Showing papers in "Journal of The American Planning Association in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the association between a single index of walkability that incorporated land use mix, street connectivity, net residential density, and retail floor area ratios, with health-related outcomes in King County, Washington.
Abstract: The literature shows single-use, low-density land development and disconnected street networks to be positively associated with auto dependence and negatively associated with walking and transit use. These factors in turn appear to affect health by influencing physical activity, obesity, and emissions of air pollutants. We evaluated the association between a single index of walkability that incorporated land use mix, street connectivity, net residential density, and retail floor area ratios, with health-related outcomes in King County, Washington. We found a 5% increase in walkability to be associated with a per capita 32.1% increase in time spent in physically active travel, a 0.23-point reduction in body mass index, 6.5% fewer vehicle miles traveled, 5.6% fewer grams of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emitted, and 5.5% fewer grams of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted. These results connect development patterns with factors that affect several prevalent chronic diseases.
1,210 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present new evidence on the possibility of a causal relationship between the built environment and walking behavior, using data from a survey of residents of eight neighborhoods in Northern California.
Abstract: Available evidence establishes correlations between the built environment and walking, but not a causal relationship, leading researchers to debate whether “self-selection” explains the observed correlations: do residents who prefer to walk choose to live in more walkable neighborhoods? Using data from a survey of residents of eight neighborhoods in Northern California, this article presents new evidence on the possibility of a causal relationship between the built environment and walking behavior. This work improves on most previous studies by incorporating travel attitudes and neighborhood preferences into the analysis of walking behavior, and by using a quasi-longitudinal design to test the relationship between changes in the built environment and changes in walking. Both analyses show that the built environment has an impact on walking behavior even after accounting for attitudes and preferences.
630 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between urban form, distance, and middle school students walking and biking to and from four schools in Oregon and found that urban form helps predict travel mode to and away from school, while biking is only one factor in students' transportation decisions.
Abstract: For over 50 years the U.S. has been shifting away from small, neighborhood schools to larger schools in lower density areas. Rates of children walking and biking to school have declined significantly over this period. This study examines the relationship between urban form, distance, and middle school students walking and biking to and from four schools in Oregon. Five primary results emerge: (1) urban form helps predict travel mode to and from school; (2) middle school students walk further than planners expect; (3) many students use a different mode when they travel to school and when they leave school; (4) urban form measures that predict walking behavior differ from those that predict biking behavior; and (5) urban form is only one factor in students' transportation decisions. KW: SR2S Language: en
428 citations
Abstract: This article considers the recent catastrophe in New Orleans in terms of “urban resilience,” the capacity of a city to rebound from destruction. Based on a variety of historical examples, I argue that urban resilience is largely a function of resilient and resourceful citizens. Hurricane Katrina not only devastated the built environment of New Orleans but, by forcing a massive evacuation of residents, tore apart its social fabric as well. I maintain that plans to rebuild the physical infrastructure of the city must be accompanied by a commitment to rehabilitate its social fabric and communal networks. Only with strong citizen involvement at the grassroots level will the rebuilding of New Orleans yield a robust and inclusive metropolis, rather than a theme-park shadow of its former self.
407 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that individuals who live in counties that are more walkable and have lower crime rates tended to walk more and to have lower body mass indices than people in less walk-able and more crime-prone areas, even after controlling for a variety of individual variables related to health.
Abstract: The literature suggests that individuals will be healthier if they live in Active Community Environments that promote exercise and activity. Two key elements of such environments are walkability and safety. Examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-1994 and using a multilevel analysis, we found that individuals who live in counties that are more walkable and have lower crime rates tended to walk more and to have lower body mass indices (BMIs) than people in less walk-able and more crime-prone areas, even after controlling for a variety of individual variables related to health. Among lifelong residents of an area, lesser walk-ability and more crime were also associated with respondents reporting weight-related chronic illness and lower ratings of their own health. The effect of high crime rates was substantially stronger for women than for men, and taking this interaction into account eliminated gender differences in walking, BMI, weight-related chronic co...
321 citations
TL;DR: This article used multivariate modeling techniques to estimate the effect of household proximity to retail and bicycle facilities on the odds of walking and cycling in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota.
Abstract: This study used multivariate modeling techniques to estimate the effect of household proximity to retail and bicycle facilities on the odds of walking and cycling in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. We analyzed these relationships employing detailed GIS data and individual-level travel diary data. We found that distances to retail and bicycle facilities are statistically significant predictors of choosing active modes of transport at close distances, but the relationships do not appear to be linear.
281 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, which land-use strategy yields greater reductions in vehicular travel: improving the proximity of jobs to housing or bringing retail and consumer services closer to residential areas is investigated.
