The era of American cities such as Chicago and New York leading the way in urban innovation went out with the close of the 20th century, says Dustin Roasa. Its China's turn to show the world what the city of the future will look like.
Although his colleague at Foreign Policy, Peter Calthorpe, cautions against China's urban future mirroring America's sprawling past, Roasa sees China as the world's new leader in urban technology. Exploring ideas that run the gamut from pie-in-the-sky to already implemented, Roasa looks at examples of urban innovations such as modular skyscrapers, traffic-jumping buses, and cutting-edge recycling.
One area in which the Chinese are already aggressive is the expansion the country's share of electric vehicles:
"Hoping to become the global leader in electric vehicles, the Chinese government wants
500,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on China's roads by 2015,
and more than 5 million by 2020. It is already backing these aspirations
with a range of subsidies, including up to $8,800 for every electric vehicle purchased by taxi companies and local governments."
"As a result, China has more electric taxis in operation than anywhere in the world and is likely to extend its lead."
FULL STORY: Cities of the Future: Made in China
Fighting Climate Change Requires Serious Transportation Reform
The federal government can encourage public transit use and electrification through reforms in transportation systems and land use policies.
Urban Transportation's Four Separate Challenges
At the Shared Use Mobility Summit in Chicago, Jarrett Walker cautioned the tech world to keep four key transportation problems in mind.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service