John Metcalfe introduces the world to Jimmy, the transit riding jerk who will probably seem all-too familiar.
John Metcalfe reports on a new public service campaign by the Denver-area's Regional Transportation District. The "Don't Be Jimmy" campaign is a take on the trope of avatars standing in for real humans in planning practice—and also an amusing way to bring humor and a cartoonishness to everyday frustrations.
But still—the campaign's lack of decorum might come as kind of a shock. Metcalfe puts it one way: "A loud man talking in public about his close call with an STD is the new face of a major mass transit system."
Here's more:
"Jimmy’s the name…. Ruining your ride’s my game,” Jimmy menaces in one graphic. In other PSAs going up around the system, he sings a mangled version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” hoists a foamy beer while kicking up his feet, and overshares on his cellphone, telling everyone within earshot, "Doc said it was just a cold sore after all.” These scenarios are all accompanied by the stern warning, “DON’T BE JIMMY.”
FULL STORY: Denver's New Transit Mascot Is a Total Jerk

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.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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