The Master Plan

Greg Lindsay just launched a new column in Fast Company entitled "The Master Plan" focused on how we create more livable and environmentally sustainable communities. In his first article he states: "If we want to change the spatial fix of America, we will either have to change the underlying conditions to make density more profitable, or find someone enlightened who can work within the existing system. Realistically, we'll need more of both."

As noted in the article, Walking the Walk shows that the market is now demanding housing stock in more compact, walkable neighborhoods and paying premiums for the benefits offered by urban living. However current "tax codes, zoning, community boards, and financing are a straightjacket" on developers who want to serve this market with dense, mixed-use developments.

Public policies need to catch up to the market in order to take advantage of this opportunity. The benefits go beyond reinvestment in our cities.  Walkable neighborhoods mean a reduction of our dependence on foreign oil, a market-driven solution to fight climate change, improvement in health, and strengthening of our communities.

  

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