Urbanize Detroit’s Post

"Because we believe in harnessing and multiplying the power of place, we lead projects that impact (and sometimes create) civic infrastructure and enhance third places, all while keeping their authenticity and character as the city grows." Learn how REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United are using the power of place to support civic infrastructure. Read here: https://bit.ly/3xjtphP

The U.S. DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot program continues to make a profound difference, with $607 million available in its final round of funding in 2024. This initiative is dedicated to reversing the legacy of infrastructure that has divided neighborhoods and communities. Funds can be directly utilized for capital construction, or outright removal of a dividing transportation facility! Notable projects include: Philadelphia: $158.9 million is being used to cap the Vine Street Expressway, paving the way for a new public park in the historic Chinatown neighborhood that bridges communities and enhances local spaces. Atlanta: Over $157.6 million will complete Phase One of the Stitch, capping Interstates 75/85 with a 4-acre park, improving local streets, and revitalizing the MARTA civic center station. These incredibly crucial efforts reflect a commitment to addressing historical injustices and building a more inclusive and connected urban environment. By focusing on restoring connectivity and fostering equitable development, the program is helping to create vibrant, cohesive communities across the country. Kudos to all involved with these transformative projects! #UrbanPlanning #CommunityRevitalization #Infrastructure #Equity

Interconnection is the future of transportation

Nested #CivicInfrastructure, scaled from neighborhood to national, is making it possible for young people to reach their goals, achieve economic mobility and transform their communities. Mission Promise Neighborhood's #CradleToCareer approach in the Mission District of San Francisco, California is improving outcomes in the neighborhood, and now they’re working to scale the impact to the entire city and state. See how: https://hubs.ly/Q02crWQj0

This course outlines the need for a more inclusive planning process, proposing solutions for restoring and reconnecting historically Black neighborhoods destroyed during urban renewal and introducing a community solutions-based approach as a tool for planners and engineers to take a more inclusive approach to their work. https://lnkd.in/gCqEej4f

Important info!

When you consider the assets of a community, what is important to you? School systems? Recreation spaces? Affordable housing? What about safe roadways, reliable utilities, and clean water? When evaluating a community that you want to work in or live in, don't forget about what's underground and on the ground! Learn more about what we do here:  https://lnkd.in/gMF-nq-e

The latest stage of our iterative Issues and Options is live - help to influence the vision for the Colchester Local Plan Review 👇🏻 #planmaking #localplan

Massachusetts has some of the worst traffic and most expensive, inaccessible housing in the Nation. Simple changes to our land use patterns could solve both of those problems and set us on a course to a sustainable, accessible Commonwealth... if we're willing to embrace them.

Yesterday, Senator Anderson and Representative Weaver delivered a press conference advocating for funding for the Village of Bishop Hill. This is the same task I will be completing on April 17 at the Illinois Municipal League Lobby Day. Bishop Hill is a small town in Illinois that is designated as a state and national historic site due to its Swedish cultural significance. However, the town is failing. Right now, the state provides them with an annual budget of $40,000, which isn't enough to repave roads, let alone have an administrative office. Many of their historical sites are in disrepair, and the Illinois DNR won't let the residents fix buildings or repair them themselves. This inspired my grandmother and I to develop a survey. We reached out to all the small towns in Illinois with a population of under 250. Based on my conversations with town mayors, they have almost identical experiences. Due to a low population, they: - Cannot afford an administrative office, laptops, or internet connection - Cannot afford to pay their town employees - Cannot afford basic maintenance, like repairing roads, buildings, or cemeteries - Cannot afford to pay a grant writer to obtain additional funding for the aforementioned items - Run their towns based entirely on volunteer efforts This is not sustainable. While most of the towns under 250 people are not tourist destinations, they deserve a fighting chance. For many people, these are towns where they grew up, run a business/farm, or have family members. While they do not need to be prioritized to the extent of larger towns a more significant commercial draw, they need a base level of funding to sustain administrative duties for their residents. I will be advocating for common-sense, practical ways to reallocate existing funding toward providing the basics for small towns in Illinois. Please reach out if you want to know how to use our formula for other towns across the country. https://lnkd.in/gqxWDdZ9