Newsletter Articles - Plain Text

Worldbuilding in Real Time

Book Review by Bonnie J. Johnson, PhD, FAICP

She spoke to my hardened city planner’s heart. I met the science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler. I say I met Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006), but not directly, of course. I was introduced to her by writer/journalist Lynell George through George’s book, A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler. We get to sit at the knee of Butler, much like George did as a teen at a bookshop. At readings, Butler would talk about writing and her process. Her advice sounds a lot like teaching, mentoring, and imagining hopeful futures – a planner’s calling.

Of the many labels put on Butler – “too tall”, “too aloof”, dyslexic, slow, female, African-American, science fiction author, queer, writer of Kindred, clairvoyant, MacArthur Genius, storyteller, news-junkie, and “Just too, too” (p. 26), of course “city planner” is not there. Nevertheless, there is something “there, there” for planners. Plans are stories communities tell about themselves (Sandercock 2003). Planners are story collectors and storytellers.

In 2015 Lynell George was commissioned to conduct a posthumous interview of Butler which brought her to the Octavia E. Butler Collection at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. The collection contains hundreds of boxes with Butler’s diaries, lists, budgets, bus passes, and library call slips. George felt the “energy” of these objects, and the book conveys that too. These are bits of Butler’s plans for something(s) big.

George dove into uncovering how Butler coped (and did not cope) with low self-esteem, how she survived with little to no money, how she kept getting up at 2:00 a.m. to write before going to work. George describes the book as a “book of ideas, prescriptions, and possibilities. It’s an example of a life map, a model. It can serve as a whisper in the dark for anyone attempting something that feels impossible, anyone trying to make something out of nothing” (pg. 21). For anyone who dreams a plan and wants it to come true.

Why seek out Butler? I suspect that science fiction/fantasy authors have something to say to planners and all those trying to “see” the future. George notes that Butler described science fiction as “a handful of earth, and a handful of sky and everything around and between” (pg. 9). When I talk to a prospective planning student trying to describe what “planning” is, I often direct them to look out the window – “that’s planning.” Worldbuilding in real time.

I read Butler’s book Parable of the Sower (1993). Written in the 1980s, but set in the United States of 2024, the world is made up of walled neighborhoods, corporate-owned cities, a climate with little rain, hyper-empathetic individuals bearing the brunt of feeling others’ pain, regular space travel, failed governments, drug abuse that burns everything to the ground, and guns. Apparently, she was often asked, “How could you see the future?” It was not magic. She did her research. She extrapolated from data. She observed and listened to people, places, and the earth. She asked, “What if?, What if this goes on?” George describes the process, “(i)t was a recipe for grounding herself – and the reader – in places and moments that were familiar, then preparing them for a leap” (p. 17). Butler explained, “I wrote Parable . . . – as a way to fix the world” (p. 141). Plans prepare communities for the leap.

As Butler pursued her writing, she leaned on these tools and techniques:

• A notebook
• A diary
• A library card
• A bus pass (to get around and as an office)
• A calendar
• A set of contracts with yourself
• Some “advisors” (self-improvement books) and affirmations
• News
• A sense of your place (real, imagined, and literary).

As for bringing it all together, the chapter titles reveal the framework. Below, each chapter title is given, then translated into (plannerese).

• Chapter 1 – How Does One Establish a Dream? (Write ideas down to bring them closer to reality.)
• Chapter 2 – “You Have/You Need” (SWOT analysis)
• Chapter 3 – “Our Stories are Fiction, Our Promises Not” (Implementation means keeping your promises/contracts.)
• Chapter 4 – “Where May I Find a Fear Killer” (Fear is part of dreaming – face it and get on. Practice independent judgment.)
• Chapter 5 – A Human Notebook (Observe, be alert, tell the truth. Have ethics.)
• Chapter 6 – “Second Home”: Door to the Multiverse (The library - research, data, advice.)
• Chapter 7 – “Keep Your Own Counsel” (Sometimes you are your own cheerleader/protector and the public’s too.)
• Chapter 8 – History Is Another Planet (And the planet is talking to you, listen.)
• Chapter 9 – There is Nothing More Uncertain than the Future (Let us set the plan in motion as if we are free to do so.)
• Afterward – Futurescapes & Keepsakes (Plans are evidence we were here.)

Finally, her stories head out the door and the rejection rolls in. George describes that Butler looks for, “(s)omething that will survive judgment and meddling questions” (p. 45). Something that might be a whisper in a planner’s ear when the city council vote goes sideways. Butler reflects and conducts her own therapy sessions in her diaries. She keeps going. “Do the thing and you will have the power” - Butler (p. 130).

Butler was such a “planner”. Butler writes, “Having a goal is pretty meaningless unless you have a plan for reaching it” (p. 68). “What is not imagined is not attempted” (p. 117). She kept “Walk thoughts”. She observed the landscape noting when fruit was ripening or when the grass was brown but should have been green. She rode the bus everywhere. On the #79 bus she notes the houses lining both sides of the street, wood frame, a market that is not a chain store, and the street cuts through the hill.

During the civil rights movement, people wondered why Butler was not out there marching. She was out there, but in another world, rebelling – writing. Butler loved science fiction (sf) as a child but hated what and who was left out. “All too often in the past, sf writers made things easy for themselves by portraying a white middle-class, male dominated universe, even attributing white, middle class male values to their ‘alien’ races” - Butler (p. 142). She could write about worlds that did not exist, ones where she said, “sex and race are interesting differences and not a mark of inferiority or superiority” (p. 143).

George concludes that Butler’s “life in Southern California and her unique profile as a writer grappling with global issues through the lens of speculative and science fiction was part of an ongoing and far-ranging conversation about sense of place, the environment, and the necessity of pushing away boundaries and borders; embodying what could be. She was certainly a sturdy and singular model. Someone to look to for long-haul advice” (p. 165). Butler believed, “We can nudge people creatively. We can disturb prejudices” (p. 143). Sounds like a way to plan for a hopeful future.

References:

Angel City Press. 2020. A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E Butler.

George, Lynell. 2020. A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E Butler. Santa Monica, California, USA: Angel City Press. 176 pp. $30.00. ISBN 978-1-62640-063-4.

How the Built Environment Affects Your Mood by Marcelo Remond

Humans have survived for millennia by staying together, not apart.

We have all probably heard one of our friends say, 'Moving to (insert random city name) will cure my depression!’ Common sense tells us that this cannot be true, and to an extent we are right. Mental disorders such as depression have deeper causes that will not be resolved just by geographical relocation. I am sorry to disappoint, but no city possesses magical abilities to cure mental disorders - not even you, New York. However, the idea that your mood can change due to different surroundings is not far-fetched. Aspects of the built environment, such as urban design, green spaces, and density, can significantly affect our mental health.

According to Jane Jacobs, diversity is vital for a great city. Yet, it is also vital for our daily routines. Talking with different people, doing various tasks, and most importantly going to different places are all crucial to our lives. A recent example was the COVID-19 pandemic. From going out as usual to complete lockdown, we passed from daily connection to isolation, which caused us to hate staying at home. An article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights the issues of the isolation caused by the pandemic through a series of interviews. They showed that the pandemic was the catalyst of “exacerbated feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness amidst social isolation”. Several individuals had community support systems that were highly dependent on human interaction; groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) were not as efficient via the online format, which then increased the use of substances among users. This forced isolation changed our everyday surroundings drastically, from several places to solely our homes — making our routines as monotone as possible. It made us appreciate the little things, like going to the supermarket, visiting friends and family, going for a walk, and other mundane but diverse tasks.

As discussed, the sole action of moving to a new area, will not cure any “mental disorders”. Yet, mental health conditions such as depression can be dependent on external surroundings. A study conducted in New York City and published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health showed that “persons living in neighborhoods characterized by poorer features of the built environment were 29%–58% more likely to report past six-month depression and 36%–64% more likely to report lifetime depression than respondents living in neighborhoods characterized by better features of the built environment”. Objects such as clean sidewalks, building facades, and streets were significant in the analysis. They highlight the importance of maintaining neighborhood public amenities and how it relates to its residents’ mental well-being.

An essential and well-recognized feature that influences your mood is walkability. While it may seem cliché, the prominence of walkable cities in urban planning is well-deserved. An article published in the Journal of the American Planning Association shows the link between walkability and happiness. With a study sample of more than 1,000 adults, results showed that for adults aged 36-45 perceived walkability was directly linked to their happiness. For younger adults (18-35) “walkability was related to higher satisfaction with neighborhood appearance in this younger group, which in turn predicted their happiness levels”, and for older adults, walkability was influential to their overall happiness as it affected other facets of their lives such as community trust and their health. As the study mentions, these findings only add to a growing literature on the link between walkability and happiness, further enhancing the evidence of the benefits of walkability.

Now that we know of the negatives of the lack of diverse environments and walkability in the places we live, we can understand certain conditions more. According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in the last decade depression among American young adults (18-25) has virtually doubled, reaching 17% in 2020. This phenomenon is known as “post-grad depression” and while reasons for the condition vary from unemployment to no sense of purpose, it would not be far-fetched to say that the environment could be a significant factor as well. For several graduates — who were raised in suburban environments — college is the first experience of living somewhere different. Several college towns contain communal buildings such as student centers, libraries, and dining halls, which together create a good set of public amenities. They also contain student housing, where students live for the school year. This leads to a life where you live, study, and socialize in a relatively close area, some larger colleges even have a transit system, further enhancing the experience students get. This experience is similar to the one you would experience in a walkable city, one where you can have all your needs nearby.

It is not for nothing that older adults often regard college as “the best years of your life” because in some cases it truly is. College years serve as a gateway drug to all the amenities and benefits of urban-core living — until you graduate that is. Then you have to return to your parent's suburban home (as many Americans do) and suddenly all the amenities you had disappear. Your newfound college friends might make up for the lack of a diverse built environment. Nope, they all have moved back to their sprawling neighborhoods too, probably dozens of miles if not hundreds of miles away from your town. You might get a new car to celebrate your graduation and your new 9 to 5 corporate job. Work will keep you busy! But you know what else? Driving. No more waking up 10 minutes before class and arriving just on time. You might now have to wake up a few hours early to drive to your job through rush hour morning traffic, and do it all again in the afternoon.

You might also gain weight - not because you are eating more, but because you are walking less. Various studies demonstrate the link between car usage and obesity, showing “greater levels of obesity in communities where the private automobile is the dominant means of transportation”. And let’s not forget that obesity leads to other health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, among others. Mental health conditions such as depression are more prevalent in adults with obesity. Hence once college ends, graduates stop socializing, stop enjoying public amenities every day, start driving everywhere, stop walking and hence gain a little more weight in the process. Then it is no surprise that young graduates feel unfulfilled, and sometimes even depressed after college — for them, it feels they were robbed of an integral part of their new lives.

Our surroundings impact our mental and physical health. Living in neighborhoods with negative qualities can increase the risk of mental health conditions such as depression. At the same time, the pandemic made us appreciate diversity in our lives and what happens when we are deprived of it. Walkable cities are not “just a preference” - they develop happiness by fostering community trust, promoting physical activity, and offering nearby amenities. As learned, these spaces encourage healthy behaviors, reduce car dependency, and create opportunities for social interaction — all things that are crucial for our well-being. While the sole action of relocating will not cure mental health issues, choosing an environment that enhances our quality of life can make a significant difference. Ultimately, wouldn't it be nice to live somewhere where our well-being is ingrained in its urban design?

Balancing Legacy and Progress: NIMBY as the critical barrier in The Village of West Greenville Art District by Oksana Veselkova

Last decade’s development boom in the city of Greenville, SC provided many benefits for its image and economy. But communities experience growing concerns of the risk of displacement. The specter of Gentrification is the main villain of this story, yet the plot revolves around the “Not in my backyard” syndrome.

The 2023 Fall SCAPA conference was concluded with a presentation by Dr Barry Nocks, FAICP, Professor Emeritus at Clemson University, illustrating the ethical challenges planners face between economic development and historic preservation. A case study of this ongoing struggle was the protracted entitlement debate surrounding Woven, a 214-unit multifamily, mixed-use project embroiled in public hearings, board deliberations, and a two-year quest for approval. Beyond financial implications, community push back could severely limit the neighborhood's economic vitality. The clash of interests focused on increasing the density of a critical city corridor and node - to fill in the “missing middle” in housing density and accommodate significant city growth. The Village of West Greenville is one of these focal areas outlined in the aspirational comprehensive plan GVL2040.

The Professional Study directed by Dr. Nocks and Dr. Benedict in the Clemson professional masters program focused our attention on developing a strategic plan to resolve this conflict in the Village - the centerpiece of the city’s industrial legacy and unique architectural character. The professors’ strong mentorship in academic and practical realms equipped us with the tools to develop recommendations for city officials. Mastering active listening to the community's aspirations, GIS research, SWOT analysis, and case-studies, we framed a plan to reach the community’s vision of a vibrant Art District. This “learning by doing” experience unveiled the pivotal role emerging planners could play in resolving community planning conflicts.

The Village of West Greenville community envisioned its future as an Art District. This image involved both the legacy of Textile Crescent, and the human capital of local businesses and long-term residents.

The Village's history, as the commercial center for two of the largest textile mills in the US, followed the rise of the textile industry until mill closures in the 1980s. This was followed by the city’s revitalization in the following decades and recent conversion of these abandoned mills into loft apartments. Affordable rents for the studios and authentic character drew in creatives, further attracting collateral businesses to Pendleton Street - the main artery of the Village. The surge in development led to a need for regulation, and 2021 was marked by two important documents - a comprehensive plan, GVL 2040, and the Village’s businesses “Micro Plan”. GLV 2040 identified the system of corridors and nodes as a framework for city development, with our study area among these nodes. The Village of West Greenville Micro Area Plan focused on the Village’s character, identity, mixed use development, and inclusive growth. The plan combined authentic culture, calls for density to develop affordable housing, foot traffic, and creative potential of the area. The Woven project aimed to fill in the “missing middle” in housing and provide space for artists that these plans prescribed. It also stirred up an anti-development lobby of some local residents and affordable housing advocates.

Instead of creating our strategy from scratch, we dove deeper to read existing plans between the lines - and learnt the story behind ongoing changes.

Other frames to clarify the case were historic assets analysis, SWOT analysis and case studies. These steps informed the limits for the future art district, its values, and constraints. The unique historic character, creative community, and strategic location on gateway to the city conflicts with the lack of connectivity to the city center and social separation of the interest groups. The Village holds the potential to truly become Greenville’s Arts District, using its strengths of scale, quirkiness, and existing artists to overcome the weaknesses of limited housing and commercial space. We found that precedents of comparable geographies and communities had many commonalities with the Village of West Greenville. That helped us build up a toolkit of preservation policies with the room for creative industries to grow.

The resulting four-part strategy was named “the 4C” for the four goals of our recommendations.

Enforcing Conservation, Collaboration, Connectivity, and Character were the four pillars of our proposal to the City as a guide for balanced growth of a vibrant community. Locally enforced Conservation District was identified as a long-term planning tool and support for the National Register of Historic Places designation. Extending up to 465 households it allows protection of village character while inviting cautious redevelopment. Potential changes would be reviewed by a Conservation District Board - a panel comprising city, community, and local business representatives. To further clarify the picture for potential investors, the development guides are to be outlined by the Board and city planners’ joint effort. We also developed a creative placemaking proposal for the Village’s main artery - Pendleton street - encouraging the city and business alliance to maintain a pedestrian focus. Proactive community engagement events, aligned with the First Fridays Gallery Crawl, establish a bold and strong image of the Art community while bolstering the sense of belonging.

Conclusion - and continuation

Last year Greenville completely rewrote its Land Management Ordinance to development in the nodes defined by the comp plan, GVL2040. Pursuing sustainable economic growth while revitalizing and preserving the character of the places is a big challenge as the cities in Upstate Carolina continue to grow. Collecting distinct data layers and building up a toolkit approach requires extensive time and capacity. This is where the role of planning schools and local scholars can be increasingly valuable. The professional Studio and its results were presented to the city only a year ago and made ideological contributions to the West Greenville’s future with Woven being approved and construction beginning in mid-2024.

A year later, each member of our class can confirm that this was an experience of real, hands-on planning. Despite the classic 2nd years’ challenges - tackling simultaneously Thesis and a part-time internship along with other classes - this experience turned out to be a great learning experience. And though the issues of gentrification and NIMBYism are very difficult to navigate, Professors Barry Nocks and Robert Benedict have taught us what lies beyond. Which is no matter the time, space, and capacity constraints, professional ethics of a planner won’t allow any shortcuts to full engagement. This is a great challenge. But at the end of the day, competence and due diligence are critical for positive change. We must also further master these tools as our updated ethical standards continue to demand that we fully engage a full range of interests.

