Recent studies show that upwards of 77% of Millennials are opting to live in urban areas. The impact on the local economy will be huge, IF urban planners rethink how we build our downtowns.
It's no surprise that driving less and walking more can have significant benefits to the environment and our health. Less commonly discussed, however, is the implications to our local economy. Author Amanda Maher reflects on a presentation by Jeff Speck, author of "The Walkable City" and discusses why cities should be rethinking their downtowns. There are four keys to getting residents walking more: (1) having a reason to walk; (2) feeling safe to walk; (3) having a comfortable walk; and (4) enjoying an interesting walk.
When city planners focus on these four areas, cities reap the economic, health and environmental benefits.
It's not easy to create a walkable downtown. The author explains, "It often takes a while to create the momentum for downtown investment, but the downtown is the one neighborhood that belongs to the entire city. The city's reputation hinges on its ability to attract people and businesses to these downtown areas."
FULL STORY: Designing Walkable Downtowns Help Cities Reap Real Benefits
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When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan
The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.
Is the City Moving to the Suburbs?
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)