The APA's flagship program is back with its 2015 iteration—celebrating the best neighborhoods, public spaces, and streets in the United States.
The American Planning Association (APA) "announced the country's 15 Great Places for 2015 through the organization’s national program, Great Places in America," according to a press release.
The Great Places in America program, launched in 2007, recognizes the best places in the country in the following three categories: neighborhoods, public spaces, and streets. One notable difference between this year's list and last: 2015 acknowledges 15 total great places, while the 2014 list acknowledged 30.
The APA's website includes details on each of the winners, along with a map and slideshow of images from each great place. The page also offers multiple access points to information past winners.
Without further ado, this year's winners:
2015 Great Neighborhoods
- Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Mo.
- Downtown Plano, Plano, Texas
- Roosevelt Row, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Wynwood, Miami, Fla.
2015 Great Public Spaces
- Balboa Park, San Diego, Calif.
- Flint Farmers' Market, Flint, Mich.
- Hermann Park, Houston, Texas
- Millennium Park, Chicago, Ill.
- Santa Fe Railyard, Santa Fe, N.M.
- Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, Colo.
2015 Great Streets
- Third Street, McMinnville, Ore.
- Fifth Street, Dayton, Ohio
- Laura Street, Jacksonville, Fla.
- Lexington Avenue, Asheville, N.C.
- Olvera Street, Los Angeles, Calif.
FULL STORY: APA Recognizes the 2015 Great Places in America Designees
Neighborhoods, Streets, and Public Space: 30 'Great Places in America'
The American Planning Association (APA) has released its annual list of 10 Great Neighborhoods, 10 Great Streets, and 10 Great Public Spaces.
2019 Great Places in America Announced
The American Planning Association has announced four neighborhoods, six public spaces, and three streets as 2019 Great Places in America honorees. Nominations for the people's Choice category are still open.
The Promise and Significance of Planning Month
This October, the American Planning Association celebrated National Community Planning Month, or #PlanningMonth for short.
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.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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