The new slow streets program in Dallas uses community input to create locations for slow streets, each designed to encourage physical activity while maintaining safe distance.

"If you would like to shut down your street to make it safer and to give you and your neighbors a [sic] some additional public recreation space, all you have to do is ask," reports Peter Simek.
"The city of Dallas has partnered with Better Block, Bike DFW, Amanda Popken Development, and a Coalition for a New Dallas (yes, that coalition) to launch the Dallas Slow Streets pilot program," explains Simek. "The initial program is open to 10 streets in 10 Dallas neighborhoods, and they will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered you have to prove that you have the support of 25 percent of your neighbors. "
The pilot program took some time in developing. A Dallas Morning News editorial, for instance, called on the city to increase the ratio of neighborhood support to 50 percent. Simek also notes that a proposal earlier in the pandemic to close Seventh St. in Oak Cliff to automobile traffic created controversy online.
FULL STORY: You Can Now Ask the City To Shut Down Your Street

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?

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.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland