Our staff comes across numerous articles each month that reflect current and trending planning practices, development patterns, and more. With each newsletter, we try to highlight a few that have made our wheels turn, with the hopes you might find them interesting or inspiring as well. Here’s the roundup:
The Transportation Status Quo is Costing Your City
Continuing to design streets and transportation networks the way we have in recent decades—with speedy car travel as the central priority—hurts the physical and financial well-being of communities and their residents. Failing to invest in a Complete Streets approach means wasting valuable resources. But communities across the country are taking an important first step to ensure that transportation works for them by adopting a Complete Streets policy. Read more at CityHealth.
Dangerous by Design 2026: El Paso shows progress is possible
After years of concerted efforts by community advocates and city officials to address roadway safety by adopting policies, allocating resources, and implementing street design changes that prioritize safety, El Paso is one of the few U.S. cities starting to move toward a future in which residents aren’t forced to risk their lives to reach a destination. Read more at Smart Growth America.
Recreational area design: The Future of Public Spaces
Recreational area design plays a critical role in fostering community health and social interaction within modern urban environments. By integrating green infrastructure with accessible pathways, designers create versatile spaces that cater to diverse age groups and interests. The focus has shifted toward sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly materials and native landscaping to minimize environmental impact. Ultimately, a well-planned recreational space acts as the “lungs” of a city, providing a vital escape for relaxation and play. Read more at Hybrid Clay.