Philadelphia magazine says a staffing decision by new Mayor Jim Kenney is a big victory for urbanists and bike advocates.
"Mayor Jim Kenney is creating a brand-new position in his administration called the 'Complete Streets Commissioner,'" according to an article by Holly Otterbein.
The article calls the pending hire "proof of how far urbanists have come over the last few years," before providing a rundown of the anti-bike initiatives proposed in the city only a few years ago—one by then-Councilmember Kenney himself. Now, however, "Bikers and urbanists are a recognized political constituency in the city, deemed deserving of virtually their own commissioner."
The article includes a quote from Kenney spokeswoman Lauren Hitt, who says the new position will oversee the process of "making sure our streets are as multimodal as possible, including advocating for protected bike lanes." Hitt also told Otterbein that the new commissioner "will implement what the Kenney administration is calling its 'dig-once' policy, which seeks to cut back on the number of times that the city's utilities rip up the streets."
FULL STORY: Urbanists, Rejoice: Philly Is Getting Its First Complete Streets Commissioner

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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