Studio Team

Clemson University City and Regional Planning

Barry Nocks, FAICP. Professor Emeritus, Robert Benedict, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus

Oksana Veselkova, Dylan Gehring, MiKayla Cole, Anna Wilson

Rethinking Strategies For Homeless Encampment Resolution by Abdulrasheed Dawodu

Abdulrasheed is a Student At The University Of Delaware & An Urban Policy Fellow At The Mayor's Office, City Of Wilmington, Delaware

INTRODUCTION

Homelessness and Homeless Encampment Challenges: As planners plan for resilient cities with vibrant and safe neighborhoods, homelessness and homeless encampments (HE) pose serious challenges to most cities. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 582,000 people experienced homelessness in 2022. However, considering the evident clusters of HE on the streets and sidewalks of most cities, it is conceivable that homelessness has increased significantly nationwide.

Even though poverty, inadequate affordable housing, unemployment, underemployment, domestic violence, and substance abuse are the major causes of homelessness and HE, the potential safety and environmental hazards posed by HE cannot be ignored. Most cities are concerned about the potential hazards of HE including fire outbreaks and disease spread due to unhygienic conditions of HE. The potential threat of HE to the economic viability of surrounding businesses, and the assault of residents by HE dwellers are also considerable factors. These concerns make homelessness and HE multifaceted, cutting across health, economic, and environmental concerns, and therefore requiring a comprehensive approach to address them.

RESPONSE STRATEGIES

Homeless encampments can be categorized into two: authorized- where a city permits homeless encampments and unauthorized- where encampments are prohibited due to safety and environmental risks or the protection of other people’s rights. Some cities respond to unauthorized HEs by sweeps, even though legal restrictions limit cities’ ability to close them or relocate their dwellers. The Supreme Court, affirming the 9th Circuit Court’s ruling in Martin V. Boise, illegalizes the raiding of homeless camps, especially in cities within the 9th Circle District. Alternatively, some cities adopt control policies to avoid potential legal repercussions of sweeps. The following explores the diverse approaches taken by cities in addressing HEs.

Encampment Sweeps: Before homeless encampments can be resolved, the law mandates that alternate shelters must be provided for the encampment dwellers, and their properties must be safeguarded. The City of Philadelphia exemplified these requirements in its Encampment Resolution Program (ERP), a program that approaches homelessness as a social service-led operation rather than a police action. ERP is a multi-departmental operation consisting of the homeless outreach teams, the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), social workers, nonprofit organizations, municipal agencies, and medical treatment providers. Through this approach, the city successfully closed four large encampments and relocated their dwellers to proper housing or treatment facilities. Similarly, California set up an Encampment Resolution Strategy and Protocol to close encampments and provide care and shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

City-sanctioned Encampments: Moving away from sweeps, some cities now adopt legislation authorizing city-sanctioned encampments. While such encampments ensure the safety of the dwellers, they help regulate the spread of hazard-prone and unauthorized HE around the cities. For example, the City of Seattle designates 3 vacant properties annually for encampments, which must be at least 25 feet away from residentially zoned areas. Similarly, the City of Portland, Oregon, launched the first batch of its first mass city-sanctioned encampments project in 2023, investing over 4.6M in the construction, and prohibiting other encampments within 1,000 feet of the sanctioned encampments. Furthermore, Austin, Texas, opened its only government-sanctioned encampment- the Esperanza Community. The idea behind the Esperanza Community originated from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Austin District when they realized there were many unauthorized and unsafe homeless camps around the I-35 bridge, causing impediments to construction efforts. The Esperanza Community currently has over 80 temporary homes, providing safe and hygienic shelters for homeless people. Other cities that adopted similar strategies include Oakland, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles.

ADOPTING STRATEGIES FOR ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION

While there is limited information about the characteristics of encampment dwellers, there is a visible number of unauthorized encampment hotspots around the country with a high risk of environmental hazards. Therefore, it has become pertinent for cities to address the issue of hazard-prone encampments. Drawing strategies from other cities, planners can address encampments by adopting the following.

• Establish an Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) of social workers, nonprofit organizations, municipal agencies, and medical and treatment providers, to identify and assess unauthorized encampment sites.
• Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious organizations, and homelessness resolution advocates to fundraise and establish city-sanctioned encampments.
• Incorporate city-sanctioned encampments into comprehensive plans and map their locations using technologies like GIS.
• Work with City Council and the State Legislature to adopt Encampment Resolution Ordinances (ERO) similar to Oakland’s, Thurston County’s, Las Vegas’s, or Long Beach’s, regulating sanctioned encampments and stipulating their operations.
• Collaborate with the State General Assembly and the Governor’s office to set up Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF) for encampment resolution efforts, as exemplified in California.

CONCLUSION

City-sanctioned encampments, modeled after cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Austin offer an avenue to provide regulated temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, collaborative efforts with multiple stakeholders, particularly the City Council, to establish Encampment Resolution Ordinances (ERO) may allow cities to navigate the legal intricacies of encampment resolution. However, while these initiatives address some immediate challenges posed by HE, it is important to acknowledge that the permanent and long-term solution to homelessness and HE is the provision of adequate affordable housing, especially for people who fall below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Nevertheless, balancing the short-term strategy (encampment resolution) with a long-term goal (affordable housing) is crucial in addressing homelessness and encampments in US cities.

San Francisco's Mosaic Stairways by Jessie Audette Muniz

Starting in 2005, the City of San Francisco has authorized the construction of some ten mosaic stairways. The City supports these types of projects because they beautify what are often neglected areas, they bring neighbors together, they produce what are often notable artworks, and they produce an enjoyable destination for residents, walkers, and tourists.

I brought the first of these mosaic stairways, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, to the City, in 2003, while living in the City’s Sunset neighborhood, having lived abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the Sunset neighborhood, there was a very straight, 163-step stairway from the 1920s that directly faced the Pacific Ocean. It was possible to imagine it looking like the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) in Rio de Janeiro, a massive 400-step stairway created by a single Chilean artist in the colors of the Brazilian flag. The Selarón Steps are a meeting spot where friends can bring their guitars to play on the steps or just sit and talk, and it seemed the 16th Avenue steps had the potential to become a similar local gathering spot.

Neighbor Alice Yee Xavier and I began to reach out to the neighborhood association, and slowly neighbors began to join our “steering committee” as we planned the project with the help of a local architect and engineer. We brought together artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher to jointly create the design and lead the community in creating the mosaic. The design had to satisfy two criteria: it had to hold interest both from a distance (when one contemplated the entire stairway) and up close (as one walked up, step by step). The final design was a sea-to-stars motif: the ocean at the bottom, climbing all the way up to the sun, detailing animals, fish, shells, and more. The work was funded both by neighbors who sponsored the handmade tiles, and area foundations.

The stairway project went through review and approval by the following commissions and public officials:

• Roads and Traffic
• Arts Commission
• Handicapped Access
• Planning Commission
• Board of Supervisors
• Mayor Gavin Newsom

The mosaic was made in 163 individual panels in three separate community workshops led by the artists. It was made by gluing the mosaic pieces to mesh backing. Seeing the entire, beautiful set laid out on the sidewalk prior to installation was a very exciting day! The stairway was then power-washed, a special underlayment was installed to allow for temperature related expansions and contractions, and the panels were applied to the step faces by a professional contractor. The stairway was installed and inaugurated in 2005. Further grants enabled the planting of vibrant gardens full of flowers on either side of the stairway.

The project inspired a number of additional stairway projects in San Francisco, notably the Hidden Garden Steps (2013) and the Lincoln Park Steps (2015).

Visitors and locals in San Francisco enjoy these steps every day.

Bridging Aspirations and Realities: A Collaborative Approach to Urban Planning by Waleed Albakry

Prior to my move to the Volunteer State, I worked as a city planner for over ten years in three different Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario). Most of the Canadian cities are on the cutting edge of creating sustainable and compatible new developments. When I assumed the role of Director of Planning and Community Development in Shelbyville, TN, I drew on my Canadian experience to foster a resilient and vibrant urban environment. My strategic plan encompassed a forward-looking Comprehensive Plan based on policies that seek to modernize the zoning ordinance, streamline subdivision regulations, and follow robust urban design standards.

However, urban planning transcends blueprints; it first and foremost involves striking an intricate balance between policy objectives, community needs, and political landscapes. Understanding this dynamic interplay became crucial as I delved into the complexities of urban planning in my new environment. In this article, I share the lessons I learned from my experience working with the entire community to undertake planning projects that seek to harmonize community needs and aspirations with the reality on the ground.

Understanding Planning History and Current Constraints

I started my tasks by reviewing all the Council’s and the Planning Commission’s prior planning decisions within the previous year. Shortly after that, I held two combined workshops with the City Council and the Planning Commission to discuss their perspectives on community needs, current conditions, and budget and regulatory constraints. This was a necessary step in preparation for working on a common vision that could lay the ground for future planning projects. Rather than seeing the constraints as roadblocks, I viewed them as the context within which I needed to operate.

