The 30 largest cities in the U.S. are experiencing a “Doppler shift” in walkable development, according to a researcher at the George Washington University School of Business and co-author of the report, 2019 Foot Traffic Ahead report.
Dr. Tracy Loh says that even the lowest ranked metros such as Tampa and Phoenix are seeing increased market share of walkable urban development, versus sprawl. Walkable urban absorption in the largest metros is gaining market share by over twice their 2010 market share base, the study, done in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield, Smart Growth America/LOCUS, and Yardi Matrix, found.
“Denver’s appearance at number two is a direct reflection of the region reaping the dividends of more than a decade of ambitious investments in rail transit and more transit-accessible housing and office/retail, and the growth of the knowledge economy, which demands walkable urban development patterns,” according to a news release. New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco rounded out the top six most walkable metro regions.
“Foot Traffic Ahead shows that the future is walkable, mixed-use places,” said Calvin Gladney, president and CEO of Smart Growth America. “Metro areas have a choice to make: continue distorting the market by subsidizing an outdated form of sprawling growth that separates residents from their daily needs, cuts them off from opportunity, and costs more to serve and maintain. Or, realize the massive potential benefits of meeting the pent-up demand for walkable places—which is one of the best ways to help more residents live in places that are affordable, healthy, and prosperous.”
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Oct 14, 2016
Architecture firm proposes a ‘Border City’ between the United States and Mexico
The city would be situated around New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua.
Urban Planning | Oct 3, 2016
A pedestrian bridge linking two of Nashville’s highest-profile neighborhoods is making progress
The project has stalled since being proposed two years ago by former Mayor Karl Dean.
Urban Planning | Sep 20, 2016
Can redesigning crosswalks make cities safer?
A proposal from Ogrydziak Prillinger Architects redesigns San Francisco’s crosswalks to make them more park-like, changing the way cars and pedestrians interact.
Steel Buildings | Sep 15, 2016
New York’s Hudson Yards to feature 16-story staircase sculpture
The installation is designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick and will be the centerpiece of the $200 million plaza project
Urban Planning | Sep 12, 2016
An Atlanta business group proposes a ‘floating’ park over a busy highway
The half-mile thoroughfare would connect to surrounding streets and companies.
Sustainability | Sep 7, 2016
New plans call for hundreds of thousands of British homes to be heated by factory machines
An expansion of ‘heat networks’ is viewed as a possible means for Britain to accomplish its goal of slashing carbon emissions by 2050.
High-rise Construction | Sep 7, 2016
Shenzhen Kingkey Group submits re-planning package for what could become China’s tallest tower
The high-rise, H700 Shenzhen Tower, is one of a group of towers being built in Shenzhen’s Caiwuwei financial and commercial area.
Building Team | Sep 6, 2016
Letting your resource take center stage: A guide to thoughtful site selection for interpretive centers
Thoughtful site selection is never about one factor, but rather a confluence of several components that ultimately present trade-offs for the owner.
Urban Planning | Jul 19, 2016
New game challenges players to create a utopian city block
By treating the neighborhood as a living entity, players of Block’hood take part in the creation, death, and rebirth of their own city blocks
Augmented Reality | Jul 15, 2016
Pokémon Go is helping people discover their cities
While catching them all may be the main goal, the wildly popular mobile game is also leading people to trek to unexplored corners of their cities
