A major plan to improve Sydney's walkability, urban design and public transit system have been applauded throughout the city. The only problem is figuring out how to pay for it.
"An ambitious plan to remake Sydney is a 'grand project and a grand vision' but lacks some vital details, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says."
"For instance, no-one appears to know how much it will cost or who will foot the bill."
"Under the proposals, based on the ideas of Danish architect Jan Gehl, George Street would become a pedestrian mall and the Western Distributor would be buried beneath a revitalised Darling Harbour."
"A light rail loop would also be established between Central and Circular Quay, and retail and business development would be built over the rail lines near Central Station."
"The plan has been applauded by industry groups and even received the qualified backing of the state government."
"But asked about the cost of the various projects, and who would pay for it, neither the lord mayor nor economics and planning expert Pat Fensham could say."
Thanks to ArchNewsNow
FULL STORY: New Sydney 'all about sustainability'
Santa Monica Pedestrian Mall Wants People to Hang Out
Updates are coming to the Third Street Promenade as it seeks to innovate the retail experience.
Can Density Prevent Diabetes?
In Australia, a new study will determine the best ways to make high-density developments healthy places to live.
On the Importance of the Human Scale in Walkable Cities
Instead of density for density's sake (or for smart growth's sake), F. Kaid Benfield argues that the human scale is the key to walkable smart growth.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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 Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research