Victoria K. Bruce’s Post

Exploring the Role of Community Commons in Heat Stress Adaptation How do community commons help in adapting to heat stress? Dr. Anjali Karol Mohan delves into the significance of public spaces like parks, lakes, and community centers in mitigating heat impacts. Key Takeaways: Nature-Based Solutions: Green spaces such as parks and gardens help lower urban temperatures, offering natural cooling during extreme heat events. Community Engagement: Involving communities in the development and maintenance of these commons fosters ownership and long-term sustainability of heat adaptation efforts. Policy Integration: Incorporating community commons into urban planning policies ensures that heat stress adaptation becomes an integral part of city infrastructure. For a detailed discussion on the importance of community commons, read the full article linked in the comments. #HeatStressAdaptation #CommunityCommons #NatureBasedSolutions #UrbanPlanning #AIDMI

🚶♂️🌴 ICYMI: Exciting developments in Tampa! The West Riverwalk project is set to connect Downtown to 12 neighborhoods, including West Tampa, Riverside Heights, Ridgewood Park, and Ybor City. 🏙️ This 5-mile addition will complete a 12.2-mile multi-use pathway, enhancing our city’s walkability and bike-friendliness. 🚲✨ Key features of the project include: • Enhanced Safety: Installation of improved crossing features at major roadways to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety. • Community Connectivity: The project will link neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, North Hyde Park, Tampa Heights, and Bowman Heights, fostering greater community interaction. • Educational Access: With connections near schools like Howard W. Blake High School and Stewart Middle School, students will have safer routes. • Environmental Benefits: Restoration of native shorelines will enhance wildlife habitats and increase resilience to storms and high tides. This transformative project is supported by a $24 million BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, underscoring its significance for Tampa’s future. Learn more about this exciting development: https://lnkd.in/gsbriMPr #TampaBay #WestRiverwalk #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityConnectivity #SustainableTampa

On October 15 (around 1:00), we will be presenting on the East Bay Regional Park Habitat and Pond Restoration Program. We are making a case for durable funding and staffing to grow this program so we can build a proactive, programmatic program that supports the Park District in balancing conservation with recreation, heals and renews the land and connects the community with this work and beautiful place. Please tune in and please provide supportive words if you are able (your voice really does make a difference)! In person at the Park District Administrative Headquarters (2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California) OR Live stream via the Park District’s website: https://lnkd.in/gn8bAzUH Public Comments May Be Submitted in Person or in One of the Following Three Ways: 1. Via email to publiccomment@ebparks.org. Emails must contain in the subject line “Public Comments – not on the agenda” or “Public Comments – agenda item title”. It is preferred that these written comments be submitted by 3:00 pm on the day prior to the meeting.   2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating “Public Comments – not on the agenda” or “Public Comments – agenda item title” preferably followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by 3:00 pm on the day prior to the meeting.   3.  Live via the Zoom virtual meeting platform. The Zoom link below will let you into the virtual meeting for the purpose of providing a public comment.

Discover how Langley's balancing progress and tradition while enhancing connectivity and repurposing rural spaces. Dive into the future shaping our community today!

Or how’s this for an idea: REACTIVATE THE RAILWAY. The infrastructure is already there, so make the necessary repairs and improvements, and invest in rolling stock. It’s so weird that we Americans have become so anti-railway in the past few decades.

Amara is an interesting and challenging case study on municipal growth in my own city, bringing to light the difficult questions about urban growth and resource allocation, especially water, that those in the Southern Colorado land and water conservation community think about constantly. https://lnkd.in/gDs3K87t

Tonight, the City of Surrey will present to Council for approval the Stage 2 South Campbell Heights Local Area Plan (the “Plan”), a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. The plan includes land use concepts, amenity contributions, and related bylaw amendments to support infrastructure and community amenities. It integrates Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for water, stormwater, sanitary sewer, and transportation infrastructure, along with an area-specific DCC for sanitary services. This approach ensures responsible growth while preserving the area's natural assets and supporting long-term economic and community development.

Detroit Future City's Land Use & Sustainability department aims to promote equity and sustainability in Detroit neighborhoods. They work closely with community and civic leaders to provide training, technical assistance, and support for open space projects. The department is working with the Land and Water Works Coalition and providing consulting services to promote Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). Their ‘Working with Lots’ program has helped implement over 50 open space projects in Detroit neighborhoods by providing grants and technical assistance to residents looking to transform vacant lots into productive landscapes. Learn more about the initiatives: https://bit.ly/4csDZmK City of Detroit #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #environmentaljustice #sustainability #businesseducation #southeastmichigan #detroit #sustainableimpact #thegreatlakesway #southeastmichigan #detroitfuturecity #landuse #urbandevelopment #greeninfrastructure #communityengagement

ALBANY HIGHWAY PRECINCT STRUCTURE PLAN ENDORSED FOR ADVERTISING Precinct Structure Plans don’t get bigger than this! This 6 PSPs in one Structure Plan is an enormous piece of work masterfully undertaken by Jaclyn Ward Leigh Parker Andrew Brodie Kevin Vizzutti Ross Duckham Michael Rowlands Marc Tarca James Pearse and many others. If you are interested in precinct structure plans for a traditional Main Street - check this out

Does the walkability of your community suck? Does it feel hard to navigate? Do what I do- blame Robert Moses…lol. No, but seriously, here are five ways his “city planning blueprint” created the playbook for harsh urban spaces, and ideas on what you can do it about it: Did you know Robert Moses, the “father of planning” - intentionally crafted New York tunnels to prevent inner city kids from accessing the beach by limiting tunnels size? (and click the post about what we can do about this legacy, to make sure everyone has access to our shared public amenities): 1. Highways that divided communities- Bronx expressway, and the trademark of highways as barriers. 2. Limited accesss to parks and green spaces- he built some of the most famous PUBLIC parks, but primarily only accessible by car, which most working class families, especially in New York, didn’t have. 3. Speaking of…public transportation gaps- the creation of transit deserts (actually transit apartheids, more info coming) meant less access. See 1 & 2. 4. Zoning laws the promoted division versus unity- he was no fan of “gentle density” which is why the middle income/middle housing type (garden walk ups, mid rises) and other naturally affordable and accessible housing types are hard to come by. 5. Environmental Injustice- the planning style he used literally helped create the “urban heat island affect”. You don’t have to be a green energy tree enthusiast to see the damage that communities with no trees, surrounded by exhaust and industrial uses have undergone, and why that is problematic. It makes the overlapping of highways, lack of tree canopies and the associated health disparities make sense. For more interesting content on ways you can use your business, government, or community platform to improve life- check the post, or follow some of my well versed colleagues on this platform!