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 “Metro areas have a choice to make: continue distorting the market by subsidizing an outdated form of sprawling growth that separates residents from their daily needs, cuts them off from opportunity, and costs more to serve and maintain.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 | Dec 6, 2020
Ford lays out plans for mobility innovation district in Detroit
Its centerpiece is an abandoned train depot whose architecture and decay reflect two sides of this city’s past.
Resiliency | Nov 5, 2020
CRE investors are concerned that cities aren’t resilient enough for climate change
A new ULI-Heitman report states that the biggest challenge to valuation is measuring urban risk mitigation.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 22, 2020
The Weekly show: Universal design in multifamily housing, reimagining urban spaces, back to campus trends
BD+C editors speak with experts from KTGY Architecture + Planning, LS3P, and Omgivning on the October 22 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Urban Planning | Jan 23, 2020
Unicorn Island’s first building nears completion
The building is the first on the 67-hectare island.
AEC Tech | Jan 16, 2020
EC firms with a clear ‘digital roadmap’ should excel in 2020
Deloitte, in new report, lays out a risk mitigation strategy that relies on tech.
Urban Planning | Jan 13, 2020
Henning Larsen designs all-timber neighborhood for Copenhagen
The project hopes to set a standard for how modern communities can live in harmony with nature.
Urban Planning | Jan 8, 2020
BIG partners with Toyota to unveil Toyota Woven City
It will be the world’s first urban incubator dedicated to the advancement of all aspects of mobility.
Urban Planning | Jan 3, 2020
BIG unveils Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm vision
BIG and WXY Architects are co-leading the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 22, 2019
Culdesac Tempe will be the country’s first from-scratch, car-free neighborhood
The neighborhood is scheduled to launch in 2020.
Sustainability | Nov 8, 2019
South Korea plans to build three hydrogen-powered cities by 2022
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is in charge of the project.