Forging Collaborative Ties

Collaboration with other agencies is pivotal to the success of any planning project. Acknowledging and understanding the legal and administrative boundaries early on is key to crafting a plan that not only resonates with the community but also stands a chance in the departmental political dynamics. It was thus crucial for me to understand the structures and capacities of the other departments with which I needed to collaborate. Other departments’ support was needed, for example, when we had to amend the subdivision regulations and the zoning ordinance to allow for more compact developments with narrow streets. For such a change to take effect, it needed first to be endorsed by the Building, Engineering and Fire departments because it required amendments to their respective codes and regulations.

Understanding Community Needs:

Equally important is engaging residents, businesses, and community leaders in order to feel the community's heartbeat. By holding town hall meetings, weekly meet-and-greets at coffee shops, pop-up events, as well as engaging in community outreach on social media platforms, I was able to obtain some insights into the community desires, values, and priorities. Before starting the work on the municipal comprehensive plan, I held a public engagement session that

included the citizens at large, the development community members and various groups. The intent was to understand the perspectives of each constituency in order to bridge the gaps and build bridges. Being in tune with the community’s needs is an essential step to integrating them into the decision-making processes.

Leveraging Technological Tools

It is also of great importance for city planning success to leverage technological tools and applications such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analytics, and 3D modeling & design programs. These tools can greatly aid in communicating complex ideas to both the community and political decision-makers. In my case, I extensively used 3D printed models created in SketchUp during public engagement sessions to help the public better visualize the potential impacts of proposed plans on land uses.

Addressing Challenges and Potential Conflicts

No urban planning process is without its share of challenges. The key here is to have an open line of communication between you and your planning team, as well as between the community at large, the development community and the elected officials. Having transparent communication is a key to navigating conflicting interests as it helps build trust and allows different groups to meet in the middle. For example, conflict might arise between the planning department and other interest groups about designating certain areas for more compact developments. Fortunately, we were able to navigate such tense situations by having open discussions early on. In doing so, we explored the possibilities of meeting in the middle and were able to implement design standards that took the larger community needs into account instead of simply focusing on the residential unit count.

Conclusion

Urban planning is a team sport. From community leaders to government officials, from non- profit organizations to private developers, building partnerships is more than a buzzword – it's a necessity. Undertaking planning projects that embrace both community aspirations and facts on the ground is a nuanced art. By embracing community engagement, navigating political landscapes, leveraging technology, forging collaborative relationships, and tackling challenges head-on, we as planning practitioners can better contribute to the creation of resilient urban environments that shape the cities of tomorrow.

Livable Places vs. Parking Spaces by Margaret Wallace Brown, AICP, CNU-A

In 2023, Houston, Texas celebrated its 187th birthday. Perhaps because it was founded by two real estate speculators from New York, Houston has always guided development by carrots, instead of sticks. The City has famously defeated three attempts at a zoning ordinance, opting instead to regulate development through a combination of development codes for private development, transportation and infrastructure requirements, and private covenants between property owners. That’s why it took until April of 1958 before the City enacted its first off-street parking requirements, and 1968 before it established a subdivision code.

As time went on, these parking regulations became more stringent, propelled more by residents who didn’t want cars parked in front of their homes than by planning. Ultimately, this led to an estimated 60 million parking spaces within a city of 2.3 million people. Shockingly this is more than 30 parking spaces for every man, woman, and child who lives in the city—whether they drive or not.

About ten years ago, Houston’s leaders began to rethink this auto-centric approach. In 2017, during Mayor Sylvester Turner’s address to the Transportation Advisory Group, he boldly spoke of our need to become a more multi-modal city—calling for a “paradigm shift.” Along with updating the city’s bike plan he focused on improved pedestrian realms and initiated the Walkable Places and Transit-Oriented Development ordinance. For the first time, Houston had context-sensitive parking regulations, based on a property’s proximity to our light-rail system.

Upon becoming Director of the Planning & Development Department, I took two steps that pushed the City of Houston even further. I persuaded the Mayor to make Houston a Vision Zero City. He immediately embraced the initiative. Clearly understanding that if his paradigm shift was to be successful, we needed to protect the lives of our residents. Additionally, I advocated for and received permission to hire the City’s first Chief Transportation Planner. We were lucky enough to hire David Fields, a well-respected transportation planning professional with significant experience in bringing innovative and equitable projects to fruition.

With these two items in place, we are now looking at the City through a multi-modal lens and rethinking all of our right-of-way spaces. Ultimately making Houston safer for everyone, regardless of how they choose to travel. We took encouragement from cities like Buffalo, Atlanta, and most recently Austin, all of which had recently reduced or eliminated their parking requirements. We also had the support of our Planning Commission; in the years between 2013 and 2019, our commission had approved an annual average of 14 variances for off-street parking reductions, often for reductions totaling as much as 40% of the required amount.

Thinking we had the wind at our back, my department embarked on what would be a three-year effort to update residential development regulations with an eye toward affordability, equity, and walkability. Central to that effort was the elimination of some residential parking regulations. Establishing a Market-Based Parking component would remove minimum requirements for residential properties in transit-rich areas: those within short walking distances of rail stations, high-frequency bus stops, or high-comfort bikeways.

It immediately became an uphill battle. The developers who should have cheered our efforts didn’t. Eliminating parking requirements didn’t matter to them; they were going to build parking, with or without the requirement. And the neighborhoods hated it for many of the same decades-old reasons. Despite the extensive community engagement, meeting with and listening to dozens of neighborhood groups, the opposition galvanized against reducing the parking requirements. Minutes prior to the first public hearing on the proposed changes, the Market-Based parking component was removed from the final package for lack of Council support.

People don’t always understand the consequences of their opinions. What does maintaining parking requirements in areas that have significant multi-modal options accomplish? One, it ensures that residents have incentives to drive and ignore the transit options that are available. This puts more cars on the street, increases traffic headaches, and reduces safety for all other modes. Two, it wastes both public and private money. For the developer, parking is expensive; recent studies indicate that parking structures cost between $30,000 and $40,000 PER SPACE to build. For the taxpayer, it wastes the public investments made on those other modes. In Houston, between protected bike lanes, transit and bus-route improvements, the City and its partners have committed almost $7 Billion on multi-modality. Third, it inflates housing costs by requiring more land to store automobiles instead of people. A two-car garage is the same size as a one-bedroom apartment. Perhaps the most galling aspect of this is the number of people who don’t use their garages to park cars. Instead, they use it to park their exercise equipment, excess furniture, or just junk. In Houston, this practice is so common that garages are regularly called Houston Basements.

All this is frustrating. We developed a comprehensive package that expands the variety of homes available to Houstonians and encourages smaller, less expensive products. We documented that the shifts in demographics point to the increasing number of households with fewer cars. Ultimately, none of it mattered. To the in-town neighbors who cried the loudest that Houston is car-dependent, this will fulfill their prophecy. To the home builders who complain that our regulations increase the cost of constructing homes, this will fulfill their prophecy. To the families who don’t drive, either by choice or necessity, this is a lost opportunity. In the end, we got sweeping changes approved by City Council. Which was, in a property-rights state like Texas, a colossal win! But sadly, it still feels like a loss.

Nature's Ledger: Assessing Ecosystem Services in Chattogram amidst LULCC Dynamics by Tanveer Ahmed

In the bustling city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, the delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation is becoming increasingly critical. The evolving landscape, marked by Land Use and Land Cover Changes (LULCC), serves as a canvas where human activities and nature intersect. This article delves into the intricate relationship between these changes and the ecosystem services that form the bedrock of community well-being, emphasizing a planning perspective that centers on community-based ideas, processes, and policies.

Understanding the Landscape: Chattogram's dynamic growth has brought forth a multitude of changes in its land use and cover. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and agricultural shifts have become defining features of the region. While indicative of progress, these transformations raise important questions about the impacts on the ecosystem services that sustain both urban and rural communities.

The Ledger of Ecosystem Services: Picture nature as a ledger, recording its countless services to the community—clean air, fertile soil, abundant water, and a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. However, as the LULCC dynamics alter this ledger, assessing the gains and losses in terms of ecosystem services becomes imperative. Community-based planning takes center stage in this evaluation, recognizing the invaluable input of local residents in shaping the landscape they inhabit.

Mapping the Impact: To truly grasp the influence of LULCC on ecosystem services, a comprehensive mapping effort has to be undertaken in Chattogram. Community members should actively participate in identifying areas of ecological significance, tracing the changes in land use, and evaluating the resulting impact on services such as water purification, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. This collaborative approach empowers the community and enriches the planning process with local knowledge.

