• As we re-envision our cities, local governments take center stage

    Cities respond to the public health crisis through unprecedented immediate action; New priorities are balanced against the ongoing requirements of creating livable and sustainable communities for all citizens.
    Since long before the current crisis, local governments have been leaders in implementing concepts that New Urbanists value: complete walkable and livable neighborhoods with ample and inclusive public spaces and community institutions for gathering, working, recreating, and socializing. Over the...Read more

  • Shelter-at-home may transform office parks, downtowns, commutes, and cultures

    A shift to at-home/remote office work might reduce demand for office space—and simultaneously cut commuting and carbon emissions and promote mixed-use urban places.
    Traffic has reduced dramatically during the shelter-at-home period, resulting in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Streets in local neighborhoods are alive with people walking, running, and biking to get fit—and merely to travel short distances within their neighborhoods now that they have...Read more

  • Testing rises: State of Coronavirus in America

    In the fifth State of Coronavirus in America report, the most encouraging trends are a dramatic rise in testing and declining mortality. But as cases rise in many states, the nation is far from out of the woods.
    As nearly 20 states moved into phase 1 of reopening their economies, testing for coronavirus soared across America, up 71 percent nationwide week over week. Meanwhile, mortalities trended down while the number of confirmed cases in the recent seven-day period rose 3 percent. As testing ramped up (...Read more

  • Cities don't increase virus risk

    An analysis indicates that cases of COVID-19 are more related to what metro area you live in, rather than whether you live in the central city or a suburb. Transit also doesn’t correlate as a significant factor.
    More than a month ago, I wrote that the “ facts don’t support the density is dangerous narrative ” that was spreading in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. In mid-March, many articles speculated that the current crisis will lead to a new wave of suburban development as people flee cities. The...Read more