City planners reassert what many in Sacramento have known for years: that the city needs a remodeled downtown plaza, one that is less like a mall and more like city center.
"Calling the mall a 'physical barrier'... the team from the national Mayors' Institute on City Design reported the mall should be refurbished into an open mixed-use facility of retail, housing and work space," says Ryan Lillis.
"'It's conceivable that the type of retail and merchandise (there now) could still exist, but from our standpoint, it needs to be in a physical shape and form that's different,' said Brad Cownover, a design expert with the U.S. Forest Service. 'Right now it's an impediment, it's not the draw everyone wants it to be and it could be better.'"
FULL STORY: Urban planners see Downtown Plaza as key to revitalizing area
Sacramento’s Traffic Safety Crisis Could Be Declared a Public Emergency
Street safety advocates are calling for a stronger declaration that would focus on road design and equity.
Preserving, Restoring, and Revitalizing Juneau's Downtown
For the past six years, a commission of Juneau, Alaska, residents has examined every aspect of downtown and created Blueprint Downtown to lay the foundation for what comes in the next 20 years.
Draft Plan Takes Aim at Downtown DC Revitalization
The plan calls for policies that support adaptive reuse, new housing construction, and improved public parks and facilities.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead
A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.
Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community
The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.
Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland