New Ruralism is about rural communities finding new and sustainable approaches to create economic opportunities, provide livable-wage jobs, improve access to local foods, and offer better aging-in-place options.
The predominant definition of New Ruralism is based on the role of rural areas as suppliers of food to urbanites. But, Northern New England planners believe that rural communities provide much more than food. Rural planning projects offer valuable and replicable lessons about sustainability and growth for towns and cities of all sizes.
Success stories from New England abound, and Lynne Seeley of the Maine Association of Planners digs into examples from Maine, including:
- The Lubec Community Outreach Center, which is connecting youth with healthy local food options.
- Port Clyde Fish Catch, a pioneer in CSAs for the fishing industry that is setting an example for sustainable fisheries and coastal communities.
- Downeast Lakes Land Trust, a leader in conservation and recreation planning.
As rural communities work to meet the needs of their residents, they demonstrate leadership with creative approaches to modern challenges.
FULL STORY: Have You Heard of “New Ruralism”?
Op-Ed: Habitat III Should Consider Food Systems
The UN's Habitat III conference will be held in October of this year. Thomas Forster argues that urban areas are being considered in isolation, without enough attention to rural areas and food systems.
The Importance of Rural Transit
On Transit Equity Day, reminding policymakers that rural communities need access to transit too.
Urban Farming Addressing Hunger (and More) in Pittsburgh
Urban farming provides opportunities to increase food security in addition to other benefits.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.
Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
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.
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