Scottsdale, Arizona planners have released a new vision for their downtown, in a 'trend toward urban living'.
"The size and height of buildings in downtown Scottsdale are getting all the attention, but the real stars of the city's new downtown plan are the pedestrians.
A draft released this week describes walking as "such an essential part of what is meant by 'downtown' that the quality of the pedestrian environment - safety, comfort, interest, continuity - is a necessity."
It proposes banning "auto-dominated site designs."
If adopted and built, the plan calls for shady corridors, covered walkways, wide sidewalks with on-street cafés, and other changes designed to get pedestrians get out of their cars.
"We created a hierarchy of streets for pedestrian walk-ability," said John Lusardi, the city's advance planning director."
FULL STORY: Pedestrians key to new downtown
As Business Districts Continue to Falter, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods Flourish
While office vacancies remain high and foot traffic sparse in many U.S. downtowns, areas with housing and businesses are more vibrant and desirable than ever.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan
The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service