Nature-Based Solutions as the Cornerstone: Nature-based solutions emerge as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable development. Chattogram's community-based planning can incorporate these solutions by integrating green spaces into urban planning, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and establishing corridors for wildlife migration. The aim is not only to mitigate the adverse effects of LULCC but also to enhance the delivery of ecosystem services that are vital for community resilience and well-being.

From Planning to Policy: The success of community-based planning lies in its translation into effective policies. In collaboration with community leaders, local authorities shall work to institutionalize these nature-centric strategies. This involves zoning regulations prioritizing green spaces, incentives for eco-friendly practices, and incorporating environmental impact assessments into development projects. The goal is to create a policy framework that aligns economic progress with ecological sustainability.

Challenges and Opportunities: Undoubtedly, the path to harmonizing LULCC dynamics with ecosystem services is fraught with challenges. Conflicting interests, resource constraints, and the urgency of development often pose hurdles. However, these challenges are also opportunities for innovation. Through dialogue and collaboration, communities can explore alternative development pathways that prioritize sustainability without compromising progress.

A Call to Action: As we navigate the ledger of ecosystem services in Chattogram, it becomes evident that community-based planning is not just a process but a call to action. It is a call for communities to actively participate in shaping their environment, for planners to integrate nature-based solutions into their strategies, and for policymakers to enact measures that safeguard the delicate balance between development and ecological integrity.

In conclusion, the assessment of ecosystem services amidst LULCC dynamics in Chattogram underscores the interconnectedness of human activities and the natural world. By embracing community-based planning, the city is not only securing its ecological future but also fostering a sense of stewardship among its residents. As Chattogram paves the way for sustainable development, the ledger of ecosystem services serves as a guide, reminding us that every decision we make leaves an indelible mark on the

Revolutionizing Urban Living: The South Florida Housing Renaissance by Isaiah Valcin

In recent years, South Florida planners have embarked on a critical reevaluation of mixed-income communities and their impact on urban development. This article delves into this evolving discourse, challenging established norms and advocating for a heightened emphasis on social integration in urban planning.

Long upheld as a cornerstone of urban planning, the “Mixed-Income Communities Consensus” model promotes a blend of housing types in close proximity, with the aim of fostering economic, racial, and social integration. However, studies in South Florida have recently spotlighted potential shortcomings in this approach, prompting a reconsideration of its efficacy and equity. A South Florida Urban Land Institute (ULI) report titled: “Attainable Housing: Challenges, Perceptions and Solutions”, illuminates challenges linked to the mixed-income communities model. It reveals instances where mixed-income developments unintentionally exacerbate socio-economic disparities, with luxury housing overshadowing affordable options. For example, in Downtown Miami, opulent high-rises often neighbor lower-income neighborhoods, creating an imbalanced social landscape.

Urban planners and community leaders are championing the integration of local voices. The City of Miami's "People's Planning Process" is a notable case in point. This initiative actively involves residents, especially those from marginalized communities, in shaping urban housing policies. By centering the experiences of those most affected, the city seeks to forge more inclusive and equitable housing solutions. Enhancing accessibility is another pivotal facet of South Florida's urban housing re-envisioning. Recent data from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation underscores a pressing need for transit-oriented developments (TODs) in urban hubs. By strategically locating affordable housing near public transit nodes, cities aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby rendering housing more accessible and environmentally sustainable.

Beyond socio-economic considerations, planners are reassessing the equilibrium between population density and livability. The recent proliferation of high-density developments in South Florida's urban cores has ignited conversations around safeguarding green spaces, augmenting walkability, and ensuring adequate amenities for residents across various income brackets. Having grown up in the small suburban city of North Miami, located ten miles north of Downtown Miami and lies on Biscayne Bay, I've personally observed how such communities exemplify resourceful approaches in leveraging both regulatory and incentive-driven measures to foster mixed-income environments. Strategies like implementing accessory dwelling units and reducing minimum unit sizes have proven pivotal in promoting inclusivity across various cities. These efforts encompass a range of methods such as density bonuses, land preservation, and the provision of housing subsidies through programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA).

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development initiated the CDBG program, providing annual grants to states, cities, and counties for urban development. It targets quality housing, a socially sustainable environments, and economic growth, especially for low to moderate incomes. In contrast, the NMCRA, jointly governed by Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida, combats blight in designated opportunity zones. This is achieved by using increased taxable values to revitalize communities through grants, partnerships, and housing projects —subject to NMCRA approval and funding availability.

As South Florida pivots towards prioritizing social integration in planning, as it signifies a promising shift in housing approaches. By challenging the established “Mixed-Income Communities Consensus” model and amplifying diverse perspectives, cities in the region are making significant strides towards fostering inclusive, equitable, and livable urban environments. As South Florida continues its expansion, the reassessment of urban housing models will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the region's future.

Building An Equitable City: Empowering BIPOC Women Through Urban Planning By Paulina Somosa Avalos

Introduction: Sexism disproportionately impacts BIPOC women in urban environments, hindering the progress towards creating an equitable city. The Urban Planning Community must recognize disparities and tailor developmental strategies to meet the unique needs of BIPOC women. This includes acknowledging cultural practices that may enforce sexist norms and work towards creating an inclusive community. This can be accomplished by encompassing key areas such as providing affordable housing, efficient transportation, and engaging in community outreach. While most women can benefit from these services, BIPOC Women find themselves at an initial disadvantage that requires adaptations within planned development.

Affordable Housing and Economic Empowerment: Cultural expectations have played a significant role in confining BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women to traditional roles within their communities. As a result, BIPOC women may have limited economic independence and opportunities. These expectations are often rooted in deeply ingrained societal norms and historical patterns of discrimination. Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental prerequisite for all people. However, as it was in the early 20th century, women of color continue to experience occupational and economic disadvantages that reflect the ways both race and gender affect their work experiences. As a result, BIPOC women may have a harder time finding housing that they can afford. To address this issue and promote greater equity, urban planners should take a proactive approach by focusing on affordable housing initiatives designed to empower BIPOC women and alleviate financial stress. Affordable housing initiatives can include subsidized housing programs, rent control policies, or community land trusts aimed at preserving affordable housing options in gentrifying neighborhoods.

Community Centers for Support and Empowerment: Establishing community centers tailored to BIPOC women's needs is vital in dismantling sexist ideologies. These centers serve as safe havens, offering access to legal assistance, mental health services, and support groups for survivors of domestic abuse. While domestic violence respects no color and can impact people of every ethnicity, it has been widely documented that the BIPOC community seems to be affected disproportionately compared to white people, especially in America. Through community-building initiatives, BIPOC women can find solidarity, motivation, and the resources needed to transition away from toxic cultural practices. To promote economic independence, urban planners should collaborate with local organizations and institutions to provide targeted job training programs. These programs can equip BIPOC women with the skills and knowledge needed to secure stable and well-paying employment opportunities. By partnering with employers and offering internships or apprenticeships, planners can bridge the gap between training and meaningful employment. Additionally, workshops on resume building, interview skills, and financial literacy will equip them with the tools needed to excel in the job market.

Transportation and Access to Employment: Transportation planning efforts should consider the specific commuting needs of BIPOC women. This includes not only the development of public transit systems but also the design of routes, schedules, and infrastructure to ensure they effectively connect residential areas to places of employment. This approach involves consulting directly with BIPOC women and community organizations to gather insights into their transportation challenges and preferences. Urban planners should also consider promoting flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to reduce the burden of long commutes on BIPOC women. These arrangements can help them balance work and family responsibilities more effectively, ultimately increasing their economic independence.

Intersectionality in Planning: Urban planners must acknowledge the intersectionality of sexism, recognizing that BIPOC women face compounded challenges due to both race and gender. By incorporating an intersectional lens into planning initiatives, we can ensure that resources are allocated according to the specific needs of diverse communities. This approach promotes inclusivity and addresses the multifaceted forms of sexism experienced by BIPOC women.

Conclusion: Advancing towards an equitable city for BIPOC women requires a holistic approach that addresses cultural norms and access to essential resources. By prioritizing affordable housing, transportation, and community support planners can create cities that empower BIPOC women to thrive. This comprehensive approach will not only benefit BIPOC women but will also contribute to building more inclusive, non-sexist urban environments for all.

Plan For Your Next Disaster by Cheryl Sawyers, AICP

"There's a hurricane coming!" Or is it an earthquake, tornado, flood, landslide, fire, or a once-in-a-lifetime freeze? Natural disasters happen. We have all experienced or watched on television as community after community is affected by unthinkable tragedy, most recently as Hawaii reels from its worst natural disaster in the state's history and the deadliest wildfire in over a century. What does this have to do with planning? Planners are among the few professions that have the opportunity to mitigate how these disasters affect their communities. No, planners aren't given a magic wand or leave their universities omniscient; instead, they are trained to identify hazards and risks to plan for the future development of their cities.

