What can London learn from Seville on heatwaves? https://t.co/ierYJOOyuz ...

When you think of some of the greatest cities in North America, the first few places that come to mind are probably New York, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, and a handful of other places. If you happen to call one of these cities home or have had the privilege to visit one of these places, you're probably thinking that the future of cities in general is on the right track. If you're thinking this, I'm sorry to say that not only do these major cities have major problems, but they only make up the smallest p ...

One in six Texans lives or works in a flood hazard area. Soon more will. As low-lying plains become more inhabited, politicians will have to plan better https://t.co/M3McTNl14U ...

Community Development & Urban Planning - Advocates for incremental improvements in communities through small, resident-led actions, contrasting with large-scale "mega projects" often favored by politicians [1] - Mega projects often fail to build a sense of community or engage average citizens, leading to a lack of investment and weaker social ties [1] - The "Strong Towns Method" involves observing community struggles, identifying the smallest actionable step, and repeating the process [2] - Post-World War II community planning shifted towards large institutional investors and governments planning entire subdivisions, hindering individual adaptation and fostering isolation [2] - Small actions by a collective of residents can lead to significant community changes [2] Housing Crisis & Solutions - Bloomington Normal faces a housing shortage of at least 4,500 units, projected to potentially grow to 16,000 units in 10 years [2] - A small percentage of homeowners renting out spare rooms or building additional units could democratize the response to the housing crisis [3] Community Engagement & Revitalization - Community engagement activities, such as trash pickups, foster interaction and identification of local problems [3] - Documenting and displaying the history of old homes can create a sense of common identity and encourage community investment [3] - Community land trusts can assist elderly or disabled residents with DIY projects, restoring pride and safety [4] Economic Development - Renting out a VFW post kitchen to startups lowers the barrier to economic participation, enabling small restaurants to test menus and grow their brand [6][7] - Allowing patrons to bring their own food to a bar can foster community and potentially sustain a food truck, promoting economic resilience [8][9]