The Wørd: Placemaking Edition

What's new for placemaking advocacy in 2015? In short, being an effective communicator is in. Being self-concerned and oblivious is out.

1 minute read

January 6, 2015, 2:00 PM PST

By Hazel Borys


"We love to regulate language, don’t we?"

"It starts in the media, with the yearly debating of words in the abstract. We don’t discuss who we’re talking to, or what they value. Instead, the birth of each new year inspires consideration of particular words and their use based solely on whether or not we’re over it. For example, the Oregonian wants you to know that “sustainable” should be dropped from the lexicon. The Washington Post says forget about “downtown redevelopment;” “revillaging” is where it’s at now."

Scott Doyon goes on to talk about the nuance of the words we choose for the job of city planning, and how to keep from tripping ourselves up on the details.

Monday, January 5, 2015 in PlaceShakers

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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