The ‘biggest little city’ plans to hire consultants to develop a plan for a more vibrant, more walkable downtown strip.
The Reno City Council will consider hiring a consultant to create a redesign for the city’s downtown, reports Bob Conrad in This is Reno.
“City officials are focusing on changes to Virginia Street, while a Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) study about downtown is still ongoing and survey results have yet to be reported,” Conrad explains.
“Phase one ideas include a ‘streetscape furnishing zone’ and ‘facade improvements,’ wherein the city will pay 50% to applicants for changes to building exteriors and up to $50,000 for interior improvements.” One city councilmember expressed concern about adding more public seating, much of which was removed in 2016 to prevent unhoused people from using it.
“Ky Plaskon with the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance said the city should emphasize public safety first before implementing these changes,” calling on the city to improve its bike infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Council preview: Downtown makeover plans up for consideration
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
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US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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