Below are some examples of strategies that can be employed to create cool, connected communities:
If you are a state or local agency:
- Develop a “blueprint” regional planning process
- Emphasize infill development
- Implement transportation demand management strategies (parking policies, congestion pricing, etc.)
If you are a developer:
- Create transit-oriented developments around high-frequency transit lines
- Promote infill development
- Promote mixed-use development
- Integrate bicycle and pedestrian access planning into development projects
If you are a transit agency:
- Explore efficient ways of expanding transit operations
- Develop long-range transit plans to guide future investment
- Partner with local agencies and developers to support TOD opportunities
- Develop station access plans to promote access to stations by all travel modes
Michael Pollan wrote a great article called “Why bother?” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/magazine/20wwln-lede-t.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink) for the NY Times magazine’s 2008 environmental issue on the importance of starting a garden.