When can planners impact disaster preparedness? The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now. Coincidentally, the time to prepare for a natural disaster is long before it happens or right now. When planners are reviewing site plans, plats, or involved in rezoning, they can look for hazards and high-risk areas for certain natural disasters. For example, planners can propose zoning regulations restricting development in high-risk areas or development standards to enhance resilience. Restrictions on flood-prone zones, more significant setbacks from coastlines, and building code adoptions for seismically active regions are just a few of the tools cities can employ. Additionally, planners can build disaster preparedness in the comprehensive plan and other long-range planning activities. Incorporating designated public spaces as gathering areas during emergencies can facilitate organized evacuations and provide temporary shelter. As well as promoting mixed-use development and creating walkable neighborhoods with access to essential services to ensure residents are more self-sufficient during a disaster.

What to look for? Some key considerations for identifying hazards and risk areas are in the data. Examining historical records and past disasters in the area will provide valuable insight into the types of disasters that have occurred and how often. Understanding the region's geological and geographical features will also inform decisions centered around floodplains, steep slopes, and areas prone to soil erosion. These areas are more susceptible to specific disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, and wildfires.

Where to start? Start disaster preparedness planning by thoroughly assessing the city's vulnerabilities to natural disasters. This assessment will help the planner, the emergency management personnel, and administration make informed decisions about where and how development should occur. Prioritization of resilient infrastructure development like permeable pavements, fire-resistant building materials, and redundancies in critical city systems will help prevent secondary and tertiary effects of disasters. Resilient transportation networks are also essential to evacuation plans and first responders. Ensuring bridges and roads remain open or identifying alternative routes that can accommodate long-term disruptions will save lives and reduce recovery time.

Who to coordinate with? When planning for a disaster, everyone must work together. During a catastrophe, all departments across many organizations respond to help within their expertise. Planning and development departments often have a plethora of information that is very valuable to emergency management personnel as well as first responders and public safety departments. For example, examining population density and the presence of vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, and low to moderate-income residents will give emergency personnel an understanding of how best to serve those areas if a disaster strikes. Ensuring police, fire, medical services, and other first responders have access to up-to-date maps, data, and plans is essential for swift and organized responses. Maps and plans created in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can also incorporate layers that identify high-risk zones, critical infrastructure locations, resource allocation, and hold space for historical data. GIS is one of the most powerful tools to use before, during, and after a disaster, but that is another article.

Planners have the unique opportunity to impact the communities' preparedness when disaster strikes. They have the expertise to bridge the gap between urban development and disaster preparedness, and they can help guide growth and development that prioritizes safety, resilience and the well-being of residents in the face of disaster.

Beautification with Purpose – Regulating Resources by Jacob Hullett

Urban heat islands and the negative hydrological effects of contemporary and frequently impervious infrastructure have become a focal point in historically wet and low-lying areas i.e., stormwater issues. Developments in the United States, particularly in the Southeast, (my experience being in Northwest Florida) are vulnerable due to extended heating periods, vast ranges of wetlands and forests which have been converted into commercial and residential districts, growing populations along shrinking coastal and riverine systems, as well as an unprecedented influx of domestic migrants. Florida, between July 2021 and July 2022 has experienced a boon of approximately 444,500 new residents. An increase in land use favoring development and infrastructure typically coincides with a decrease in green spaces. This opposing relationship is most apparent in the removal of trees and the pervasiveness of stormwater issues and accommodations.

Why Trees? There are far too many reasons to give within a short narrative as to why trees and vegetation are beneficial, but some basic information might help one understand the need for trees. Localized flooding and the treatment of runoff is largely impacted by the removal of not only pervious surfaces, but the ecosystems and life forms which utilized the water stored in such surfaces. Tree roots, vegetated soil ecosystems, and native plant species are not only one of the most efficient storers and cyclical cleansers of water, but also the most prominent to overall aesthetic and usefulness of a city’s open space. In a single growing season, a mature tree (upwards to 100-feet tall) can absorb up to 11,000 gallons of water and release it into the air through evapotranspiration. According to a study conducted by Purdue University, a single tree may absorb between 10 to 150 gallons per day depending on size, species, climate, and other environmental factors. This water is then released by evapotranspiration into the atmosphere, producing a cooling effect on the surrounding area. Imagine the increase in water quality and the decrease in flooding and need for treatment if trees were integrated into city and developmental designs.

Equity, and generally operating on the Quadruple Bottom Line, includes providing open and green spaces for those in lower socio-economic levels of society to enjoy. Green and open spaces near such developments not only increase property value, but protects the properties from further erosion, flooding, noise pollution, effects of heating, and helps increase quality of life standards for the residents. Trees add a richness to life that many in urbanized areas, and especially lower-income urbanized areas, don’t necessarily get to enjoy day-in and day-out in their own neighborhoods. Coupling trees with more walkable community designs, multi-modal transportation, and overall beautification adds not only to safety and resiliency, but to equity.

How to Introduce or Refine Tree Protections? The Arbor Day Foundation in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters, in support of the “Tree City USA” program, developed a brochure on the basics for tree regulation and admittance into the program (of which the municipality for which I work is part of).

So, how does a city protect, regulate, and ensure future generations enjoy the beauty and safety of its most prominent natural resources, trees?

Protection must be the basis for responsible regulation and design. Municipalities should aim to create tree protections founded upon Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) determinations and species. Simply put, higher protections for larger and vital native trees. Larger trees not only provide more visual interest and shade but collect more water per square foot, making them more valuable assets for stormwater storage, windbreaks, erosion control, heat island effects, and flood management than their smaller counterparts. This may be accomplished through forms of higher permitting costs which are fed into mitigation funds (for future plantings and tree protections), greater ratios of required plantings to offset the removal of larger trees (i.e. must plant two minimum sized trees for every inch over a regulated size tree which is to be removed), and give allowances to developments which favor tree preservation (i.e. administratively applied setback variances in order to protect Heritage or Champion trees for new development). Limitations on clear-cutting should also be heavily considered. Many state environmental and district agencies currently have limited clear cutting statutes in place, but cities should review their own needs and decide if more stringent or prescriptive regulations are required.

Secondly, it is important to protect biodiversity, native species, and to not be overly protective of nuisance, invasive, or diseased flora. Regulations requiring new developments to replace removed trees with natives is one sound and significant way to regulate appropriate biodiversity and successful retention. For example, in the local municipality in which I work, historically the area thrived and was dependent upon the Longleaf Pine (Quercus palustris) ecosystem. However, the local development code, although having tree protections, did not provide protections for this keystone species. In fact, it stated any pine may be cut and removed without permitting or mitigation requirements. This flies in the face of the local experts, alliances, and governmental departments such as the Longleaf Alliance, Water Management District, and universities with food and agricultural programs which say otherwise. Resolutions were added to speciate Q. palustris from the exemption list and ensure future protections for the existing pines. Plant lists were also updated to favor native varieties and ensure fewer planting failures which ultimately lead to costly replanting efforts and/or bare areas which were designed to aid in beautification and traffic control measures. In short, the regulations should be catered to each areas needs and bio-requirements.

Thirdly, engage citizens, operate on the Quadruple Bottom Line, and establish a tree board/council/department/committee. Citizens should understand the benefits that trees provide. From hurricane resistance to flood abatement, in times such as these where climate induced issues abound, receptiveness may be at an all-time high. Ensure experts, leaders, elected officials, and others understand the importance of these regulations and revisit them every five years for updated mitigation requirements, biodiversity needs, and ensure the regulations are working. Trees are as much apart of our community as those we serve. Many trees will outlive us and beneficially serve the community beyond our years. Trees should be the root of any municipality’s sustainability and resiliency plan.

Biomimicry in Action: Ants can be the Inspiration to Solve Urban Traffic Jams by Suhara Malik Suhail

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for solving complex human challenges. From harnessing the power of wind through wind turbines modelled after bird wings to creating self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves, biomimicry has proven to be a remarkable approach. In urban traffic management, ants offer valuable insights that can help us alleviate traffic jams and improve mobility. Their ability to navigate complex environments without congestion has captivated researchers and holds the potential to revolutionize our approach to traffic flow.

Ants, like humans, engage in two-way traffic. However, while humans often struggle to maintain a smooth and efficient traffic flow without collisions, ants seem to be masters of traffic management. They can seamlessly move back and forth between their nests and food sources, forming a steady stream of traffic without overtaking or passing each other. Understanding the mechanisms behind their traffic management skills can provide valuable lessons for tackling urban traffic congestion.

