Transportation & Mobility

Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the ease with which people can reach desired goods, services, activities, and destinations. In urban planning, it focuses on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical, economic, or social status, can easily and safely access essential resources, such as public transportation, housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Urban planners must prioritize physical accessibility by designing infrastructure that accommodates everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This involves removing barriers in public spaces, buildings, and transportation systems, aligning with universal design principles. Ensuring that public transportation is affordable, reliable, and well-connected to various destinations is also critical for enhancing accessibility.

Urban planners should be mindful of how digital services, environmental sustainability, and health factors intersect with accessibility. As technology becomes integral to accessing opportunities, ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure is important, especially in rural areas.

Promoting active transportation like walking and cycling can improve accessibility while promoting public health, aligning with broader goals of creating sustainable and inclusive cities.

Aging in Place

Contributor: Placeholder   |   Last update: September 7, 2024

Aging in Place refers to the ability of older adults to live in their own homes or communities safely, independently, and comfortably as they age, without needing to relocate to specialized housing or care facilities. It emphasizes maintaining quality of life and autonomy by ensuring that homes and neighborhoods are designed to support the changing needs of aging individuals.

To support aging in place, housing options should be accessible and adaptable. Features such as single-level layouts, grab bars, ramps, and wide doorways can make homes safer and easier to navigate as mobility changes. Additionally, having essential services like healthcare and public transportation nearby is crucial for maintaining independence and ease of access to daily needs.

Public spaces and infrastructure must also accommodate the needs of older adults. Walkable neighborhoods, accessible sidewalks, and age-friendly public areas promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being. Access to community centers, parks, and social services helps prevent isolation and ensures that older individuals can remain active and connected within their communities.

Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality, high-capacity public transportation system that uses dedicated bus lanes, modern vehicles, and efficient operational practices to provide fast, reliable, and frequent service. BRT systems are designed to offer a transit experience similar to light rail or metro systems but at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.

Key features of BRT include dedicated lanes or busways that minimize delays caused by traffic congestion, priority at intersections to ensure swift and uninterrupted travel, and modern, high-capacity buses that improve passenger comfort and capacity. BRT systems often incorporate off-board fare collection and level boarding to speed up boarding times and enhance overall efficiency.

BRT systems can significantly improve urban mobility by providing a reliable and efficient alternative to private car use, helping to reduce traffic congestion and emissions. They are typically implemented in corridors with high passenger demand, linking major residential, commercial, and employment centers.

Car-Free Zones

Car-Free Zones are designated areas within cities or towns where motor vehicles are restricted or prohibited, promoting pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation use instead. These zones are created to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the safety and quality of life for residents.

Car-free zones often feature extensive pedestrian pathways, bicycle lanes, and public spaces that encourage walking and cycling. They can also include public transportation options such as buses or trams to ensure convenient mobility for residents and visitors. By limiting vehicle access, these areas reduce pollution and noise, creating a more pleasant and healthier environment.

Implementing car-free zones can require careful planning and consideration of potential impacts on local businesses, residents, and traffic patterns. Strategies such as providing alternative transportation options, ensuring adequate access for deliveries and emergency services, and engaging with the community are essential for successful implementation.

Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change adaptation is about preparing for and mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and heatwaves.

Planners can contribute to climate change adaptation in: 

• Identifying at-risk areas: Pinpoint neighborhoods, infrastructure, and populations most susceptible to climate change impacts.

• Designing for extremes: Ensure infrastructure, such as transportation networks, buildings, and water systems, can withstand extreme weather events.

• Investing in green infrastructure: Utilize natural features like trees, green roofs, and bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and reduce heat island effect.

• Creating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods: Promote active transportation to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

• Prioritizing green spaces: Increase the amount of green areas to provide shade, absorb stormwater, and improve air quality.

• Planning for compact, mixed-use development to reduce sprawl and increase efficiency.

• Building social resilience: Foster community networks and support systems to help people cope with climate change impacts.

Congestion Pricing

Congestion Pricing is a traffic management strategy that charges fees to drivers for using certain roads or areas during peak traffic times to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. The goal is to incentivize drivers to shift their travel behavior, such as traveling at off-peak times, using alternative routes, or opting for public transportation.

Designing a fair and effective pricing structure is crucial. Planners must consider factors such as pricing levels, exemptions for certain vehicle types or users, and the use of revenue generated from fees. Revenue can be reinvested into transportation improvements, such as expanding public transit options, enhancing road infrastructure, or funding pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Public engagement and communication are essential components of implementing congestion pricing. Planners should provide clear information about the benefits of congestion pricing, address potential concerns from residents and businesses, and ensure that the system is transparent and easy to use.

Collaborative Planning

Collaborative Planning is a process where various stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, and private organizations, work together to develop and implement plans and policies. This approach emphasizes shared decision-making, communication, and cooperation to address complex issues and achieve common goals.

Effective collaborative planning involves structured processes such as public meetings, workshops, and advisory committees to facilitate dialogue and collaboration. Planners should also use transparent methods for sharing information and collecting feedback to ensure that all voices are heard and considered. 

Building strong partnerships and maintaining ongoing communication with stakeholders are key to successful collaboration.

Collaborative planning leads to more resilient and adaptable solutions by leveraging collective expertise and resources. It helps create plans that are not only technically sound but also socially equitable and widely supported, contributing to more sustainable and livable communities.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets is a planning and design approach aimed at creating streets that are safe, accessible, and accommodating for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. This concept emphasizes the integration of various transportation modes and the inclusion of features that support a vibrant, functional public realm.

For urban planners, implementing Complete Streets involves incorporating several key design elements to ensure that streets meet diverse needs. This includes designing for safe and convenient pedestrian access with features such as wide sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and traffic calming measures. Bicycle infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and bike racks, is also essential for encouraging cycling as a viable mode of transportation.

Public transit accessibility should be a priority, with well-placed bus stops, shelters, and connections to other transportation modes. Planners need to consider the integration of green spaces, street trees, and public amenities to enhance the overall street environment and promote community interaction.

Incorporating Complete Streets principles also involves ensuring that designs are adaptable to the specific context of each neighborhood, addressing factors such as local traffic patterns, land use, and community preferences. By engaging with residents and stakeholders in the planning process, urban planners can create streets that not only improve transportation efficiency but also contribute to a higher quality of life and a more inclusive urban environment.

Comprehensive Plan

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term strategic framework that guides the development and growth of a community. It outlines a vision for the future, sets goals, and provides a roadmap for achieving them through policies, strategies, and actions. This plan covers various aspects of community development, including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

The plan should establish clear goals and objectives that address identified issues and opportunities. It includes policies and strategies that outline how to achieve these goals, such as land use regulations, infrastructure investments, and community programs. Planners must ensure that the plan is flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions while providing a consistent framework for decision-making.

Development Agreement

A Development Agreement is a legally binding contract between a local government and a property developer that outlines the terms and conditions for a development project. This agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of both parties, addressing issues such as land use, infrastructure improvements, timelines, and public benefits. Development agreements are often used for large-scale or complex projects where traditional zoning or permitting processes may not adequately address the needs of the project.

The agreement typically grants the developer certain assurances, such as the right to develop the property according to agreed-upon terms without the risk of future zoning changes that could alter the project’s scope. In return, the developer may agree to provide public amenities or infrastructure improvements, such as parks, roads, or affordable housing, that benefit the community.

For urban planners, development agreements are important tools for managing growth and ensuring that private developments align with public interests. Planners work with developers to negotiate terms that balance the needs of the community with the developer's goals, ensuring that the project supports long-term planning objectives, such as sustainability, transportation access, or affordable housing.

Design Charrettes

Design Charrettes are collaborative, intensive planning and design sessions that bring together community members, stakeholders, and professionals to develop solutions for urban planning and development projects. The goal of a charrette is to generate creative ideas, gather diverse perspectives, and produce a cohesive design that addresses the needs and desires of the community while considering technical and regulatory constraints.

In a charrette, participants work closely with architects, urban planners, and designers to discuss challenges, review concepts, and refine design proposals. These sessions typically involve multiple workshops over a short period, fostering rapid feedback and iteration on ideas. By engaging stakeholders early in the process, design charrettes help build consensus and ensure that the final plan reflects the community's vision and values.

For urban planners, charrettes are an effective tool for gathering input on complex projects, such as neighborhood revitalizations, public spaces, or transportation networks. They allow planners to balance community input with expert knowledge and technical feasibility. The collaborative nature of charrettes helps identify potential conflicts or concerns early, reducing opposition and enhancing the likelihood of successful project implementation.

Disadvantaged communities

Disadvantaged communities are populations that face significant social, economic, and environmental challenges, often resulting in limited access to resources and opportunities. These communities may experience high levels of poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and exposure to environmental hazards. 

In urban planning, addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities is critical for promoting equity and social justice. Planners must prioritize policies and projects that improve living conditions and provide greater access to essential services, such as affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, and education. Planners also work to ensure that these communities are protected from disproportionate environmental risks, such as pollution or flooding, and that they are given a voice in the planning and decision-making processes.

Improving the resilience and sustainability of disadvantaged communities often involves targeted investments in infrastructure, green spaces, and economic development initiatives. Planners can help bridge gaps by promoting affordable housing, equitable transit options, and inclusive community engagement practices to empower residents and ensure their needs are reflected in planning outcomes.

Cumulative Environmental Effects

Cumulative environmental effects refer to the combined, incremental impacts of multiple individual activities or events on the environment over time. It helps in assessing the full scope of environmental impacts, identifying potential problems that might not be apparent from individual projects, and making informed decisions that protect ecosystems and resources over the long term.

Cumulative effects account for the incremental addition of impacts from various activities. For example, multiple construction projects in a watershed may individually cause minor disturbances, but together they can significantly alter water quality, increase erosion, and affect aquatic habitats.

Activities may have interactive effects, where their combined impact is greater than the sum of individual impacts. For instance, combined air emissions from various industrial sources might lead to more severe air quality issues than each source would alone.

Cumulative effects can arise over time as activities accumulate or evolve, and they can span across different geographic areas. Understanding both the timing and location of activities is essential for assessing their cumulative impact.

Identifying thresholds beyond which environmental effects become unacceptable is crucial. Exceeding these thresholds can lead to significant and potentially irreversible damage to ecosystems and resources. 

Economic Impact Analysis

Economic Impact Analysis is a method used to evaluate the effects of a specific project, policy, or event on the economy of a region or community. This analysis helps determine how changes in economic activity will influence variables such as employment, income, business revenue, and overall economic growth.

Major aspects of economic impact analysis include: 

• Direct Impacts: These are the immediate effects of a project or policy. For example, if a new manufacturing plant is built, the direct impacts include the jobs created at the plant and the local business revenue from its operations.

• Indirect Impacts: These arise from the secondary effects of the initial investment. Using the manufacturing plant example, indirect impacts include the jobs created in supply chains or service industries that support the plant.

• Induced Impacts: These are the economic effects resulting from the spending of wages earned by employees in the direct and indirect sectors. For instance, employees of the manufacturing plant and its suppliers may spend their wages on local services, further stimulating the economy.

• Multiplier Effect: This concept measures how initial economic activities generate additional economic activities. For instance, the spending by new employees creates demand for goods and services, which in turn creates more jobs and economic activity.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Economic impact analysis often includes comparing the anticipated benefits of a project or policy with its costs. This helps assess whether the benefits outweigh the costs and whether the project is economically viable.

• Sectoral Analysis: This involves examining how different sectors of the economy are affected. For example, a new transportation project might have significant impacts on the construction, retail, and service sectors.

Eminent Domain

Eminent Domain is the legal power of a government to take private property for public use, typically for infrastructure projects like roads, schools, or utilities. In exchange, the property owner is entitled to fair compensation. While it is a powerful tool for advancing public interests, the use of eminent domain can be controversial, particularly when property owners are unwilling to sell or feel the compensation is inadequate.

For urban planners, eminent domain is often a last resort in the implementation of major public works projects or redevelopment efforts. Planners are involved in identifying properties needed for projects and ensuring that the use of eminent domain aligns with broader public goals, such as improving transportation networks, building public facilities, or revitalizing blighted areas. Planners also play a role in determining whether other alternatives exist before resorting to eminent domain.

One of the key challenges associated with eminent domain is balancing public needs with the rights of individual property owners. Displacement and community disruption can occur when properties are taken for public use, especially in low-income or historically marginalized neighborhoods. This makes public engagement and transparent communication essential throughout the process to ensure fairness and minimize harm.

Ultimately, urban planners must approach eminent domain with sensitivity and responsibility, using it only when necessary and ensuring that the rights of property owners are respected, while also advancing the community’s long-term development goals.

Environmental Impact Assessment

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before it is carried out. 

The EIA identifies a range of environmental impacts, including:

• Physical impacts: Effects on air, water, soil, and climate.

• Biological impacts: Effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife.

• Social impacts: Effects on human health, livelihoods, and communities.

• Cumulative impacts: Long-term effects resulting from the project combined with other activities in the area.

An important part of the EIA is proposing measures to prevent, minimize, or offset the negative environmental impacts of the project. These could include changes in project design, technologies that reduce emissions, habitat restoration efforts, or other strategies that reduce harm to the environment.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP): An EMP is often developed as part of the EIA process. It outlines how environmental impacts will be managed during the project's construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. It includes monitoring plans, emergency procedures, and guidelines for minimizing environmental damage.

