In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.
Wolfe distinguishes between those who envision a traditional return to the commute-based office-residence split, and others who insist that downtowns must rethink their purpose and redesign underused spaces to attract more people. He lists ten signs of ongoing processes that indicates a city’s ongoing recovery and regeneration.
He suggests that these guideposts, backed by real-world examples, might offer a roadmap to inspire resurgence:
- Innovative interventions by government, non-profits, and the private sector.
- Mixed-use spaces, both temporary and permanent.
- Encouraging of artistic expression.
- Community subsidies.
- Safety assurance.
- Embracing creativity and colors.
- Enhancing street sounds and scents.
- Encouraging children’s participation.
- Highlighting scenic views.
- Developing a “places worth visiting” mindset.
FULL STORY: It’s not just about bringing workers back to the office: 10 indicators of a downtown resurgence
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Placer County
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
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