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Is your small town, parish or municipality looking to improve its streets and ONLY considering wheelchair accessibility? If so, it is not considering the whole picture. While wheelchair access is an important part of the conversation, there are many other #ADA considerations. Some of our community members have visual impairments that require audio cues and tactical paving services. Other residents may take longer to cross the street due to injury or age and need extended pedestrian crossing. The communities that adopt #ADA street compliance requirements do more than offer structural accommodations; they are pledging to create a more inclusive community. So how does a town begin to bring these requirements to life? By assessing, planning and budgeting. At Bonton Associates we just released a piece called: The Path to Accessible Streets Financing ADA Compliance in Small Towns, Parishes and  Municipalities in Louisiana. In the article, we cover how to evaluate, plan for and fund ADA compliance streets in small towns, parishes and municipalities in Louisiana Check out the link below 👇. We would love to hear your thoughts. #disabilityinclusion #ADA

🏙️ Zoning Out: Zoning and Its Impact on Housing 🏡 Curious about how zoning policies shape the housing crisis and impact urban development? Join us for a timely virtual forum hosted by Narvarte Development and 1000 Friends of Wisconsin that will explore the history of zoning and its far-reaching effects on housing affordability and equity. 📅 Date: September 18, 2024 🕒 Time: Doors & light breakfast 8:30am, program 9-11am 💻 Location: ThriveOn King building, 2153 N. Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Drive Featuring a presentation from UWM's School of Architecture & Urban Planning's Dr. Kirk Harris on the origins and evolution of zoning, followed by a community conversation with a diverse panel of stakeholders. We will also discuss Growing MKE, a citywide planning effort that is setting a framework for housing growth and choice in Milwaukee. 🔑 Key Topics: The role of zoning in housing inequities. How current zoning impacts development and affordability. Solutions like Growing MKE to foster inclusive growth. Whether you’re a developer, urban planner, policymaker, or community advocate, this event will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to engage in the conversation about building more livable, equitable communities. 🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/gbSYWUrz Let’s come together to rethink zoning and pave the way for a more inclusive future! #UrbanDevelopment #ZoningReform #HousingEquity #CommunityPlanning #GrowingMKE #NarvarteDevelopment

Across the city, many residential campuses, or large lots with multiple buildings, have underused space that could be converted into housing. Funds from this new construction could repair existing buildings, revitalize community institutions, and help address the housing crisis. Today, arbitrary rules prevent campuses from utilizing their development rights. For example, if existing buildings are too tall or set too far back from the street, zoning prohibits new developments on the property – even if they meet current height limits and regulations. City of Yes for Housing Opportunity would remove these obstacles and streamline outdated rules, making it easier to add new buildings to campuses. #cityofyes #developmentsites #developmentsiteadvisors #nyc #weknowzoning

On February 15th, the Alliance for Public Space Leadership (APSL) celebrated the one-year anniversary of Mayor Adams’ appointment of New York City’s first-ever Chief Public Realm Officer, Ya-Ting Liu. The celebration brought together more than 60 advocates from over 50 organizations who have collectively been working to improve New York’s public realm. At the convening, APSL members vowed to continue to push for a fair increase in the City’s budget for the public realm to ensure less-resourced neighborhood parks and plazas are cared for; an increase in capital investment in streetscapes, plazas, and parks throughout all five boroughs; reform of the City’s permitting process to ensure trusted community partners can activate and enrich their public spaces during block parties and Open Streets; and a plan for ensuring the position of Chief Public Realm Officer as well as a larger office of the Public Realm is codified for longevity and success beyond this administration.   The Alliance for Public Space Leadership will continue to support and push the City to develop a long-term and holistic vision for public space for everyday New Yorkers.   Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/eZesYPdv Also stay tuned for more information about the coalition’s 2024 agenda. #publicspace #publicrealm #newyorkcity

Let’s explore the "Why" behind the redesign of 4th & 5th Streets! 🚧💡 We’re witnessing a transformation of our downtown and it’s important we work together to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall City of Grand Junction experience! Click the article below to read all the details! 🙌 #cityredesign #urbandevelopment #streetsafety #CommunityTransformation #cityplanning

📢 Exciting News for Cincinnati! 🌟 The "Connected Communities" zoning overhaul has passed the City Council Committee! This initiative aims to transform our neighborhoods, allowing for more housing options, reducing parking minimums, and fostering greater development along transit corridors. We’re thrilled to share that our very own Mary Huttlinger was interviewed for this story, offering valuable insights. Let’s work together to build a more accessible, sustainable, and vibrant city for all. 🚀🏘️ #ConnectedCommunities #CincyForward #UrbanDevelopment Learn more: WCPO Article

We have a fantastic opportunity to support a crucial initiative that can help revitalize our downtown area. Councilmembers Cashman and Rainville have introduced an ordinance to the City Council aimed at reducing barriers for developers converting office buildings to residential use. This initiative addresses two critical needs: making use of underutilized office spaces and tackling the housing shortage. What can you do to help? 1. Attend the Public Hearing: The City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 4:30 PM. It will take place at the Public Service Center (250 4th Street South, Room 350). Your presence and testimony can make a huge difference! 2. Send Letters of Support: We encourage all members and supporters to send letters of support to Jason Wittenberg, the assigned staff member, at Jason.Wittenberg@minneapolismn.gov. Your input will be included in the public record and can help sway the decision. 3. Get Involved: If you are part of the Minneapolis Revitalization Coalition (MRC), we need your active participation. Let’s organize and ensure we have strong representation at the hearing. We aim to have at least 6 MRC members present to testify in person. Together, we can demonstrate our collective commitment to this important cause. Resources: • Project Details: Office to Residential Conversions Amendment https://lnkd.in/g3Ktz5RB. • Draft Letters of Support: Please see the attached documents for reference. This initiative aligns perfectly with one of MRC’s core focuses – reducing barriers for development. Let’s rally together to support this ordinance and make a significant impact on the future of downtown Minneapolis. For any assistance or further information, feel free to reach out. Your support and action are crucial. Let’s make this happen! #Minneapolis #Conversions #UrbanRevitalization #HousingCrisis #CommunitySupport #MRC #PublicHearing #DowntownRevitalization #Mymplsdt #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition

Links between public policy and health policy are becoming more and more defined! 🤝🏙💕 One of the biggest drivers for our fund is the adoption of Houston's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) ordinance which encourages the reduction of parking requirements, and paves the way for walkable urbanism to truly take root in our city. Our corridor, The Plant Neighborhood, is strategically placed within a TOD zone AND we’re one of the cities designated Complete Communities. All that to say, we owe a big thank you to everyone at the City of Houston Planning Department for their progressive leadership! The attached report from ChangeLab Solutions backs up this kind of thinking and highlights how thoughtful planning policies can greatly contribute to healthy communities everywhere. Healthy Planning Report : https://lnkd.in/gJbvQfFD . . #ConceptNeighborhoods #ThePlantInSecondWard #HoustonTexas #TransitOrientedDevelopment #TOD #WalkableUrbanism #CompleteCommunities #HealthyCommunities #PublicPolicy #HealthPolicy #HoustonPlanningDepartment #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #ProgressiveLeadership #HealthyPlanning #CityPlanning #UrbanDesign #CommunityHealth #SustainableCities #SmartCities

A collaboration between National League of Cities and the Stanford Legal Design Lab has created an updated Landlord Engagement Lab Toolkit. "This toolkit includes a series of resources developed for city leaders interested in building or refining their strategies for engaging landlords. These resources offer important insight into key elements of a successful landlord engagement strategy." "Engaging mom-and-pop landlords is key to longer-term eviction prevention efforts, housing stability, and supporting both vulnerable renters and landlords." Toolkit discusses; 1) Developing a Mom-and-Pop Landlord Engagement Strategy to Prevent Evictions 2) Identifying mom-and-pop landlords to build relationship and support eviction prevention 3) Incentivizing landlords to advance eviction prevention 4) Designing and implementing local eviction prevention policies and programs 5) Evaluating eviction prevention policies and programs 6) Communicating with mom-and-pop landlords #localgovernment #blight #vacant #localgov #zombieproperties #munireg #zombieforeclosures #abandonedproperties #vpr #vpro #codeenforcement #foreclosure #urbanplanning #citymanagement #codeviolations #vacantpropertyregistration #municipalities #nuisanceproperties #vadproperties #communitydevelopment #blightfight #communityengagement #foreclosureprevention #landlord #rental #rentalregistry Center for Community Progress Greater Ohio Policy Center Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey https://lnkd.in/eNJp_Fmj

🌇 Cedar Heights Unbound: Crafting Unity in Our Streets 🌇 Deep in the fabric of the city lies Cedar Heights, a neighborhood that’s stood for three decades yet remained a collection of houses rather than a community. It was time for a change, time to awaken the vibrant spirit I knew lived in every corner and every heart of this neighborhood. The Spark of Transformation: The mission was clear from the get-go: to transform Cedar Heights from a mere geographic location to a living, breathing community where every voice is heard, and every hand is held. This wasn’t about changing an area; it was about unlocking the potential of its people. From Strangers to Neighbors: The first step was to bridge the gaps. We rolled up our sleeves and got down to the grassroots, initiating real conversations, sharing stories, and building trust. This was about laying down the foundation for a community where everyone feels at home. The Pulse of the Community: Through collective efforts, we saw the transformation unfold. Block parties turned isolated individuals into a united community, community gardens blossomed from barren lands, symbolizing growth and togetherness, and neighborhood meetings became the stage for voices that had long been silenced. Today’s Cedar Heights: Now, Cedar Heights is alive with the energy of its residents. It’s a place where the youth play freely, neighbors connect genuinely, and the essence of unity fills the air. This is the Cedar Heights we envisioned, a community bound by solidarity and mutual respect. The Legacy We Build: Cedar Heights’ journey is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. It stands as a beacon, showing that with perseverance and unity, any neighborhood can redefine itself. The Invitation: I extend a call to each of you. Let’s take this spirit beyond Cedar Heights. Engage, connect, and contribute. Together, we have the power to transform spaces into communities, houses into homes, and individuals into families. #UnityInCedarHeights #StrengthInCommunity #EmpowermentThroughEngagement #LegacyBuilding #TogetherAsOne