Entries tagged with Green Dividend
How Biking Can Save Cities Billions of Dollars in Health Expenses
November 10, 2011
Biking delivers environmental, health, and economic benefits. An article in GOOD cited a recent study in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives that quantified monetary savings, including data on air pollution, medical costs, mortality rates, car accidents, and physical fitness, from biking. The report, which included a study area of…
USA Today featured CEOs for Cities research on the resilience of cities when coping with higher gas prices. Cities with compact development patterns and extensive transit systems enable their residents to drive fewer miles on average than the typical American.
Based on variations in travel patterns across…
The Case for Compact Development
July 8, 2010
A meta-analysis published recently in the Journal of the American Planning Association says the single most important factor to minimize driving is to plan development in existing centers near the core of the metropolitan area. We couldn’t agree more. At CEOs for Cities, our work points to the same –…
Why VMT Reduction Really Matters
June 25, 2010
With the release of a new white paper, Transportation for America offers its recommendations for the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill and suggests we re-focus on smart growth strategies that create compact, walkable communities that provide residents with the ability to meet their daily needs with fewer and shorter car trips.
…Walking and Biking on the Rise
June 20, 2010
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that biking and walking trips have increased 25 percent since 2001.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is using the increase to continue his push for safe alternatives to driving.
"By making biking and walking safer and more accessible, we’ll be able to provide Americans…
When Does a Bike Lane Become an Economic Stimulus?
April 22, 2010
When it's part of an alternative transportation system that puts $19 billion into New York City's economy each year.
In time for Earth Day, the New York City Department of Transportation released New York City's Green Dividend, a report by CEOs for Cities that, for the first time, aggregates the economic…
Open Call for Public Plazas
April 15, 2010
If it works for NYC's Department of Transportation, why can't it work in other cities for other projects?
NYC is inviting nonprofit organizations to respond to an RFP to create neighborhood plazas for the city. The trick is that the nonprofit must agree to operate and maintain the space. That…
3 Forces of Change for Cities to Harness
February 1, 2010
Our collegue Kim Walesh, Chief Strategist for the City of San Jose, highlighted three key forces of change that the city should aim to harness in a presentation to the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce recently.
The three forces, summarized in this recap in the Santa Cruz Sentinel,…
Metro = Solution
January 19, 2010
This short video provides great insight into the new approach being taken in LA to promoting mass transit, including a great campaign, redesign of the experience and services, and highlighting public transportation as a solution to the challenges individuals grapple with.
When the automobile industry is spending $20…
Growing Green
January 2, 2010
Want to know how a city becomes committed to sustainability? Scan this impressive timeline of Oregon's Ecotraditions compiled by Melissa Dalton and Randy Gragg for Portland Spaces. Then compare the decisions Portland was making in 1972 with those your city was making. All cities should be blessed with…
Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around
December 22, 2009
If you’re thinking about the future of mobility in your city, see these excerpts from the forum “Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around” held in D.C. last week by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program.
Insights on integrating…
City-Go-Round
December 15, 2009
City-Go-Round is the new website designed to help visitors find public transit applications (apps) available in their city.
Launched by Frontseat, the civic software company that also operates Walk Score, City-Go-Round’s mission is “To help make public transit more convenient. For example, an app that lets…
A Parking Success and City Crisis
December 14, 2009
Over the past 50 years, Hartford’s leaders have successfully achieved what they thought would bring greater prosperity to downtown: more parking.
The University of Connecticut’s Center for Transportation and Urban Planning, however, has revealed a frightening picture in its study of the cumulative effect on the city of providing parking.
