Good design and the right mix of businesses are keys to success.
George Washington helped to build a nation later in life. As a teenager, he planned a city that is still a model of livability.
Three cottage court designs demonstrate the versatility of this housing type, even within the same neighborhood development and under the same design team. Now becoming legalized more widely, the cottage court offer a housing toolkit of exceptional...
A report from Massachusetts quantifies the significant potential of legalizing four- to six-story single-stair buildings.
A town near me is looking to build a mixed-use waterfront village—a street plan could be the key to achieving that goal.
Today, just for fun, I offer a slight twist on an age-old question.
The question above was posed on an urbanist listserve, and this was my answer: Because chickens can't drive.
Stroads are dangerous and unpleasant; no proverbial chicken would...
Features
Streets Five scenarios that make street transformation possible
Why street design has not kept pace with automotive safety improvements, and what you can do about it.
Transit, TOD Ten steps toward autonomous urbanism
Here's a playbook for municipal leaders and citizens on the road to smart city technology.
Better Cities & Towns Archive
Walkable design saves money, carbon emissions
The Housing + Transportation Affordability Index is a powerful tool for evaluating urban form.
Knowledge workers in today’s “new economy” are
Knowledge workers in today’s “new economy” are seeking high quality places to live with urban amenities like sidewalk cafes and bicycle trails,...
Retirees and the 'urban convergence'
The New York Times ran a trend article on the changing preference of retirees — away from distant Sunbelt retirement developments and more toward...
The EPA Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation
The EPA Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation, Division of Development, Community, and Environment — often known as the “smart growth office...



