The hottest Urban planning Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Daily Exasperation #8

Exasperated Infrastructures • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Infrastructure Transportation Urban planning Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. The statement from the Governor's spokesperson about combating climate change lacks substance and may not effectively reduce emissions.
  2. Focusing on highway-widening projects might not be the most beneficial use of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  3. Empty, vague statements can lead to costly projects that might not benefit those in need.

Startup builds a “car-free neighborhood” with a parking lot and techbro networking events

Reinventing the Bus • 0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
💼 Business Startups Real Estate Networking Urban planning Innovation
  1. Culdesac, a startup, attempted to create a car-free neighborhood but ended up providing parking lots and car-related amenities.
  2. The focus on building parking lots ahead of residences in the project raised questions about priorities and sustainability.
  3. The project's approach reflects a trend in startup culture to prioritize networking and grand visions over practicality and community integration.

Barb Chamberlain on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Transportation Advocacy Policy Urban planning Community Engagement
  1. Barb Chamberlain emphasizes the importance of active transportation and the need for active listener polish in transportation leadership roles
  2. She discusses the shift needed in how transportation policies are approached, highlighting the unintended consequences of certain decisions in the past
  3. Barb Chamberlain advocates for deep listening, relationship building, and prioritizing community engagement to transform transportation infrastructure for the betterment of all
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Sitting In Traffic Is A Problem Worth Solving

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Housing Public Health Policy Urban planning
  1. Sitting in traffic is a significant problem that needs addressing, especially in areas like Northern Virginia.
  2. Congestion pricing could be an effective policy solution to address traffic congestion by pricing the externality of time wasted in traffic.
  3. Dependency on cars for transportation poses risks like accidents and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, emphasizing the need for better transit options.

The one attribute that makes a decision strategic

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
💼 Business Strategy Decision-making Organizations Urban planning Constraints
  1. Strategic decisions set boundaries that influence future choices. Once you make a decision, it limits what you can do next.
  2. Cities like Miami show how infrastructure can force people into particular behaviors, such as driving instead of walking. This lack of options highlights how decisions create constraints.
  3. Understanding the constraints created by choices can help you navigate decision-making better. It’s important to consider how one decision impacts future opportunities.

Shifting Gears: From Car Culture to the Freedom of Choice — My Journey Beyond Society’s Default

Phil’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Transportation Sustainability Lifestyle Mobility Urban planning
  1. Car culture can be very addictive, making it hard for people to see the downsides of always relying on cars. It’s important to recognize that there are other, healthier ways to get around.
  2. Living in cities with good public transport and bike-sharing options can change your perspective on mobility. Choices like cycling can lead to a happier and more sustainable lifestyle.
  3. Choosing the right tool for your transportation needs is more important than having a fancy car. Enjoying simple things, like riding a bike, can bring more joy and satisfaction.

Bridges of the Ship Canal: Part 1

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 0 implied HN points • 09 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture History Architecture Transportation Urban planning
  1. The Great Northern Railroad Bridge, opened in 1914, uses a big counterweight to lift its span. It's an important structure in the area.
  2. The Ballard Bridge, built in 1917, had a wooden deck that was later replaced with steel due to safety concerns. It remains a significant and busy bridge today.
  3. Several bridges have existed over Salmon Bay, including the Northern Pacific high Bridge, which was demolished in 1976. These bridges tell a rich history of transportation in the region.

China: First Impressions

Logos • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 18
🎭️ Culture Travel Food Lifestyle Society Urban planning
  1. Beijing is a really big city, and its size can feel overwhelming with wide streets and tall buildings. It's much larger than most cities in the UK.
  2. The pollution is not as bad as expected; sometimes it smells a bit chemical, but it doesn't always impact being outside. However, it can get annoying over time.
  3. There are many parks and greenery in Beijing, which is surprising. Seeing familiar Western restaurants also feels surprisingly comforting, even if you don't plan to eat there.

This is the future that we saw coming but chose not to stop.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Urban planning Sustainability
  1. Hurricanes are getting stronger. Scientists suggest adding a new category to the hurricane scale to better warn people about this risk.
  2. Wildfires in places like Chile are getting worse, resulting in loss of life and homes. Climate change is making these fires bigger and more dangerous.
  3. Cities are taking steps to reduce pollution, like Paris tripling parking costs for SUVs. This shows a trend towards less car use and encourages greener transportation.

Systems Thinking, Objects and Networks

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Systems Thinking Urban planning Environmental Policy
  1. Complex problems like climate change need complex thinking. We can't just look at individual parts; we must see the whole system and how it all connects.
  2. When people want to change things but can't, it's often because of poor communication and coordination between different groups. Both developers and planners might have good intentions, but they need to work together to make real progress.
  3. To really solve problems, we should focus on the bigger picture and the relationships around the issue. By understanding the system we are in, we can find better ways to create meaningful change.

Don't Hesitate to Buy a 4.4-meter Car

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive Consumer Goods Taxation Transportation Urban planning
  1. 4.4-meter cars are more spacious than smaller cars, offering better legroom for passengers and more boot space for luggage.
  2. Many people believe that 4.4-meter cars are bad for city driving, but they actually perform just as well as smaller cars in traffic.
  3. When buying a car, focus on the comfort and space it provides rather than just the length, as 4.4 meters is considered the sweet spot for most needs.