Abstract: Which land-use strategy yields greater reductions in vehicular travel: improving the proximity of jobs to housing or bringing retail and consumer services closer to residential areas? We probe this...
277 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that if neighborhood design can support or undermine active lifestyles, then residents of new urbanist neighborhoods can be expected to exhibit higher levels of physical activity than residents of conve...
Abstract: If neighborhood design can support or undermine active lifestyles, then residents of new urbanist neighborhoods can be expected to exhibit higher levels of physical activity than residents of conve...
260 citations
TL;DR: The four-step travel demand forecasting models were never meant to estimate the travel impacts of neighborhood-level smart growth initiatives like transit villages, but rather to guide regional highway systems as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Four-step travel demand forecasting models were never meant to estimate the travel impacts of neighborhood-level smart growth initiatives like transit villages, but rather to guide regional highway...
252 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the need to learn from disasters of the past, while also applying the planning knowledge of the present, and advocate for the funding and full participation necessary to achieve these goals.
Abstract: Hurricane Katrina was the greatest urban and regional disaster in U.S. history. The rebuilding of New Orleans and surrounding areas of Louisiana and Mississippi will require the largest and most complex planning effort in my lifetime. To succeed, we must learn from disasters of the past, while also applying the planning knowledge of the present. From past disasters, we know that successful reconstruction requires both outside funding and local citizen involvement. As planners, we know that the processes should be rich in data, imagination, communication, and participation. Optimistically, a new New Orleans will involve improved flood safety, revitalized neighborhoods, housing opportunities for all, and equitable treatment of all residents. Planners have an obligation to take an active role and advocate for the funding and full participation necessary to achieve these goals. The alternative would be a city that is poor, unsafe, and unequal. This is the greatest planning problem most of us have eve...
172 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that planning for active living must especially address low-income, Black, and Latino communities, where obesity and related health risks are greatest and resources least available.
Abstract: The U.S. faces rising rates of overweight and obesity. Active living-urban planning and design to promote physical activity—has emerged as a strategy to combat growing obesity. The active living movement initially targeted mostly middle-class, suburban communities. In this article, I argue that planning for active living must especially address low-income, Black, and Latino communities, where obesity and related health risks are greatest and resources least available. First I review the problem of obesity and related health conditions among low-income, Black, and Latino populations in the U.S., and identify the role of insufficient physical activity in this problem. I then examine physical environment and other factors that shape opportunities for physical activity in low-income communities and communities of color. Finally, I identify strategies that may help to promote active living in urban settings to better serve these communities.
TL;DR: The results of a survey of households who moved to TODs within the last five years, finding a wide range of motivations, were reported in this paper, with only about one-third of respondents reporting access to transit as one of the top three reasons for choosing to live in a TOD.
Abstract: Cities and regions throughout the U.S. are promoting transit-oriented development (TOD) near rail stations to increase both transit use and the number and range of housing opportunities. This paper reports the results of a survey of households who moved to TODs within the last 5 years, finding a wide range of motivations. Only about one-third of respondents reported access to transit as one of the top three reasons for choosing to live in a TOD. They were equally or more likely to cite lower housing cost or the quality of the neighborhood. Those who reported that their choice of residence location was motivated in part by access to transit were more likely to use transit than those who did not.
TL;DR: More than half of the built environment of the United States we will see in 2025 did not exist in 2000, giving planners an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the landscape as discussed by the authors, and the Federal Housing Association (FHSA) was created in 2000.
Abstract: More than half of the built environment of the United States we will see in 2025 did not exist in 2000, giving planners an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the landscape. The Federal Housing Ac...
TL;DR: This article used a public management controversy in California to show how planners who work with contentious publics can learn from skillful mediators, which can redirect conflict into joint inquiry, explore options rather than escalate demands, and achieve practical ends that will serve diverse interests.
Abstract: This article uses a public management controversy in California to show how planners who work with contentious publics can learn from skillful mediators. Citizen participation often produces more heat than light, since conflict often yields little new understanding or dialogue, and even less negotiated agreement on public action. Yet skillful mediation may move beyond either dialogue or debate to craft mutually beneficial public agreements among contentious stakeholders. Mediated participation techniques can redirect conflict into joint inquiry, explore options rather than escalate demands, and achieve practical ends that will serve diverse interests.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider how to allocate public resources for revitalizing low-income urban neighborhoods, once public investments in an area reach some minimum threshold, do they leverage substantial private resour...
Abstract: How should we allocate public resources for revitalizing low-income urban neighborhoods? Once public investments in an area reach some minimum threshold, do they leverage substantial private resour...
TL;DR: In this paper, an adaptive stated preference survey is used to measure how much travel time individuals are willing to spend to obtain particular features of on-and off-street bicycle facilities.
Abstract: This article reports the results of two different approaches to valuing some of what are thought to be benefits of bicycle trails and lanes. First, an adaptive stated preference survey is used to measure how much travel time individuals are willing to spend to obtain particular features of on- and off-street bicycle facilities. These findings indicate that bicycle commuters in Minneapolis and St. Paul prefer bicycle lanes on existing streets over off-street bicycle trails, and also prefer them over streets that have no onstreet parking but lack designated bicycle lanes. Second, I used home sales data to learn the effect of bicycle trail proximity on home value. Though proximity to bicycle facilities is valued differently for different types, it actually significantly reduced home value in suburban locations. Suburban home values were most reduced by proximity to roadside trails, which also reduced home values significantly in the cities. Proximity to other types of bicycle facilities in the citie...
TL;DR: Although professional planning in China is relatively new, Chinese urban planning has roots in governance practices that predate both Mao and the current era of market-oriented reform as mentioned in this paper, which is the basis of our work.
Abstract: Although professional planning in China is relatively new, Chinese urban planning has roots in governance practices that predate both Mao and the current era of market-oriented reform. Government a...
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature review examines the policy legacy using what we now know about disadvantaged jobseekers' employment searches, using evidence from studies of job search and job training programs, and shows that local activity patterns do shape employment chances.
Abstract: Since the 1960s, John Kain's theory of spatial mismatch has influenced policy responses to the poor employment prospects of low-income and minority residents of inner cities by aiming to connect them with suburban jobs. My literature review examines this policy legacy using what we now know about disadvantaged jobseekers' employment searches. Recent evaluations of poverty deconcentration and employment accessibility programs show that these programs have failed to improve employment outcomes significantly. However, using evidence from studies of job search and job training programs, I show that local activity patterns do shape employment chances. Planners trying to improve employment outcomes for the disadvantaged should focus on policies that will provide them with opportunities to interact with a diverse social network and meet workforce intermediaries capable of linking them with jobs.
TL;DR: Porter et al. as discussed by the authors explored the recent success of Black-owned firms and suggested strategies for increasing their potential to alleviate Black unemployment in inner-city areas, and pointed out that jobs created by white-owned businesses go predominantly to white workers.
Abstract: Urban poverty and unemployment remain concentrated among African Americans residing in core areas, and jobs continue to decentralize. Porter argues that inner cities have comparative advantages that, if properly harnessed, will be potent forces for revitalization. Yet such place-based strategies to revitalize depressed urban areas fail to ensure business development will yield employment for Black inner-city residents. Jobs created by White-owned firms go predominantly to White workers. A new generation of well-educated and skilled Black entrepreneurs own large and growing businesses with many employees, and most of those employees are African Americans. This study explores the recent success of Black-owned firms and suggests strategies for increasing their potential to alleviate Black unemployment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used California as their lens to focus on three unresolved questions concerning the effectiveness of local growth control and management (LGC&M) programs and concluded that some types of LGC and management programs are ineffective.
Abstract: This article uses California as its lens to focus on three unresolved questions concerning the effectiveness of local growth control and management (LGC&M) programs. I conclude that some types of L...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that parking lots and parking structures routinely overwhelm the architecture and urban design of even the best buildings and neighborhoods, and propose to regulate the quality of parking.
Abstract: Most local governments' off-street parking requirements promote quantity over quality, focusing on ensuring an ample supply of parking. This has undesirable consequences for the built environment. Parking lots and parking structures routinely overwhelm the architecture and urban design of even the best buildings and neighborhoods. We argue that planners should worry less about the quantity of parking, and pay more attention to its quality. Through examples of zoning reforms adopted by some cities, we show how regulating the quality of parking has the potential to improve urban design.
TL;DR: For example, in this paper, the authors compare the effectiveness of selling tax-reverted land for reuse, while Detroit's method of land disposition has been less successful, concluding that "clevelanďs land bank conveys land with clear title, has an accurate property inventory, “banks” property, and sells for predictable, low prices".
Abstract: Property abandonment is widespread in many northeastern and midwestern cities. Some cities succeed better than others at moving abandoned properties to new uses. Comparing Detroit and Cleveland, where indicators of demand for land look similar, reveals that Clevelanďs land bank has been an effective approach to selling tax-reverted land for reuse, while Detroit's method of land disposition has been less successful. Cleveland integrates its approach into the mayor's agenda for housing development and supports redevelopment with many complementary efforts. Clevelanďs land bank conveys land with clear title, has an accurate property inventory, “banks” property, and sells for predictable, low prices.
