Category: Planning and Design

We all have a better chance of conducting effective public engagement when we have more tools in our toolbox. One tool that I am seeing in growing use is a community ambassador (CA) program. These programs take different forms, but the core commonality is that they empower community members, rather than professional planners,... Continue Reading

Surveys are everywhere these days. Every time you turn around, someone wants you to rate your meal, or your doctor visit, or your hotel stay. And public participation is no different. Widespread internet access and digital survey tools have made conducting surveys for public participation much easier and cheaper than they... Continue Reading

There are regions in this country where collaboration is a baked-in part of the culture. Where the towns share water systems, school buses, housing plans — and maybe even optimism. And then there are places where the idea of “regional planning” gets stuck in the gears of local politics, conflicting regulations, or... Continue Reading

Okay, I’ve seen enough vacant storefronts and closed stores. Is it time for city leaders and planners to adjust our expectations and planning precepts about traditional retail? What’s happening to retail?For example, my wife Sharon and I visited San Francisco last month. We stayed near Union Square, once that city’s... Continue Reading

Back in 2006, when the Congress for the New Urbanism held its 14th annual gathering in Providence, RI, I was one of those wandering the city’s streets, marveling at its potential. The historic architecture? Gorgeous. The streets? Walkable, if a little quiet. The potential? Practically shouting from every cornice. ... Continue Reading

I was struck by a recent essay in Time about the growing epidemic of loneliness in America. It drew a clear correlation between isolation and the decline of real-life social connections, particularly in third places—those informal gathering spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and parks. As someone passionate about building... Continue Reading

Santa’s Village has always been a symbol of festive magic and joy but, with thoughtful urban design principles, it can also serve as a model for timeless community building. This is surely appropriate given Santa's stature and the fact that the typical idea of Santa's Village has some sustainability and equity challenges... Continue Reading

Despite the changing needs and priorities of an aging population, many US municipalities have restricted housing types that could help address the challenges of a generational shift. In this week's post, PlaceMaker Susan Henderson explores housing approaches outside the norm of the single family home. Abergavenny, a charming... Continue Reading

Green infrastructure encompasses a range of innovative, nature-based solutions, such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales. These approaches work in harmony with the environment to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and promote biodiversity. By integrating green infrastructure... Continue Reading

In this time of social distancing without a clear time frame, I’m feeling the need to share some of the things I’ve learned over 17 years of working from a home office. It’s clear that the novel corona virus will disrupt our previous ways of doing business, but it’s possible some parts of that may be good, eventually. Continue Reading