In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.
"Tired of long commutes and keen on sustainability and community, suburban citizens have already expressed interest in transforming their areas into densified microcities by building town squares and mixed-use spaces and incorporating public transportation. Obama's support of community and connectivity offers a great opportunity for these microcities to evolve more rapidly across the country.
Over the last few decades, U.S. commuters have shunned rail in favor of superhighways. As a result, America's infrastructure includes a vast network of abandoned rail rights-of-way that offer the potential to regionally reconnect cities and suburbs. Today, there is growing momentum around putting more resources and focus into the transit oriented design (TOD) principles that are the backbone of our evolving smaller cities and suburban or small town downtowns. By developing areas around rail systems, trolleys, subways and more, our downtown areas become more livable, walkable, sustainable and community oriented. The infrastructure plan should explore the necessary funding to revive rail transit and consider other forms of public transportation that are better suited towards today's needs."
FULL STORY: Expect 'Edge Cities' to Take Center Stage in 2009-2010, Urban Planners at RTKL Predict
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
New Research Blames Affluent Suburbs for Housing Crisis
Small, often wealthy enclaves build far less multifamily housing than their larger counterparts, exacerbating the dearth of affordable housing near big cities and job centers.
And the Oscar Goes To...
Many of the Best Picture nominees are set in cities, and none are focused on suburbia.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass
The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.
Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools
The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
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.
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport