Reining sprawl may require "redirecting" it.
"A policy issue is often helped by being framed in direct language. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell contributed to the cause of smart growth earlier this month when he told developers (as reported in The Philadelphia Bulletin), 'What you have to do is redirect sprawl.'"
"Speaking at a brownfields forum sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers, Mr. Rendell said that instead of paving large swaths of undeveloped fields and farms, as has happened for decades in his state and ours, developers should redirect development to sites that have closed factories or other defunct businesses on them."
"Advocates for smart growth often cite the need for 'infill development.' But 'redirect sprawl' gets the message across better. One of the aspects of smart growth that is sometimes forgotten is - growth. To redirect sprawl is emphatically to keep growing, but in places that don't waste energy, add to traffic congestion or ruin the view."
FULL STORY: Let's Redirect Sprawl
True Affordability: Critiquing the International Housing Affordability Survey
The International Housing Affordability Survey rates affordability in selected urban regions. Although presented as objective research, the IHAS is actually propaganda. Users of this information should be warned about its biases
Urban Containment: Sometimes Bad, Sometimes Not So Much
Some commentators on urban containment treat the issue as all-or-nothing: either strict limits on suburban development are good public policy everywhere, or they are good public policy nowhere. Perhaps a more nuanced view is appropriate.
Ontario, Canada Working on Sprawl-Killing Legislation
It's hard to imagine a policy that so comprehensively acts to create disincentives for sprawl gaining political traction anywhere in the United States.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
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.
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners