turning vacant buildings into new businesses."
FULL STORY: Bringing the Crowd Back to Main Street
The 'Mountain Lion' Cities Rising in the U.S. West
An economist identifies the growth in nine U.S. cities—scattered from Utah to Texas, Arizona, Washington, and Idaho—as similar to the economic power generated in parts of Asia.
Bozeman's 'Only Racially Diverse Neighborhood' at Risk
Thanks in part to an influx of remote workers, the Montana town faces soaring housing costs and practically non-existent vacancy rates.
Sun Belt Cities Are Facing Many Changes and Challenges
Cities across this swath of the country have rapidly growing populations and economies. At the same time, Sun Belt cities are contending with a common host of urban issues that should not be overlooked.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)