EIAs are often mandated by law for projects that may significantly affect the environment. This includes large-scale developments, infrastructure projects, industrial activities, and resource extraction. The legal framework ensures that environmental protection is a key part of the development process.

Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice (EJ) refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, nationality, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The goal is to ensure that no group of people, especially marginalized or disadvantaged communities, bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences from industrial, governmental, or commercial activities.

Environmental justice emphasizes that all communities should have equal protection from environmental harm. This means that no population group should disproportionately suffer from pollution, hazardous waste, or other environmental risks, regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnicity.

A key aspect of EJ is ensuring that communities affected by environmental decisions have a voice in the decision-making process. This includes providing access to information, allowing for public participation, and considering community concerns in the outcomes of decisions.

EJ seeks to address situations where low-income or minority communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, such as air pollution, toxic waste sites, industrial facilities, and unsafe drinking water. Historically, these communities have often been overlooked, leading to unequal environmental burdens.

EJ emphasizes the importance of considering cumulative environmental impacts that disadvantaged communities may face from multiple sources. For example, a neighborhood might be exposed to air pollution from nearby factories, contaminated water from industrial runoff, and noise pollution from transportation corridors, leading to compounded health and quality of life issues.

EJ also includes climate justice, which focuses on how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Communities that contribute the least to global carbon emissions often suffer the most from its impacts, such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, and food and water insecurity. Climate justice seeks to address these inequities by advocating for policies that protect those most at risk.

High-Occupancy Vehicle

A High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) is a vehicle carrying multiple passengers, typically two or more people, which allows it to use special lanes or infrastructure reserved for carpooling. HOV lanes are designed to encourage carpooling, reduce traffic congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by incentivizing shared travel.

In addition to HOV lanes, cities may encourage the use of high-occupancy vehicles through carpool programs, ride-sharing incentives, and public awareness campaigns. Integrating HOV strategies with public transportation systems can also further reduce the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and promote more efficient use of road infrastructure.

Level of Service

Level of Service (LOS) is a measure used in urban planning and transportation engineering to evaluate the performance and quality of infrastructure, particularly transportation systems like roads, intersections, and transit services. It reflects how well a facility or service functions, typically from the perspective of users, based on factors such as traffic flow, congestion, travel time, or waiting time. LOS is often graded on a scale from A to F, with A representing optimal conditions (free-flowing traffic or minimal wait times) and F representing poor conditions (high congestion or long delays).

In road transportation, LOS is commonly applied to assess traffic congestion and determine whether a road or intersection can handle current or future traffic volumes. For example, a roadway operating at LOS A means vehicles are moving freely with minimal interference, while LOS F indicates severe congestion and delays. In transit systems, LOS can measure aspects like the frequency of service, capacity, or passenger comfort.

Traditional LOS measures have been criticized for prioritizing car traffic and congestion reduction over other transportation modes, such as walking, cycling, or public transit. This can lead to car-centric development patterns that may not align with broader goals of sustainability or equitable access.

In modern urban planning, there is a shift towards using more multimodal LOS measures that account for the performance of transit, pedestrian, and cycling networks, aiming for a balanced approach that supports all modes of transportation and fosters more livable, sustainable urban environments.

Low Impact Development 

Low Impact Development (LID) is a land planning and engineering approach that aims to manage stormwater runoff as close to its source as possible, mimicking natural processes to protect water quality and associated aquatic habitat. LID emphasizes the use of on-site natural features and engineered small-scale controls to infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff.   

Techniques such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs, and bioswales are employed to capture, filter, and infiltrate rainwater, preventing it from overwhelming drainage systems and polluting water bodies.

LID integrates natural drainage systems into urban design. By utilizing natural landscape features like wetlands, riparian buffers, and forested areas, planners can enhance the natural flow of water and reduce the need for conventional drainage infrastructure.

LID incorporates green infrastructure components such as vegetated swales, rain barrels, and green roofs to manage stormwater and provide additional environmental benefits. Green infrastructure not only helps with water management but also improves air quality, reduces urban heat islands, and enhances aesthetic and recreational value.

Metropolitan Transportation Plan

A Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is a long-range planning document that outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for the transportation system within a metropolitan area, typically covering a 20 to 30-year period. Developed by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), the MTP considers all modes of transportation, including highways, public transit, bicycles, pedestrians, and freight, with the aim of ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods. The plan addresses the region’s anticipated growth and transportation needs, while promoting sustainability, safety, and economic development.

