Inner-city regeneration in the central business district of Johannesburg, South Africa, have turned the area around from being an abandoned and dangerous neighborhood into one flourishing with active businesses and residents.
"About five years ago an apocalyptic vision of Johannesburg's city centre persisted, with cynics scoffing at plans to encourage people to live, work and play in 'Jozi's' mean streets."
"But instead of some poor imitation of New York, Paris or the Mediterranean, the restaurants and cafes and refurbished buildings have an authentic African feel to them - what could be called Afro chic, with earthy African colours such as clays, browns and oranges dominating."
"And the streets actually reflect the South African reality, for a change. Instead of a bastion for the elite found in many mixed-use developments in SA, people of all walks of life are present."
FULL STORY: Revival of those 'mean streets'
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
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association