💡 Fresh stories: Green Spaces Saving Lives & 12 more
December 27, 2023 Edition
Curated by Konveio
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll uncover new insights on how we can change empty spaces in our cities into usable, flexible places, how landscape architecture bridges the gap between art and STEM, and learn how a Chicago suburb is transforming the landscape to be more pedestrian friendly.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with recommendations, we’re always looking for your input!
Lauren Sibley
EngagingCities Editor
Featured Story
Green Spaces Saving Lives
Extreme heat is identified as the most lethal consequence of climate change. The necessity of prioritizing heat-vulnerable communities, youth, older adults, and those dealing with health issues has been greatly emphasized. The call for expanding green infrastructure, especially planting more trees in low-income neighborhoods, to counteract extreme heat's impact has received support from various organizations and community representatives. We need legislation to assist with expansion in marginalized communities and help combat the climate crisis by safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.
— Shared by David Kahn
Amplifying Progress
EngagingCities shares stories by our network of community builders that collaboratively plan for a brighter, cleaner, and more equitable tomorrow.
Featured stories from the last two weeks:
🔥 Hot Takes
🎤 Empty Spaces, Hybrid Places
Remote work technology has allowed many employees to shift from traditional offices to home offices, leading to a mass exodus from urban cores. Though some of these changes have started to stabilize, the ripple effects are expected to be complex, impacting certain cities and neighborhoods more heavily than others. Embracing flexibility and adaptability will be key for both office and retail tenants to thrive in urban cores.
— Shared by Bob Sternfels
🎤 The Dance of Urban Design and Architectural Style - Uncover the enchanting interplay in transforming cities into vibrant and livable spaces.
— Shared by Stephanie Otieno
🎤 Less Cars, More Trees - Urban Trees: The Key to Sustainable Cities - Discover the 10 Fundamental Reasons Why We Must Replace Stone and Asphalt with Forest Canopy.
— Shared by Jose Antonio Ondiviela
🎤 Climate Mitigation and Adaptation - Unifying Climate Strategies: How Integration of Mitigation and Adaptation Holds the Key to Resilient Communities.
— Shared by Laurie Schoeman
📝 Insights
💡 Bridging the Gap Between Art and STEM
Landscape architecture plays a role in designing healthy communities, active transportation projects, campuses, and parks while addressing climate-driven extreme weather and promoting biodiversity. These programs are at the forefront of innovation, incorporating cutting-edge research and technology into their work. The designation of landscape architecture as a STEM discipline is seen as a significant step, acknowledging the field's reliance on science and technology.
— Shared by Claire Hempel
💡 Context-Based Street Design - Transforming Florida's Transportation System: Context-Based Street Classification Revolutionizes Planning.
— Shared by Robert Steuteville
💡 Urban Microclimate - Unveiling the Secret Link Between Urban Design, Comfort, and Prosperity: A Game-Changing Study for Sustainable Cities.
— Shared by Farzad Hashemi
💡 Pedestrianisation - Unleashing the Power of Pedestrianisation: How Green Transport Initiatives are Transforming Urban Design.
— Shared by Raveena Bathija
🥳 Success Stories
✅ From Recommendation to Reality
This one-block stretch, situated near the Clark and Ashland intersection and adjacent to a bus terminal, will be transformed into a landscaped walking path with bench seating, privacy screens, and decorative pavers. The project focuses on upgrading public infrastructure, improving walkability and roadway safety, creating a strong sense of place, and supporting community identity, as stated by a spokesperson from the Chicago Department of Transportation.
— Shared by Rachael Aziz
✅ Amtrak Revival - Next Stop: New Horizons for Passenger Rail as Amtrak Secures $66 Billion Boost from Federal Infrastructure Bill.
— Shared by Owen Bailey
✅ Reformation in Somalia - Beyond Greenwashing: How Innovative Firms are Empowering Communities to Drive Sustainable Reforestation Solutions.
— Shared by Alison Taylor
✅ A Vital Place of Refuge - Bronx Community Gardens: Resilient Green Spaces That Provide Relief from Urban Heat and Combat Climate Change.
— Shared by Carey Anne Jernigan
🗓 Upcoming Events Mark your calendars
Webinar: 7/27 AI: The Next Frontier for State and Local Governments - Shared by CivStart
💼 Featured Jobs Check them out
Senior Vice President (3 roles available) with The JPB Foundation, Posted: 7/26/23 New York, New York
Civic Engagement Associate with City and County of Denver, Posted: 7/21/23 Denver, Colorado
Community Investment Manager with Metro, Posted: 7/6/23 Portland, Oregon
Do you have interesting resources, events, etc. to share?
Send us your tips to hello@engagingcities.com