Micro-Mobility

Micro-mobility refers to small, lightweight transportation options typically used for short trips, often within urban areas. These vehicles include electric scooters, bicycles (both traditional and electric), skateboards, and other compact, human-powered or electric modes of transport. Micro-mobility services are usually part of shared transportation systems, with users renting vehicles for short durations via mobile apps, making them a convenient and flexible solution for first- and last-mile transportation in cities.

Micro-mobility plays a critical role in reducing reliance on private cars, lowering traffic congestion, and contributing to more sustainable urban mobility. It offers a flexible, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative for short trips, often filling gaps in public transit networks. By providing convenient connections to transit hubs, it encourages the use of public transportation and reduces carbon emissions associated with car travel.

Mobility as a Service

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is an integrated transportation concept that combines various modes of transport—such as public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, car rentals, and other mobility options—into a single, unified platform that users can access through a mobile app or online service. The goal of MaaS is to provide seamless, on-demand travel solutions that reduce the need for personal vehicle ownership while improving the convenience and efficiency of urban mobility.

MaaS platforms allow users to plan, book, and pay for different transportation modes in one place, often offering subscription models or pay-per-use services. For example, a commuter might use a single app to rent a bike for the first leg of their journey, switch to public transit, and then use a ride-sharing service to reach their final destination—all with a unified payment system. By integrating multiple forms of transportation, MaaS offers greater flexibility and can reduce traffic congestion, parking demand, and environmental impacts in urban areas.

Multimodal Transportation

Multimodal Transportation refers to the integration and use of multiple forms of transportation within a system to move people and goods efficiently. This approach includes a combination of transportation modes such as walking, cycling, public transit (buses, trains, subways), cars, and freight systems. The goal of multimodal transportation is to offer various options for mobility, allowing individuals to choose the mode or combination of modes that best suits their journey, enhancing flexibility, reducing congestion, and improving accessibility for all users.

Multimodal systems are designed to create seamless connections between different types of transportation, promoting efficiency, safety, and convenience. For instance, a well-designed multimodal network might include bike lanes leading to transit stations, pedestrian-friendly streets with easy access to bus stops, and park-and-ride facilities for drivers to switch to public transportation. The integration of these modes encourages more sustainable travel patterns, reduces reliance on private cars, and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions by promoting public and active transportation.

Participatory Planning

Participatory Planning is a collaborative approach to urban and regional planning that actively involves community members, stakeholders, and various interest groups in the decision-making process. This method seeks to incorporate diverse perspectives and local knowledge into planning efforts to ensure that development projects and policies meet the needs and preferences of the community.

Pedestrian-Friendly Design

Pedestrian-Friendly Design refers to urban planning and design practices that prioritize the needs and safety of pedestrians, making walking a convenient, safe, and enjoyable mode of transportation. This approach focuses on creating environments that encourage walking by integrating features such as wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, safe street crossings, and accessible amenities. The aim is to promote walkability, reduce reliance on automobiles, and enhance the overall quality of urban life.

Key elements of pedestrian-friendly design include well-maintained and unobstructed sidewalks, pedestrian-scale lighting, clearly marked crosswalks, and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or curb extensions. Additionally, creating vibrant streetscapes with street trees, benches, and retail shops can make walking more attractive and engaging. Ensuring connectivity between destinations and providing amenities like public restrooms and water fountains further supports a positive pedestrian experience.

Public Health

Public Health is a field dedicated to improving and protecting the health of populations through prevention, education, and policy-making. It encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting well-being at the community, national, and global levels. Public health efforts focus on areas such as disease surveillance, health promotion, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.

Key components of public health include epidemiology, which studies disease patterns and causes; health education, which aims to inform and empower individuals to make healthier choices; and health policy, which involves developing regulations and programs to improve health outcomes. Public health also addresses social determinants of health, such as economic stability, education, and access to healthcare, which can influence overall health and well-being.

For urban planners, incorporating public health considerations into planning processes is crucial for creating environments that support healthy lifestyles and reduce health disparities. This involves designing communities with access to parks, recreational facilities, and safe walking and biking routes, as well as ensuring that there are adequate services and resources for preventive and primary care. By integrating public health principles into urban planning, planners can contribute to healthier, more resilient communities that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Resilience

Resilience in urban planning refers to the capacity of a community, system, or infrastructure to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions and shocks, such as natural disasters, economic crises, or social challenges. It involves designing and implementing strategies that enhance the ability of people and systems to withstand and adapt to adverse conditions while maintaining essential functions and services.

