Does tactical urbanism too-often benefit the point of view of a privileged population, leaving behind more pressing needs?
In a recent article, Barbara Ray pushes back on tactical urbanism, citing evidence that such acts of DIY "resistance" reflect the preference of a privileged few, which may not always be welcome.
Ray cites a study by Gordon C. C. Douglas, called "Do-It-Yourself Urban Design" from the 2013 issue of City and Community. According to Ray, Douglas finds a strong sense of self-entitlement ("most of these DIYers are white and educated, what Richard Florida would call the 'creative class'"). In fact, writes Douglas, "They’re making changes to their community based in large part on one's own preferences. At a minimum, 'we're not hurting anybody' is a pretty common sentiment."
Ray goes on to describe cases in Brooklyn and New Orleans where examples of tactical urbanism were not received as warmly as participants had expected and imply that such efforts often occur to the detriment of large problems like affordable housing, public education, and poverty.
FULL STORY: Do-it-Yourself Urban Planning
Guerilla Urbanism Spurs Action From Cities
Rather than take a hostile approach to DIY urbanism, some cities are using guerilla efforts as an opportunity to understand critical infrastructure gaps.
Tactical Urbanism Makes Strides in L.A.
A DIY urbanism group in Los Angeles has successfully prompted the city to install permanent crosswalks at dangerous intersections, despite the city’s insistence that the group’s do-it-yourself work is illegal.
How Tactical Urbanism Succeeds Where Bureaucracy Fails
Making the case for do-it-yourself infrastructure.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
Savannah Reduces Speed Limits on Almost 100 City Streets
The historic Georgia city is lowering speed limits in an effort to reduce road fatalities.
A Park Reborn: Resilience and Renewal in Fire-Stricken Altadena
Rebuilt in just two months after the devastating Eaton Fire, Loma Alta Park now stands as a symbol of community resilience and renewal, even as some residents hope recovery efforts will continue to support housing stability and long-term equity.
Spain Moves to Ban 66,000 Airbnbs
The national government is requiring the short-term rental operator to remove thousands of illegal listings from its site as part of an effort to stem a growing housing crisis.
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.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions