To share construction and maintenance costs and reduce school crowding, many planners are working with school administrators to create mixed-use community schools.
Schools co-located with a public library, museum, or other civic institution can stay open past 3 p.m. and be used for other purposes, though wings that don't serve a dual function can be closed to the public. For example, Medina High School in Medina, Ohio, shares space with city-funded leisure facilities, which are also used by a local hospital's physical therapy branch. When not occupied by students, the school's 1,200-seat auditorium is booked by the local performing arts foundation. Multiple uses for the same roads, parking, and other infrastructure can also reduce sprawl and ease traffic concerns, experts say. (Thanks to KnowledgePlex for the article summary.)
Thanks to KnowledgePlex Week in Review
FULL STORY: The ABCs of Mixed Use Schools: Schools, Communities Learn Meaning of 'Co-location'
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
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.
San Diego School District Could Accelerate Workforce Housing Program
A proposal to build housing on five district-owned properties could yield 1,000 housing units for low- and moderate-income district employees.
Denver Transit Board Approves $1.2 Billion Budget
The 2025 budget for the Regional Transportation District is the largest in the agency’s 55-year history.
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.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners