The Evolution of Urban Planning in the United States
Strong Towns, an advocacy group based in the United States and Canada, has gained significant popularity in recent years. The organisation has influenced many individuals to question the way cities are built, redesign cities from the ground up, and become interested in higher-density housing and better public transportation.
At its core, Strong Towns' mission is to advocate for cities to replace the Suburban Experiment development pattern, a concept that involves building structures all at once, leaving no room for further development. This pattern, not limited to suburbs, extends to urban and rural communities as well.
According to Planetizen, the majority of the U.S. is highly unwalkable, with many cities or towns requiring a car for living. Planetizen defines walkability as a planning concept encouraging mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods with easy access to essential services and amenities on foot.
Strong Towns has been successful in spreading its message, with 'Local Conversations' branches in various cities such as New York City, San Antonio, Ottawa, Los Gatos, Kittanning, Zachary, and Durant. These branches provide a platform for members to discuss topics like bike lanes, new housing and commercial developments, and the possibility of new transit.
The group's efforts have not gone unnoticed in the political sphere. Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts and Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin are two Congressmen who actively support Strong Towns. In September 2023, a U.S. Senate hearing on housing supply and innovation saw Gregory Good, a board member of Strong Towns, speak about fixing the housing crisis.
Strong Towns advocates for a return to the Traditional Development Pattern (TDP), which focuses on people, not cars, and is characterized by continuous improvement and development of cities. New York City, with its centuries of building with a focus on citizens' convenience, is an example of the TDP.
U.S. cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, have also modified traditional urban development models by implementing measures to reduce car use and promote walkable neighborhoods. These measures include expanding bike lanes, enhancing public transit, and encouraging mixed-use development to support the 15-minute city concept.
The 15-minute city concept, proposed by Paris urbanist Carlos Moreno, has been transferred from paper to real life by urban planners, but has been criticized for being communist, undemocratic, and potentially leading to the government taking away cars.
Strong Towns also runs a 'Community Action Lab' program that helps communities execute plans to improve walkability, address financial challenges, and create stronger economies and more politically-engaged communities.
The New York City subway system, first opened in 1904, was created to accommodate the influx of new immigrants and massive population growth. Today, New York City is still developing, with ongoing projects like the Second Avenue Subway, Q line extension, IBX connection, new subway cars, congestion pricing, and vehicle caps on certain highways and expressways.
One of the most iconic examples of the Suburban Experiment is Levittowns, considered the poster boy for the concept. These suburbs were built quickly to accommodate white veterans and prioritized automobiles over public transportation.
Despite the accolades Strong Towns' podcasts, articles, and courses have received, many of the ideas they propose have been controversial. However, the organisation remains committed to its mission of creating safe, livable, and inviting urban areas.
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