Alex Vuocolo reports on the new model of multi-stakeholder collaboration that is bringing acclaimed public spaces, and economic growth, to the city of Philadelphia.
Several recently completed projects have revealed the benefits of combining resources to improve Philadelphia's walkability, sustainability, and vitality. One example is the city's Pedestrian Plaza Program, a collaboration between the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities, the Streets Department, University City District and the University of the Sciences, which just completed its first project in West Philadelphia at a cost of $50,000.
The Porch, a new plaza located adjacent to 30th Street Station, is another example of a highly collaborative project completed recently that is already paying dividends in terms of new economic activity.
"In abiding a strategy of incremental, low-cost improvements," says Vuocolo, "collaboration between community groups and the city has become the new norm in Philadelphia for projects such as the Plaza and the Porch."
Thanks to Emily Williams
FULL STORY: A New Park Built with a New Paradigm
Creative Funding for Pop-Up Park
In Philadelphia, a recent planning school graduate and his friends are attempting to create a pop-up park in East Passyunk using social media and contest winnings as funding tools.
Identifying Park Inequities Through Data Science
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze over 200 parks in Philadelphia, revealing insights about differences in access to quality parks.
A Data-Driven Approach to ‘Playspace Inequity’
Mapping playgrounds and their conditions can reveal how childhood play opportunities are inequitably distributed within cities.
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?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie