Public Policy
Achieving Community: Let’s get real
Not so long ago, Kristen Jeffers (who blogs as the Black Urbanist) shared an article over at Afropunk called “The Caucasian’s Guide to Black Neighborhoods.” It’s very, very funny, and particularly useful reading for anyone who’s more interested in our ability to build meaningful communities than in the more prevalent discussion of who, in any…
Read MoreNIMBY, I Hardly Knew Ye
Last week I stepped back in time a bit to revisit the idea of NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard opponents to development) and consider anew whether their tenacious aversions earn them the lauding of heroes or the disdain we reserve for villains and scoundrels. As I said then, in many cases, NIMBYs have kept…
Read MoreNIMBY Nation: Mad as hell and I don’t blame ‘em. For now.
Five years ago I felt like NIMBY activism was at a crossroads. Would it flame out, further becoming a cartoon of a once valid endeavor, or would it find its footing as torchbearers of meaningful collaboration towards community change? Those thoughts are republished below. Next week I’ll follow them up with a look at where…
Read MoreThe City as NORC: It’s the people thing
When The New York Times used my wife and me as examples in a story about retirees’ growing preferences for urban life, it was a chance to literally walk the talk. I’ve been writing about my Baby Boomer cohort for all my career, first in the ‘60s alternative press, then in newspaper and magazine stories…
Read MoreThere Goes the Neighborhood: Oh no, not Burning Man!
Reprising: “Can’t we all just get along?” Answer: Probably not. And we should be thinking about why and how that informs what we do to help neighborhoods and cities adapt to change. Let’s pick an example unlikely to trigger the usual arguments over race, ethnicity and inequality, yet one that might be more helpful because…
Read MoreFour Characteristics of Active, Healthy Neighborhoods
Scientists are learning more and more about how where we live affects the amount of exercise we get, and thus how fit and healthy we are likely to be. In general, city dwellers are particularly well placed to get regular exercise if they can take care of some or all of their daily errands without…
Read MoreUnpredictable, High Risk, High Cost: Planning for the worst is the worst
So here we go again. Flood waters rise in southern Louisiana, displacing tens of thousands — some temporarily, others permanently — and potentially costing billions. The familiar narrative cycle has cranked up. Right now we’re emerging from the stage where we celebrate the heroism of citizens, volunteers and emergency responders and question the competency of…
Read MoreThe Fear Freak-Out: Now in neighborhoods near you
The times, shall we say, are not ideal for that conversation we keep talking about. You know, the conversation we feel we need whenever something scary happens. That ever-elusive, rational talk that includes everyone and ends with, if not a group hug, then at least a group understanding.
Read MoreAging, Self-Driving Cars, and How We Suck at Predicting Doom
As a species, we like to keep on keepin’ on. We’re predisposed to favor continuity and resist change. Which includes not wanting to be held accountable for any less-than-stellar choices we might make along the way. For years we’ve had various prophets of doom telling us that dispersed suburban living is one of those less-than-stellar…
Read MoreCNU24 Detroit: Summary and celebration
You know how the sweet spot for blogs is 500 words? Well, this isn’t one of those. It’s the geek’s guide to the 24th Congress for the New Urbanism in Detroit. Feeling grateful for the food for thought, and wanting to keep the ideas fresh. This blog compiles city planning tweets from June 8 through…
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