Building resilience encompasses various aspects, including strengthening infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and fostering social cohesion. This involves creating resilient buildings and transportation systems that can withstand extreme weather events, developing emergency response plans, and promoting community engagement and resourcefulness. Resilience also includes addressing social and economic vulnerabilities by ensuring that resources and support are available to all community members, particularly those most at risk.

Ride-Hailing Services

Ride-Hailing Services are transportation services that allow individuals to request and pay for rides through mobile apps or online platforms. These services connect passengers with drivers using technology to facilitate the booking, payment, and navigation of trips. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and others have popularized this model, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxi services and public transportation.

Ride-hailing services offer several benefits, including flexibility in scheduling, the ability to track rides in real-time, and often a more personalized experience compared to traditional taxis. They can also provide access to transportation options in areas with limited public transit and during off-peak hours.

Right of Way

Right of Way refers to the legal right to pass through a particular area or to use a specific path or route. In urban planning and transportation, it typically pertains to the land or space designated for the construction and use of infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, railways, and utility lines. The right of way ensures that transportation and utility services can be provided without obstruction and allows for the maintenance and operation of these essential systems.

Road Diet

Road Diet refers to the reconfiguration of an existing roadway to achieve multiple objectives, including improving safety, enhancing traffic flow, and creating space for other uses. The concept typically involves reducing the number of lanes or lane widths on a road to accommodate additional features such as bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and landscaping. This approach aims to balance the needs of all road users and create a more sustainable and attractive urban environment.

A common road diet might involve converting a four-lane road into a three-lane road with a center turn lane, which can provide space for bike lanes or widened sidewalks. This can help reduce vehicle speeds, lower the risk of accidents, and improve the overall quality of the street for pedestrians and cyclists. Road diets can also lead to improved traffic flow by reducing lane changes and conflicts at intersections.

For urban planners, implementing road diets requires careful consideration of traffic patterns, safety data, and community needs. Planners must evaluate how the reconfiguration will impact vehicle traffic, public transit, and local businesses, and ensure that the changes align with broader transportation and land use goals. Road diets can contribute to more walkable, bike-friendly, and vibrant urban areas while promoting safer and more efficient transportation systems.

Safe Routes to School

Last update: September 7, 2024

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a program and approach aimed at making it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to school. The initiative focuses on improving infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes, and addressing safety concerns to encourage active transportation. SRTS programs also include educational components that teach children and parents about safe walking and biking practices, and often involve community outreach to promote awareness and support.

Key elements of Safe Routes to School include engineering improvements, such as better signage, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures; enforcement activities, like increased crossing guard presence; and education campaigns that inform students and parents about traffic safety. The program also often involves community engagement and partnerships with local schools, transportation agencies, and public health organizations to address barriers and promote a culture of safe, active commuting.

Setback

Setback refers to the required distance between a building or structure and the property line or other designated boundary. This distance is established by zoning regulations or building codes and is intended to ensure adequate space around buildings for purposes such as safety, privacy, aesthetics, and access. Setbacks can apply to front, side, and rear property lines, and their requirements vary depending on the type of zoning district, the building's use, and local regulations.

Setbacks serve several important functions. They help to maintain a consistent streetscape and prevent overcrowding, allowing for light, air, and open space between buildings. They also contribute to safety by providing space for emergency access and utilities. Additionally, setbacks can protect the privacy of neighboring properties and contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the neighborhood.

Shared Mobility

Last update: September 7, 2024

Shared Mobility refers to transportation services and resources that are shared among users rather than owned individually. This concept includes various modes of transportation such as car-sharing, bike-sharing, ride-hailing, and public transit. Shared mobility aims to provide flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable transportation options while reducing the need for private vehicle ownership.

Shared mobility services typically involve the use of technology, such as mobile apps, to facilitate access and manage the use of transportation resources. These services can offer benefits such as reduced traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and decreased environmental impact due to fewer vehicles on the road. They also contribute to increased accessibility, particularly in areas with limited transportation options.

Smart Growth

Smart Growth is an urban planning and development approach that promotes sustainable, environmentally responsible, and community-oriented development. It aims to create compact, walkable, and transit-friendly communities with mixed-use development, minimizing urban sprawl, and making efficient use of land and resources. Smart Growth focuses on enhancing the quality of life by fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity in both urban and suburban settings.

Smart Growth promotes the use of infill development, which involves building on vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas, as well as redeveloping older, underperforming areas. This minimizes the need for new developments on greenfields and reduces urban sprawl.

