Michael J. Coren shines a light on an innovative crowdfunding site targeting neighborhood improvements.
Building on the success of crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, Ioby (In Our Backyard) is a site that empowers people to seek funding for projects that bring environmental solutions to their neighborhoods. The focus thus far has been in New York City, with 101 projects finding funding that amounts to over $170,000.
From community composting to web-based sewer alarm systems, innovators are able to find not only funds, but local volunteers to get projects off the ground. Erin Barnes and her two co-founders, Brandon Whitney and Cassie Flynn, are ready to expand their platform to reach a national audience, creating a network of ambitious problem solvers. Barnes explains:
"We've always known that our greatest asset would be when urban farmers in Detroit could share their innovations with others in Cleveland, and when Portland residents would teach New Yorkers about their technologies for depaving parking lots."
Thanks to Jessica Brent
FULL STORY: In Our Backyard: Funding Projects to Make Neighborhoods Better
Opinion: Wealthy Residents Are Opposing Brooklyn Development to Protect Their Own Interests
Residents are arguing that a Williamsburg development would negatively affect the neighborhood. But it’s a grassroots effort to protect the status quo in a neighborhood where gentrification benefited them.
New York City's Crowdsourced Street Safety Map
As part of the Vision Zero initiative for traffic safety, the city has hosted a map system that allowed citizens to report safety issues encountered on the street. With the reporting period now over, you can still peruse the findings of the exercise.
Website Says 'Yes In My Back Yard'
A website called New York YIMBY is run by a 23-year-old New Yorker named Nikolai Fedak. The site, and Fedak’s pro-development ethos, was recently detailed in the New York Times.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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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