💡 Fresh stories: Harnessing the Power of Plants & 12 more
March 5, 2024 Edition
Proudly curated by Konveio
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll uncover new insights on how front porches and sidewalks lay the foundation for strong communities, how inclusive planning is continually growing and developing, and learn how one state is starting from the ground up with a master-planned development designed to meet needs across the board.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with recommendations, we’re always looking for your input!
Lauren Sibley
EngagingCities Editor
Featured Story
Harnessing the Power of Plants
Climate and land cover are closely intertwined, with shifts in natural areas making regions more susceptible to climate change. Urban green spaces specifically offer multiple benefits, including heat mitigation and public health improvements.Turf lawns consume vast amounts of water and contribute little to biodiversity. Switching to native or regionally adapted plants can provide more sustainable, cost-effective, and biodiversity-friendly alternatives.
— Shared by David Rojas Rueda
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
🎤 Social Infrastructure
Front porches and sidewalks are often underestimated in fostering social infrastructure and community engagement. Porches serve as a transitional space between public and private realms, promoting neighborly interactions, while sidewalks offer both safety and social benefits. Cities across the country are making strides to enhance their sidewalk networks through special taxes and budget allocations. Porches and sidewalks serve as the foundational elements of a strong, engaged community.
— Shared by Davis Walker
🎤 Alarming Consequences - What the Loneliness Epidemic Means for Community Building.
— Shared by Jim Diers
🎤 Caring Cities - How Urban Planning Can Foster Inclusive, Compassionate, and Sustainable Communities for a Better Future.
— Shared by Júlia Palmarola Molina
🎤 Unraveling the Web - How Public Policy Failures and Political Resistance Impact Public Transit Planning.
— Shared by Avery Heinz
📝 Insights
💡 Building Cities for All
Inclusive urban planning is an ongoing, multi-faceted process that aims to meet the diverse needs of all community members. Urban design should follow universal design principles to be useful to people of all ages and abilities. Transportation should go beyond public transit and incorporate walking and cycling options. By incorporating these elements, cities can become more equitable, accessible, and resilient for all residents.
— Shared by Vanburn Harry
💡 From Retail to Micro -Cities - How Shopping Malls are Transforming into Thriving Urban Hubs.
— Shared by Adam Stark
💡 The Surprising Connection - How Architecture Can Transform Mental Health and Create a Blissful Community.
— Shared by Mahnoor Nadeem
💡 Finding a Sustainable Solution - How to Stay Cool and Sane in the Face of Global Warming.
— Shared by Kenneth Le
🥳 Success Stories
✅ From Steel to Sustainability
Vineyard, Utah, is set to become home to Utah City, a massive, 700-acre master-planned development emphasizing sustainability, walkability, and transit-oriented design. Touted as Utah County's largest such community, the project aims to serve as the region's urban core. Aimed at inclusivity, the community will offer a range of housing options, from high-end homes to affordable units.
— Shared by Jordan Bryant Larsen
✅ Revolutionary Urban Planning - Water Street Tampa Pioneers Walkability as the Key to Building a Thriving Community.
— Shared by David Bevirt
✅ Montreal's Delightful Street - The Ultimate Example of Streets for People
— Shared by Brian Greco
✅ Unlocking the Secrets of Walkability - How Suburban Areas Can Embrace Pedestrian-Friendly Design.
— Shared by hoda taheri
🗓 Upcoming Events Mark your calendars
Webinar: 10/16 - 20 The Future of Sustainable Urban Development - Shared by Alby Bocanegra
Virtual Workshop: 10/17 Discover the Future of Urban Planning - Shared by Dominique Anderson
💼 Featured Jobs Check them out
Community Development Director with City of Beaverton, Posted 9/15/23 in Beaverton, OR
Sustainability Officer (Deputy of Operations I) with City Baltimore County, Posted 9/12/23 in Townson, MD
Senior Management Analyst with City of Half Moon Bay, Posted 9/22/23 in Half Moon Bay, CA
Community Engagement Specialist with City of Austin, Posted. 9/29/23 in Austin, TX
Transportation Planner with City of Bellingham, Posted 9/27/23 in Bellingham, WA
Do you have interesting resources, events, etc. to share?
Send us your tips to hello@engagingcities.com
