What's new for placemaking advocacy in 2015? In short, being an effective communicator is in. Being self-concerned and oblivious is out.
"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.
FULL STORY: The Wørd: Placemaking Edition
Tactical Urbanism Gurus Rethink Equity
Mike Lydon and Tony Garcia wrote the book on Tactical Urbanism, and as leading consultants of the practice in cities around the country, they have faced criticism in recent weeks and months for a lack of attention to matters of equity.
I Use the Word 'Vibrant' (and You Can Too)
Planners and designers should not be afraid to reclaim overused and misused words—as long as they know what they're doing.
Let Your Freak Flag Fly
In the celebratory spirit of Cinco de Mayo, Scott Doyon invites you to let your freak flag fly.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service