The Project for Public Spaces offers this checklist to help determine if your city is a "great" city.
"Community goals are a top priority in city planning:
- Citizens regularly participate in making their public spaces better and local leaders and planning professionals routinely seek the wisdom and practical experience of community residents.
- Residents feel they have responsibility and a sense of ownership for their public spaces."
"Public spaces are accessible and well-used
- There are public places within both neighborhoods and downtowns where people can gather informally and regularly.
- Parks feature attractions for people of different ages and are used at different times of day; they are more than simply recreation facilities.
- The waterfront allows people to actually reach the ocean, lake or river.
- Amenities (benches, transit waiting areas, etc) are comfortable, conveniently located and designed to support the intended use.
- Negative uses or users do not dominate the public spaces.
- Both children and seniors can easily and safely walk to where they want to go (e.g. children can walk to school, seniors can walk to movies, grocery stores)."
FULL STORY: Is Your City a Great City?

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.
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