TL;DR: The authors studied the patterns of diversity in the City of Chicago and its surrounding suburban towns in Cook County, Illinois, focusing in particular on the economic diversity of census block of census data.
Abstract: This article looks at the patterns of diversity in the City of Chicago and its surrounding suburban towns in Cook County, Illinois, focusing in particular on the economic diversity of census block ...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used two different approaches to evaluate the benefits of bicycle lanes and trails: an adaptive stated preference survey is used to measure how much travel time individuals are willing to spend to obtain particular features of on-and off-street bicycle facilities.
Abstract: This study uses two different approaches to value the benefits of bicycle lanes and trails. In the first approach, an adaptive stated preference survey is used to measure how much travel time individuals are willing to spend to obtain particular features of on- and off-street bicycle facilities. These findings indicate that bicycle commuters in Minneapolis and St. Paul prefer bicycle lanes on existing streets over off-street bicycle trails, and also prefer them over streets that have no on-street parking but lack designated bicycle lanes. In the second approach, home sales data was used to investigate the effect of bicycle trail proximity on home value. Findings indicate that the three types of bicycle facilities (lanes on existing streets, facilities separated from roadways by curbs or landscaping, and facilities within open spaces) were valued differently. Results also show that bicycle facilities have different values in the city than they do in the suburbs and that bicycle facilities are not always considered an amenity. Although proximity to most bicycle facilities did not significantly affect home values in city neighborhoods, bicycle facilities significantly reduced home value in suburban locations. Home values in both city and suburban neighborhoods were most reduced by proximity to roadside trails.
TL;DR: The American Community Survey (ACS) as discussed by the authors is the first large-scale data collection for places with 65,000 or more residents, which will replace data many planners rely on from the decennial Census long form.
Abstract: The American Community Survey, which will replace data many planners rely on from the decennial Census long form, is finally in progress. The first nationwide data for places of 65,000 or more was ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used spatially disaggregated data (block group data from the U.S. Census) to statistically test the effects of Portland's urban growth boundary (UGB) on housing prices.
Abstract: Unlike previous studies, which used metropolitan level data, this study uses spatially disaggregated data (block group data from the U.S. Census) to statistically test the effects of Portland's urban growth boundary (UGB) on housing prices. This analysis shows no evidence of a significant difference between housing prices inside and outside the UGB, suggesting that both inside and outside the UGB are parts of a single housing market.
TL;DR: It is recommended that planners seek out and work with both public and private sector groups with roles in disaster planning; design land and transportation planning information systems to aid and support decision makers during crises; encourage greater self-sufficiency in food production and consumption.
Abstract: Many analysts argue that the potential for a natural, accidental, or nefarious infectious disease event to have a dramatic impact on urban areas in the United States and abroad is growing. After re...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors put the relationship between planners and public health professionals in historical perspective, arguing that while the planners and health professionals worked together consistently throughout the last century, the health professionals did not.
Abstract: Why haven't planners and public health professionals worked together consistently throughout the last century? This article puts their relationship in historical perspective, arguing that while the...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider existing and potential policies that support the use of decon-struction in redevelopment projects, and propose a set of policies to support the reuse of deconstructed buildings.
Abstract: During redevelopment, dilapidated and obsolete buildings must often be removed to make way for new construction. One way to achieve this is through deconstruc-tion, selectively disassembling buildings rather than demolishing them mechanically. This approach can yield new jobs, workforce skills training, and small business development, and can conserve natural resources. Thus deconstruction may meet the goals of sustainability by making optimal use of existing economic, physical, and social resources. In this article, we consider existing and potential policies that support the use of decon-struction in redevelopment projects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the rise of low-cost airlines and make suggestions on how airport access planners should reflect the demands of these carriers, which serve a mass market and are primarily focused on costs.
Abstract: Low-cost airlines increasingly are dominating the air transportation industry. This paper discusses this rise in popularity and makes suggestions on how airport access planners should reflect the demands of these carriers, which serve a mass market and are primarily focused on costs. Airport access planners should also recognize that metropolitan airport passengers use multiple airports and that many airport employees ride public transportation to work. Together, these factors undermine the case for special-purpose, high-speed modes of airport access and argue for more cost-effective modes of public transportation that distribute both passengers and employees effectively over the metropolitan region. While some extensions of municipal rail transit systems may be appropriate, less expensive and more flexible modes such a bus rapid transit and private bus/van services may be more appropriate for meeting the evolving needs of travelers and employees.