Mike Lydon

Mike Lydon is Principal of the Street Plans Collaborative and co-author of Tactical Urbanism: Short-term Actions for Long-term Change (Island Press, 2015).

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Full Bio

Mike Lydon is a Principal of The Street Plans Collaborative, an award-winning planning, design, and research-advocacy firm based in Miami, New York City, and San Francisco. Mike is an internationally recognized planner, writer, and advocate for livable cities. His work has appeared in The New York Times, NPR, ABC News, CNN Headline News, City Lab, and Architect Magazine, amongst other publications. Mike collaborated with Andres Duany and Jeff Speck in writing The Smart Growth Manual, published by McGraw-Hill in 2009. Mike is also the creator and primary author of the The Open Streets Project and Tactical Urbanism: Short-Term Action, Long-Term Change Vol. 1 – Vol. 4. Mike also co-created and edited Mercado: Lessons from 20 Markets across South America authored by Julie Flynn. Most recently, Mike finished writing a full-length book about Tactical Urbanism with co-Principal Tony Garcia, to be published by Island Press in March, 2015. Mike received a B.A. in American Cultural Studies from Bates College and a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. Mike is a CNU-Accredited Professional and he encourages you to trade four wheels for two.

Will The Atlantic Yards Project Go Bust?

The slowing economy is causing Forest Ratner to re-think buildout plans for their controversial Atlantic Yards development. New York City history tells us it won't be the first time a large scale project goes the way of the economy.

1960s Lower Manhattan Tower Set To Receive Historic Designation

New York City's 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in 1961, is likely to receive historic landmark status by The Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Lawrence, Kansas Takes Top Walkability Honors

Lawrence, Kansas has been named the most walkable city in Kansas, and the 38th most walkable destination in America. However, city officials are not resting on their laurels.

Miami Moves Forward With Bicycle Planning

If you think of the most bicycle-friendly cities in America, surely you do not think of Miami. In fact, if you have ever been to the "Magic City," or perhaps live here, you probably shudder at the idea of using two wheels instead of four. That may be changing.

Key West's Main Drag?

Residents and public officials are calling on merchants to clean up Duval Street in Key West, Florida. Long considered the city's economic engine, the opposition believes some of the questionable quirkiness give the street and the city its character.