Ants employ several strategies to ensure smooth traffic flow within their colonies. One key factor contributing to their success is their ability to move in straight lines. They follow a pheromone trail left by their fellow ants, which guides them to food sources or their nest. This trail acts as a communication mechanism, allowing ants to maintain a constant flow of traffic in both directions.

Ants also allocate separate lanes for different directions of traffic. They form orderly queues and avoid overtaking or passing each other. This disciplined behavior prevents congestion and collisions, ensuring a smooth and efficient traffic flow. Moreover, ants adjust their movement speed based on the density of ants on the trail. They speed up when the density is moderate to maintain a steady flow, while they slow down or avoid collisions when it becomes high.

In contrast, our cities face significant challenges when it comes to traffic management. Rapid urbanization and the increasing number of single-occupancy vehicles have resulted in overcrowded roads, bottlenecks, and traffic jams. Insufficient infrastructure, poor road design, inadequate traffic signal systems, and lack of synergy among various modes contribute to the problem. Additionally, ineffective traffic management strategies and a failure to adapt to changing conditions further exacerbate the situation.

My hometown Lahore, a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage that attracts local and foreign tourists all year, serves as a prime example of a city plagued with several traffic-related problems. Despite its allure, Lahore is facing the harsh realities of rapid urban growth and neglect of its transport and traffic infrastructure, which is threatening its status as a livable city. The challenges are evident as Lahore struggles to cope with heavy traffic, a constant increase in motorized vehicles, the lack of pedestrian-friendly road infrastructure, and an inefficient traffic system in various projects. Roads like Ferozpur Road and entry-exit points like Ravi Bridge, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Gajju Matta often suffer from congestion and bottlenecks, causing frustrating delays for its residents.

Traffic jams waste time and have severe economic and environmental implications. Delays in transportation lead to lost productivity and increased fuel consumption, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, traffic congestion decreases road safety, as frustrated drivers may engage in aggressive behavior or make hasty decisions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. To address these challenges, we can draw inspiration from the efficient traffic management strategies ants employ. Implementing comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of our cities can make a significant difference:

• Improved Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure that accommodates the increasing number of vehicles is crucial. Constructing grade-separated interchanges (such as flyovers and underpasses) at busy intersections and designing efficient intersections can help ease congestion and improve traffic flow. Furthermore, creating dedicated lanes for public transportation, bicycles, and pedestrians can incentivize alternative modes of transport, reducing the reliance on private vehicles.
• Intelligent Traffic Signal Systems: Upgrading traffic signal systems with smart technologies can optimize signal timings based on real-time traffic data. Adaptive signal control systems can dynamically adjust signal cycles and green times, responding to varying traffic demands. This approach helps minimize unnecessary stops, reduces idle time at intersections, and improves traffic flow.
• Public Transportation Enhancement: Expanding and improving public transportation networks can alleviate traffic congestion. Investing in buses, trams, trains, and other forms of public transit can provide viable alternatives to driving. Integrated ticketing systems, convenient transfers, and reliable schedules can encourage more people to use public transportation, reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
• Traffic Management Technologies: Leveraging advanced technologies, such as real-time traffic monitoring, data analytics, and predictive modelling, can enable proactive traffic management. By identifying traffic hotspots, congestion patterns, and peak hours, authorities can implement targeted measures to ease traffic flow and mitigate bottlenecks.
• Encouraging Sustainable Mobility: Promoting sustainable transportation options like cycling and walking can help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Developing safe cycling lanes, implementing bike-sharing programs, and creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can incentivize people to choose these modes of transportation for shorter distances.

One inspiring example of utilizing ants and biomimicry to improve traffic management comes from Singapore. Singapore has been an inspiration for sustainable and efficient development. The city has implemented dedicated traffic lanes during peak hours exclusively for public transportation, encouraging the use of buses and trains. Advanced traffic management technologies, like adaptive signal control systems, optimize signal timings based on current traffic demands, ensuring smoother flow and minimizing unnecessary stops at intersections.

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network provides a reliable alternative to private vehicles, with integrated ticketing systems making commuting convenient and encouraging public transport use. The city-state also promotes sustainable mobility options, such as cycling, through dedicated cycling lanes and bike-sharing programs for shorter distances.

These initiatives, inspired by ants and biomimicry, have led to notable improvements in traffic management in Singapore, consistently ranking among the top cities globally for transportation infrastructure and efficiency. By learning from ants and implementing comprehensive solutions, we can tackle urban traffic jams and poor traffic management. Investing in infrastructure, intelligent traffic signal systems, enhancing public transportation, leveraging advanced technologies, and encouraging sustainable mobility are critical steps toward creating more efficient and intelligent transportation systems. Let us draw from the remarkable wisdom of ants to build cities that flow smoothly, free from the frustration of traffic congestion.

UltraSystems Completes Initial Study for Richard T. Steed Memorial Park by Brandie Metcalf

UltraSystems Worked Hand-in-Hand with the City of San Clemente on Park Improvements

Park improvements are trending in city councils across the country and continue to be on the rise in planning efforts. As city parks age and community interests shift, improvements to local parks are being completed throughout the Southern California region. For example, the rising popularity of pickleball has encouraged cities and master planned communities to make improvements that incorporate pickleball courts.

Recently, one such project was awarded to UltraSystems Environmental. The City of San Clemente chose the Irvine-based environmental consulting firm to prepare an Initial Study and other relevant environmental documentation for the proposed park improvements at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park (Steed Memorial Park) located along the eastern boundary of San Clemente. The existing park sits on approximately 31 acres and currently consists of lighted softball fields, batting cages, restrooms, food concession facilities, a skate park, sand volleyball courts, and a children’s play area.

The redevelopment of Steed Memorial Park has been several years in the making. In 2021, the City Council awarded a contract to landscape architect firm SWA to update the master plan for Steed Memorial Park. The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission solicited feedback from the public after the initial conceptual plans were developed, and following public review and comments, modifications were made before a final plan for the park was approved.

The proposed project will make several improvements ultimately; however, in late 2021, the City Council agreed to fast-track the construction of the pickleball courts after an internal staff report had recommended prioritizing their construction. This decision reflected the sport’s popularity and the city’s desire to meet the needs of its community.

On May 2, 2023, the San Clemente City Council certified UltraSystems’ completed Initial Study and adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Steed Memorial Park project. No significant environmental impacts were found. Therefore, the project now moves to design and construction. The City awarded the development of the pickleball complex to landscape architect firm RJM Design Group of San Juan Capistrano in November 2022.

Additional improvements to the park, as part of the amended master plan, will include new parking and restroom facilities, an expanded skate park, pump track facilities, volleyball courts, an active meadow/multipurpose field, a scenic overlook and trellis, an outdoor flex classroom/event space, foul ball netting surrounding the baseball fields, a baseball scoreboard, and stairs connecting to a future parking lot. Overall, the park enhancements are intended to increase community engagement and provide various outdoor activities for local families.

As a south Orange County-based business for nearly 30 years, UltraSystems takes pride in participating in projects that help local cities better serve their communities. The project in San Clemente will drive people of all ages to explore the expanded offerings of Richard T. Steed Memorial Park when completed.

San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. It's known for San Onofre and San Clemente state beaches, with their surf breaks and sandstone bluffs.

About UltraSystems

UltraSystems, founded in 1994, is a multi-disciplinary, full service environmental consulting and planning firm serving both the public and private sectors. The 27-year-old firm provides expertise in development planning, site selection and analysis, CEQA and NEPA compliance, technical studies, and environmental compliance during construction. UltraSystems Environmental is certified as a WBE, SBE, DBE and WOSB company and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

The Intersection of Urban Planning and The Black Church by Jordan McKenzie

Urban Planning, as defined by Planetizen, is the professional practice and academic study of the future of built and natural environments. The American Planning Association notes that the main goal of Urban Planning is to optimize safety, health, and economic well-being of all communities. The concept, practice, and ideology, however, is still largely shrouded in a cloud of mystery among the African American Community. Besides understanding of zoning regulations, many in the African American sector of society do not understand the pervasiveness and power of the profession. However, both the Black Church and Urban Planning are champions of equity, vitality, and justice for communities in the 21st Century. Yet instead of a joining of arms, their process and programs centered on social change and uplift of the common good often seem to be worlds apart. The checkered past of planning plays a significant role in this, with the “Urban Renewal” Era and Euclidian Zoning being some of the most well-known culprits of displacement and disinvestment in the Black community. Disinvestment and dismantling of black communities by federal programs, like the federal highway program and segregated housing programs, further annihilated the trust in government among African Americans, specifically as it relates to governments bolstering healthy environments in which communities could thrive. It is no wonder why African American Communities are hesitant to understand or engage with planners today. To change this narrative and outcome, Urban Planners must be intentional with creating an authentic relationship with one of the Black Community’s key stakeholders – The Black Church. The Black Church has and still is in several places, a focal point in historically black neighborhoods and places. Starting in Post-Civil War era, and amplified during the Jim Crow/Civil Rights era, the Black Church has been a catalyst and neural network for information and implementation within its communities, like Mason Temple in Memphis (Washington Heights) and Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta (Auburn Avenue).

