When the research favors compact, mixed-use neighborhoods, why does government favor sprawl? Imagine we have two systems for building communities that exist side-by-side and can be studied … [Read more...]
Office tenants (employers!) choose mixed-use centers
Office tenants prefer amenity-rich, mixed-use centers (also known as “live, work, play” locations) over single-use office parks by a margin of 83 percent to 17 percent, according to a NAIOP Research Foundation report. … [Read more...]
What is a livable community, anyway?
A walkable community is the most common term to describe the alternative to drive-only suburbia. Walkability is easy to explain but uninspiring. Walking is so basic to human life that we often take it for granted. … [Read more...]
Transit: land use is key
Land-use policy allowing people to live in mixed-use neighborhoods has the biggest impact on US transit, according to pro-transit group. Housing market trends could drive increased transit use, … [Read more...]
Jane Jacobs was right
Older and smaller buildings and a wide range in building age offer real economic and social benefits for neighborhoods and urban centers, according to a study of three major cities—Seattle, Washington DC, and San … [Read more...]
Small cities and towns are urban places, too
The Washington Post recently told the story of Drew Murphy—an educated young man living the walkable urban life like many in his generation, with a twist. He doesn't live in the city. "Murphy, 31, lives the … [Read more...]