The city of Pasadena, California has enlisted a groups of more than 100 volunteers to walks and evaluate its streets to rate the city's walkability.
"Covering just under 29 miles of streets and alleys in Old Pasadena and the Central, South Lake and Playhouse districts, teams of walkers will be asked to rate how safe and pedestrian-friendly city streets are, and if it's easy and convenient enough for people to park once and walk from one district to another."
"'We're looking for the good, the bad and the ugly,' said urban designer and planner Deborah Murphy, the project consultant. 'In essence we're all pedestrians ... when we leave our cars.'"
"Teams are made up of environmentalists, urban planning experts, city workers, architects, elected officials - including Mayor Bill Bogaard, and Councilmembers Jacque Robinson and Steve Madison - and neighborhood residents 'who are really concerned about walking conditions,' Murphy said."
"They'll be asked to evaluate everything from how easy it is to understand instructions for parking meters to any 'unpleasant smells' and junk on public spaces."
FULL STORY: Pasadena to test 'walkability' for first time
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service