…Shift to Urban Living Fundamental
November 10, 2009
Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010, the annual analysis issued by the Urban Land Institute and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, surveyed more than 900 industry experts who concluded that the prospects for investment are much stronger for smart growth than they are for sprawl. This is consistent with other…
Miami is Walking the Walk
October 23, 2009
Miami Mayor Manny Diaz's ambitous and comprehensive plan to reshape his city into one that is pedestrian friendly, offers a mix of uses and is less car-centric passed 4-1 on the final reading tonight. That's good news for the city and property owners who would like to see their property…
Lessons from Denver: Doubling Transit Ridership
October 20, 2009
Denver has nearly doubled its public transit ridership, despite the fact that planned light rail track additions have yet to be built. How?
Warren Karlenzig’s article notes these factors:
Is the love affair between cars and young people starting to cool? That could be the case, according to a new study of auto-related online commentary among teens and young adults by J.D. Power and Associates reported by the LA Times. Between January and August, the market research… Rebel without a Car
October 12, 2009
American Homes Are Getting Smaller
October 11, 2009
Seriously? McMansions are on the wane?
The trends seem to suggest that, yes, it's true. The median size of new houses in the U.S. shrank last year, reversing a decades-long trend. And this year, the trend continues, with houses nearly 200 square feet smaller than two years ago. Average new…
Vote No on Issue 9
September 20, 2009
Nice video in support of Cincinnati's battle for transit at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3n8coGqe04.
(Hat tip to Aaron Renn at Urbanophile.)
Bike-Friendly Homes
July 20, 2009
The trend toward real estate that is accessible with alternative forms of transportation is evident in this entrepreneurial realtor’s approach: providing bike tours of ‘bike-able’ properties.
The innovative businesswoman who runs ‘Tour de Homes’ in Portland to show properties in neighborhoods that are bike and alternative transport-friendly…
Biking the Motor City
July 8, 2009
Could the bicycle take over in the Motor City? Could the emergence of a greater biking culture re-enliven and re-use the city’s landscape in new ways?
Toby Barlow in this article makes the case for Detroit as a biking city. “With the legendarily affordable real estate…
The Impact of Everyday Decisions
June 17, 2009
This quote reminded me that the greatest advances against climate change will be made when sustainability is factored into everyday considerations of decision-makers:
‘It can’t be a bolt-on for just one area – everybody’s got to do it. We’ve all got to wear green hats and we’ve all got…
The Green Dividend
April 25, 2009
A dinner arranged by philanthropist Eric Avner and hosted by Mayor Mark Mallory in Cincininnati this week was our first chance to stage a local discussion on the Green Dividend. Cincinnati unveiled its comprehensive climate strategy almost a year ago, and the mayor and his staff are taking…
Tax for Driving?
February 26, 2009
The amazing founder of ZipCar, Robin Chase, urges the Obama Administration to propose a tax for driving -- paying for miles driven rather than gas consumed -- to drive down VMT. "Bring on that VMT tax!," she urges. "But make it shimmer, turn it into real gold by requiring open…
'Transformative Sustainable Infrastructure'
February 5, 2009
While Perth, and most Australian cities, have a long way to go to transform themselves into sustainable exemplars, it is exciting to hear of the changes in motion and the benefits stemming from new planning, investment in transport infrastructure and TODs.
“In Perth, this sprawling capital city…
EcoMetropolitanism
January 25, 2009
Here's yet another angle on sustainability. Two British Columbia architects are proposing that cities go wild. They propose transforming the modern city into a literal urban jungle. The hypothetical result of their approach is a future city that's not only ecologically self-contained, but also much more exciting to live…
One Way to Grab the Green Dividend
January 11, 2009
Have you seen Arlington, Virgina's Car-Free Diet campaign? Very clever.
Adaptation at work
January 8, 2009
Through the pain of the economy, it’s nice to see a positive in the efforts to reduce VMT. Bike sales in Australia are up 38% for 2008, making it the ninth consecutive year demand for bikes has outstripped vehicles according to this article.