Key elements of smart growth include: 

• Compact development

• Mixed-use development

• Walkability and bikeability

• Public transportation

• Preservation of open spaces

• Affordable housing

• Efficient use of infrastructure 

• Community involvement

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement refers to the process of involving individuals, groups, and organizations who have a vested interest in a project, policy, or decision. In urban planning, stakeholders typically include community members, local businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and interest groups, all of whom may be affected by planning decisions or have input into shaping them. Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, promoting more inclusive, transparent, and well-rounded outcomes.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development is an approach to economic growth that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. 

The goal of sustainable development is to ensure that development today does not lead to environmental degradation, depletion of resources, or social inequality, enabling long-term health and prosperity for both people and the planet.

Key Pillars of Sustainable Development

• Environmental Sustainability: This pillar focuses on protecting natural resources and ecosystems, reducing pollution, mitigating climate change, and conserving biodiversity. Sustainable development promotes the responsible use of natural resources to ensure they are available for future generations while maintaining the integrity of ecosystems.

• Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability refers to practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, or cultural aspects. It encourages efficiency in resource use, the development of green technologies, and the creation of jobs that contribute to both economic development and environmental health.

• Social Sustainability: Social sustainability emphasizes equity, justice, and the well-being of all individuals. It seeks to reduce poverty, improve living conditions, promote access to education, healthcare, and employment, and ensure that all communities have equal opportunities for prosperity.

Sustainable Transportation

Sustainable transportation refers to modes of transportation that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable. 

Investing in and expanding public transit systems (buses, trains, subways) is a core component of sustainable transportation. Public transit is more energy-efficient per passenger than private vehicles and helps reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and promote urban mobility.

Promoting walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized transport is essential to sustainable transportation. These methods reduce carbon footprints, improve public health by encouraging physical activity, and contribute to the creation of more livable, pedestrian-friendly cities.

Integrating transportation with land-use planning is key to promoting sustainable transportation. Compact, mixed-use developments reduce the need for long commutes and encourage walking, cycling, and public transit use. This reduces sprawl, minimizes traffic, and lowers transportation emissions.

Improving the energy efficiency of transportation systems involves developing and adopting vehicles with lower energy consumption, such as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid cars, and fuel-efficient public transport. Sustainable transportation systems seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Sustainable transportation encourages carpooling, ride-sharing, and the use of public transit to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. This helps alleviate traffic congestion and lowers emissions.

The use of smart technologies, such as real-time traffic monitoring, autonomous vehicles, and smart grids for EVs, helps improve the efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems. Smart cities integrate technology to optimize transport networks, reduce delays, and minimize fuel consumption.

Tax Increment Financing

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing method used by municipalities and local governments to stimulate economic development in a specific area or district. TIF works by designating a geographic area as a TIF district and freezing the current property tax revenues at their existing levels. As property values within the district increase due to development, the additional tax revenue generated by the increase in property values (the "tax increment") is captured and used to finance public infrastructure improvements, economic development projects, or other public investments within the district.

TIF is widely used to encourage development in blighted, underdeveloped, or economically stagnant areas. Urban planners can use TIF to attract private investment, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods by funding infrastructure improvements, public amenities, or other projects that enhance the area's appeal.

While TIF can generate significant revenue for development projects, it also carries financial risks. If property values do not increase as anticipated, the expected tax increment may not materialize, potentially leaving the municipality with insufficient funds to cover the costs of the improvements. Planners must consider the broader community impact of TIF projects, particularly on existing residents and businesses. TIF can lead to gentrification and displacement if not managed carefully.

Traffic Calming

Traffic Calming refers to a range of strategies and design features implemented to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety in urban and residential areas. The primary goal of traffic calming is to create safer and more pleasant environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and residents by addressing issues related to excessive speeding, traffic congestion, and road safety.

Common traffic calming measures include speed bumps, roundabouts, chicanes, pedestrian crossings, and narrowing of roadways. These interventions are designed to slow down traffic, reduce accident rates, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. By implementing traffic calming measures, communities can better balance the needs of various road users and foster more walkable and bike-friendly environments.

Transit-Oriented Development 

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning and design approach that focuses on creating vibrant, mixed-use communities around public transportation hubs, such as bus and train stations. The aim of TOD is to increase accessibility to transit services, reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and promote sustainable urban growth. TOD typically involves integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity to transit facilities, creating a walkable environment that encourages the use of public transportation.

Key components of TOD include high-density development, pedestrian-friendly design, and a mix of land uses that support a range of activities and services. This approach helps reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs for residents, and minimize environmental impacts by decreasing the need for car travel. TOD also fosters economic development by increasing property values and supporting local businesses.

