Jeff Speck, author of Suburban Nation, spoke recently at a conference in Winnepeg. 'Just as we have come to recognize that 'we are what we eat', there is a growing belief that 'we are where we live,' says Speck.
"He told the audience that planners once had much greater status in the community than they do today. The original purpose of zoning was to improve health and increase longevity by separating noxious and residential uses. As a result of their zoning bylaws, planners were hailed as heroes; sadly, however, the resulting bylaws and separation of uses have had negative impacts in subsequent years. In some cases, for instance, residential neighbourhoods have been left without shops and commercial services.
His thesis is that planners now have a new opportunity to become heroes once again by helping to avert two pending disasters: global warming and declining health standards. He warned that for the first time in history, North American health professionals fear that the life expectancy of children may be less than that of their parents."
FULL STORY: City planners have a creative responsibility
Two Cheers For the Planners’ Pledge
A “Planners’ Pledge” created by some of the leading authorities on planning sets forth a bold urbanist agenda- even if not every idea in the pledge is equally useful in all cities.
A Better Understanding of Smart Growth Benefits
Smart Growth creates compact, multimodal communities where residents consume less land, drive less, and rely more on non-auto modes. Planners have important stories to tell about the benefits of Smart Growth.
200-Acre Traditional Neighborhood Development Coming to Northwest Arkansas
A local group recently completed the purchase of 200 acres near Rogers, in Benton County, Arkansas, that will become a master-planned, mixed-use neighborhood called Warren Park.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
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