The suburban experiment of Clarksburg, Maryland hasn't been totally successful, according to this article, but it still offers many lessons for other communities like it.
Dan Reed writes: " 30 miles north of DC, Montgomery County is trying to build a new kind of suburb in Clarksburg, one that looks more like a small town and where residents don't have to drive everywhere."
"It hasn't totally worked. But Clarksburg might actually have something to teach closer-in communities about how to grow sustainably," adds Reed. Those lessons, according to Reed, pertain to walkability, open space, and creating a mix of housing types.
Some of Clarksburg's success is noticeable in its diversity. "The 2016 American Community Survey found that Clarksburg is majority-minority, as are all of the public schools," according to Reed. "Neighboring Germantown was ranked one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the nation."
FULL STORY: This new suburban place has some lessons for old suburban places
All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.
Study: Montgomery County Needs Dedicated Bus Lanes, Rail Extension
A report from Montgomery County planners prioritizes the need for a robust network of bus lanes and the extension of the Red Line to accommodate the region's growing population and reduce car trips and congestion.
Maryland's Controversial Highway Widening Proposal Scaled Back
Interstate 270, the Capital Beltway, will no longer by widened as part of the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Project.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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