Lancaster, California's investment in it's primary downtown thoroughfare has sparked a renaissance in its once ailing downtown.
An $11.5 million project to transform nine-blocks of Lancaster Boulevard, running through the heart of the city of Lancaster, California's downtown continues to pay dividends with new businesses, economic development and crowds of people helping to revitalize the area. Writing in the Congress for New Urbanism's Public Square Journal, Robert Steuteville reports that the dramatic changes to its primary downtown thoroughfare - reducing five lanes of traffic to two, divided by "a wide, tree-shaded public ramblas" down the middle of the busiest blocks and angles parking occupying other areas.
The design, with its unusual tree-lined ramblas that is perfect for festivals, farmer’s markets, or just hanging out, was a key element in the success of the project, [deputy city manager Jason Caudle] says. The public sector outreach was also important, as was private sector support.
Steuteville reports that the investment in the street improvements has resulted in $130 million in new private investment in the city's downtown and $273 million in economic output. The project was designed by Pasadena firm Moule & Polyzoides.
FULL STORY: New streetscape spurs downtown turnaround
Street Redesign Provides Path to Prosperity
An award-winning street redesign project in the Los Angeles exurb of Lancaster provides a case study in the value of retrofitting for walkability.
First US Hydrogen Public Utility to Launch in California
The project will serve as an intermediary between clean hydrogen providers and consumers.
Two Cheers For the Planners’ Pledge
A “Planners’ Pledge” created by some of the leading authorities on planning sets forth a bold urbanist agenda- even if not every idea in the pledge is equally useful in all cities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)