Elliot Fishman, advisor to…
Portland's Secrets to Success
January 6, 2009
From new Portland Mayor Sam Adams inaugural remarks:
What a glorious and quirky city we have. Where else can you buy a donut designed to look like “dirt?” Or browse one of the world’s largest bookstores and then walk a couple of blocks to the world’s smallest park. There is…
Infrastructure to Nowhere
December 16, 2008
Congress for the New Urbanism CEO John Norquist warns the President-elect on the pitfalls of moving without consideration on the portion of the economic stimulus package calling for new roads and bridges. He writes:
With six weeks to go before he moves into the White House, Barack Obama is…
A Differentiated View of Infrastructure
November 15, 2008
Every time the word "infrastructure" is mentioned as a priority for the next Administration, it is usually followed by two words: roads and bridges. And that should be a big concern for anyone who wants to see America finally build a next generation economy.
We seem to be accepting an…
How to Save $800 and Breathe Easier
September 19, 2008
The City of Chicago is attempting to get citizens involved in its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by offering the $800 challenge. The challenge lists 13 things people can to to save money while improving the environment. The full checklist and plan are available here.
Curbing Sprawl and Emissions
August 30, 2008
California is nearing adoption of a law to encourage housing close to job sites, rail lines and bus stops to shorten the time people spend in their cars. And, surprise! The homebuilders are on board. The measure, which has passed the State Assembly and awaits Senate approval, would be the…
Older Neighborhoods Are Healthier
August 16, 2008
A new study to appear in the September issue of The American Journal for Preventive Medicine finds that people who live in older neighborhoods appear less likely to be overweight. The key? Walkability. Older communities encourage people to drive less and walk more because they tend to have better sidewalks,…
Not So Fast
August 5, 2008
Our colleague Joe Cortright, author of Driven to the Brink and many other reports from CEOs for Cities, reminded us today that too much reporting is of the "all or nothing" quality.
The rising gas/house prices story must mean that either one of two possible narratives is true:
Five Imperatives Hold Key to Louisville’s ‘Futurama’
July 13, 2010
This is an edited version of the keynote address delivered by Carol Coletta in conjunction with the release of The Greater Louisville Project’s 2010 Competitive City Report on June 24.
The Greater Louisville Project and the 2010 Competitive City Report are an important contribution to the work we are all…
New York City's $19B Green Dividend
April 21, 2010
When does a bike lane become an economic stimulus? When it's part of an alternative transportation system that puts $19 billion into New York City's economy each year.
Because New Yorkers drive substantially less than the average American, they realize a staggering $19 billion in savings each year — money…
Harriet Tregoning on the Green Dividend
January 30, 2009
Harriet Tregoning, head of the D.C. Office of Planning shares her insights on ways that cities can begin to think about capturing the Green Dividend.
Jeff Speck on the Green Dividend
February 6, 2009
Suburban Nation co-author and former NEA Design Director Jeff Speck talks about how to achieve the Green Dividend at a recent meeting of CEOs for Cities network partners. Jeff is an urban planner based in D.C.
The Stimulus: Making a Strong Case for Cities
January 13, 2009
Negotiations on the stimulus package continue. While the “Investments” portion of the four-part package (infrastructure) gets smaller, it also seems to be getting narrower. Included are roads, bridges, schools and water systems. Transit is currently not favored out of fear that transit projects are not “shovel ready.” There also seems…
City Dividends Conference Call
December 16, 2008
Missed the meeting?
CEOs for Cities members who were unable to attend our National Meeting in Chicago last month will have an opportunity to be briefed on the City Dividends initiative by and ask questions of Joe Cortright and Carol Coletta during a special members-only call. Members are also welcome…
City Dividends Released
November 7, 2008
CHICAGO (Nov. 6, 2008) Despite tough economic times, America’s 51 largest cities have the opportunity to collectively realize $166 billion in much-needed new wealth by focusing on performance improvements in three key areas: increasing the educational attainment of their citizens, reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled per person each…
Two days after the Presidential election, CEOs for Cities will convene in Chicago for a special one-day meeting to challenge the President-elect and his transition team to establish a new era of cooperation between the Federal government and America's cities.
At a national press conference during the Nov.…