There are examples of the Black Church getting involved in Economic and Community Development around the country. Consider the Church of God In Christ, the largest African-American Pentecostal Church in the world with over 6 million members worldwide, as they recently hosted Workforce development workshops with Waste Management in Memphis, TN and also completed 20+ units of affordable housing in the heart of Downtown Memphis, TN. Bright Star Church in Chicago, IL recently implemented a Youth Summer Employment program on the Southside of Chicago to help workforce unreadiness while also indirectly combating high crime rates within certain neighborhoods. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA has helped combat healthy food desertion within its community by hosting weekly grocery giveaways to thousands of people. While these are great examples of elements of planning (Housing, Economic Development, and Food Systems of Planning), and are only a few of the many models to be examined, there’s still much to be done in black communities. Hosting community engagement activities at these churches, notating them by name in Small Area Plans and Master Plans, and advocating for 501c3 bond usage are external recommendations to be considered by local planning departments and organizations to involve them in our profession. Having conversations with the leaders of these churches can also lead to advice on practical things they can do internally like formulating Community Development Corporations, Land Trust Foundations, and demanding more practical and equitable zoning regulations.

With the “It Takes A Planner” Campaign beginning to gain traction around the United States, it’s critical that we also ingraft and incorporate new allies and advocates for our field of work and one of the biggest allies we can gain is the Black Church. With them on our side as urban planners, time, and equity-focused strategies, we can gain the trust and confidence of large portions of African American neighborhoods around the country.

How at 17, I Discovered Planning by Nathan Vanzeyl

Around my junior year of High School, I began to get serious about what I wanted to study in college. I knew I wanted to go but had not landed on my passion. As I looked through program catalogs for schools I might be interested in attending, everything seemed vague; there was so much to look at. I felt confused and overwhelmed with the university's selling points for degrees and said there had to be a better way. I changed course and looked at the open positions for companies I might be interested in. I have always loved theme parks and the magic they give to guests, and the logistics for creating their final product; hence that’s where I started. I looked through the current job openings for these companies and saw that many of them were looking for an “Urban Planner.” Now I had no idea what that was, I had never heard of this term before. In high school, all my classmates talked about becoming doctors and lawyers, not Urban Planners. The internet was no help at all when I tried to learn more. But despite all of this, it sounded exactly like what I wanted to do.

Since the internet had failed me, which no one born in the 21st century has ever said, I looked for another way to learn. I looked up who the urban planners were in St. Louis, where I live, and emailed them asking if I could come in. Because of this, by the end of 2021, I had directly shadowed and interviewed ten full-time working planners in the area. Each with their own experiences and education. They helped me fall in love with planning and continue seeking the necessary information to choose the best planning school for myself.

At this point in my career, I am 19, I have written several papers, one recently published in the APA County Newsletter, and I have even given a speech on an Urban Planning topic. I attended the APA Missouri Chapter Conference in 2022 and met even more amazing planners from across the spectrum of the industry. Starting this fall, I will be pursuing my BS in Urban Planning+Design from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, graduating in 2026. I plan to one day work my dream job by helping create magic for guests worldwide.

I am very grateful for the success I have achieved in a few short years. But none of it would have been possible without those planners opening their doors to a high school student who wanted to learn about planning. The future is bright for planning, and I am inspired daily by what is being accomplished in the industry. One piece of advice I could give at this age is that if a high school student emails you one day asking about planning, return their email because it could literally change their life, just like it changed mine.

Unpacking the Layers of Urban Inequality: The Role of Feminist Data and Design in Building Inclusive and Sustainable Cities by Safaa Charafi

Imagine walking down the streets of your city feeling safe, supported, and included regardless of your gender or identity. For many, this reality seems far-fetched as our urban spaces are often riddled with disparities that are overlooked and ignored. But what if we could create a feminist city that challenges these patriarchal systems and strives for intersectional equality in all aspects of urban life? In recent years, the idea of a feminist city has been gaining traction as a response to the pervasive discrimination that exist in urban spaces. A feminist city is one that challenges the patriarchal systems that underlie our cities, and strives for gender equality and inclusivity for all residents. As highlighted in recent days with an avalanche of female testimony, our public spaces do not prioritize the safety and well-being of women. To further explore the concept, this op-ed will delve into how these cities can be created, utilizing feminist data to inform our arguments.

Feminist Data in Urban Planning: Challenging Data Neutrality for More Inclusive Cities: Feminist data has emerged as a progressive field of inquiry that aims to expose the gender biases and inequalities that are often inherent in data collection and analysis. The fundamental premise of feminist data is the debunking of the notion of data neutrality, which is based on the belief that data is objective and devoid of any subjectivity. On the contrary, feminist data highlights that the biases and prejudices of those who collect, analyze, and interpret data often reflect in the data itself. By revealing the gendered realities of urban life, which are often overlooked, ignored, or downplayed by conventional data, feminist data offers a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the diverse needs and experiences of different social groups.

In this regard, the use of feminist data in urban planning is critical to creating feminist cities that prioritize gender equity and inclusivity. One such example is the Women's Safety Audit, a powerful tool that evaluates the safety of urban spaces from a gendered perspective. This tool has been successfully implemented in numerous cities worldwide to identify the areas where women feel unsafe and vulnerable and devise targeted strategies to enhance safety and security in those areas. As such its use in urban planning not only fosters greater community engagement and empowerment but also enables city officials to create more sustainable and equitable cities that cater to the diverse and nuanced needs of their citizens.

However, ‘real’ feminist cities also require a shift in urban planning and design. This shift must prioritize the needs and experiences of women, and challenge the gendered assumptions that underpin traditional urban planning. For example, urban planners often assume that men are the primary users of public spaces such as parks and plazas, leading to the design of spaces that are not inclusive of women's needs.

Recognizing and Redistributing Unpaid Care Work in Feminist Cities: Another key aspect is the recognition and redistribution of unpaid care work that is primarily carried out by women. Women, particularly those who are immigrants or women of color, often bear the brunt of providing care for their families and loved ones, including childcare, eldercare, and domestic work. Despite the fact that this work is critical to the functioning of our cities and economies, it is frequently invisible, undervalued, and unrecognized. To address this issue, feminist cities recognize the importance of valuing and acknowledging unpaid care work, and aim to

distribute it more equitably throughout society. By doing so, they can foster more inclusive and sustainable urban communities that prioritize the well-being and contributions of all residents, regardless of gender or other identity markers.

In today's urban landscape, this concept has emerged as a crucial framework for addressing the pervasive gender inequalities that persist in our cities. By utilizing feminist data, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing women and other oppressed groups in urban spaces. Building more equitable and inclusive cities requires centering the needs and experiences of all residents, which includes recognizing and redistributing unpaid care work, prioritizing safety and accessibility, and promoting gender-responsive and intersectional urban planning and design.

Creating feminist cities is not just about advocating for gender equity, but also about challenging the patriarchal, ableist and capitalist structures that underpin our cities. These structures have historically marginalized and excluded women, POC and other marginalized groups, and feminist cities seek to address these power imbalances by promoting inclusivity and intersectionality.

A Vision for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Future: Now picture this: You're walking through the bustling streets of your city, feeling safe, supported, and included, regardless of your gender or identity. You notice something unusual - the city feels different somehow. It's as if the streets have been designed with you in mind, taking into account your unique experiences and needs as a mom, a person of color, an old man, a differently abled person…

You realize that this is what a feminist city looks like. A city that challenges patriarchal systems and strives for equality in all aspects of urban life. It's a city that centers resident’s experiences and uses feminist data to create policies and infrastructure that promote inclusivity and sustainability.

As you continue your walk, you notice the little things that make a big difference - well-lit sidewalks, public restrooms that cater to all genders, affordable child care centers that allow parents to work and participate in public life, accessible pathways, etc. It's a city where marginalized folks feel empowered to speak up, take leadership roles, and make their voices heard.

As you reflect on this experience, you realize that the principles of feminist cities offer a powerful roadmap for creating more just and sustainable urban futures. By centering the needs and experiences of everyone, we can build cities that promote gender equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. And as we continue to grapple with the complex challenges facing our cities, we can look to the vision of feminist cities as a beacon of hope for creating a better world.