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

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Commercial street in small rural U.S. town with storefronts and clocktower.

Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities

Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.

November 7, 2024 - Todd Litman

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Overhead view of white Waymo self-driving car in San Francisco, California with shared bikes and scooters visible on adjacent sidewalk.

Robotaxis Wreak Havoc on Urban Transit

In cities across the United States, robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit.

November 11, 2024 - Cities of the Future

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

How Good Transit Benefits Communities Beyond its Users

Robust, efficient transit networks can have an outsized impact on vehicle miles traveled, even by non-transit users.

2 hours ago - State Smart Transportation Initiative

Solar and Wind Energy

Why Renewables Aren’t Going Anywhere

The worldwide transition to renewable energy sources is already underway as climate change creates more significant impacts on the global supply chain and economy.

3 hours ago - Forbes

Close-up of charging port on yellow electric school bus plugged in at charging station.

Opinion: Supporting Electric School Buses is the Right Thing to Do — and Fiscally Conservative

Why switching school bus fleets to electric vehicles is good for students, the environment, and school districts’ finances.

4 hours ago - Governing

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.