For urban planners, TOD is essential for promoting sustainable urban growth and improving transportation efficiency. Planners must ensure that TOD projects are well-integrated with existing transit infrastructure, consider the needs of diverse community members, and align with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing overall livability. Successful TOD requires careful coordination of land use, transportation planning, and community engagement to create cohesive, accessible, and vibrant urban environments.

Transportation Demand Management 

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) refers to a set of strategies and policies aimed at reducing travel demand, particularly during peak hours, and promoting more efficient use of transportation resources. TDM focuses on altering travel behavior to alleviate congestion, improve mobility, and reduce environmental impacts. It encompasses a range of measures designed to shift travel patterns, optimize existing infrastructure, and encourage alternative modes of transportation.

Key TDM strategies include promoting public transit use, carpooling, and ridesharing; implementing flexible work hours or telecommuting options; and providing incentives for using non-motorized modes like biking and walking. Additionally, TDM can involve improving transit services, creating pedestrian-friendly environments, and developing policies that support mixed-use development to reduce the need for long commutes.

Transportation Equity

Transportation Equity involves ensuring that transportation systems and policies provide fair and just access to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or physical ability. The goal is to eliminate disparities in transportation access and outcomes, ensuring that everyone benefits equally from transportation infrastructure and services.

Transportation equity addresses issues such as affordability, accessibility, and quality of transportation options. It involves providing reliable and safe transportation for underserved communities, reducing barriers to access for people with disabilities, and ensuring that low-income and minority populations have equitable access to job opportunities, education, and essential services.

Transportation Improvement Program

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a short-term planning document that outlines specific transportation projects and improvements scheduled for implementation within a region, usually over a period of four to six years. The TIP is a critical component of the overall transportation planning process and is required by federal regulations in the United States to prioritize and program transportation investments.

The TIP includes details about proposed projects, such as road construction, transit upgrades, and safety enhancements, along with their estimated costs, timelines, and funding sources. It serves as a bridge between long-term transportation plans and the actual execution of projects, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and projects are completed in a timely manner.

Urban Growth Boundary 

Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a planning tool used to delineate the limits within which urban development is encouraged and outside of which growth is restricted or managed. The primary purpose of a UGB is to control urban sprawl by directing growth to designated areas, preserving surrounding rural and natural landscapes, and promoting more sustainable land use patterns.

UGBs help manage the expansion of urban areas by concentrating development within a defined boundary, which can lead to more efficient use of infrastructure and resources, reduced environmental impact, and increased focus on infill and redevelopment within existing urban areas. By limiting development outside the boundary, UGBs aim to protect open spaces, agricultural land, and natural resources from being converted into urban uses.

Urban Fabric

Urban Fabric refers to the physical and social structure of an urban area, including its buildings, streets, public spaces, and the interactions between these elements. It encompasses the layout, design, and organization of urban spaces and how they function together to create the character and functionality of a city or neighborhood. The urban fabric includes aspects such as the density and distribution of buildings, the connectivity of streets and pathways, and the integration of green spaces and public amenities.

The quality of the urban fabric affects various aspects of urban life, including accessibility, livability, and the overall aesthetic of the area. A well-designed urban fabric supports vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, facilitates efficient transportation, and enhances community interactions and engagement.

Walkability 

Walkability refers to how friendly an area is to walking. Key components include the availability of sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, street connectivity, safety, and the presence of amenities and destinations within a walkable distance.

Benefits of walkability include improve public health by encouraging physical activity, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on automobiles, boosting local business by attracting more foot traffic, and fostering social interaction by creating opportunities for people to meet, converse, and engage with their community

Key strategies to improve walkability include 

• 1) human-scale design:  designing streets and public spaces that are comfortable and inviting for pedestrians. This includes elements like street trees, benches, lighting, and public art; and

• 2) Mixed-use development - where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist, creates destinations within walking distance and supports a vibrant street life.

Challenges to walkability include suburban sprawl: Low-density, car-dependent suburban development patterns often lack the infrastructure and land use diversity necessary to support walkability. In addition, extreme weather conditions can discourage walking. 

Walkability is closely linked to public transit. Planners should ensure that transit stops are accessible by foot and connected to a walkable street network.

Equity considerations: planners should focus on improving walkability in all neighborhoods, particularly underserved communities that may lack safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure. On the other hand, walkable neighborhoods are often in high demand, leading to higher housing costs. Planners need to consider policies that ensure affordable housing options are available in walkable areas.