The City of Freiburg is often called Germany's "ecological capital" and has been recognized internationally as one of the world’s most livable, sustainable and child-friendly cities. In 1993, IMCL awarded the City of Freiburg the IMCL City of Vision Award. Since then, Freiburg has received numerous awards for its leadership in sustainable transportation planning, promotion … Read more
Congratulations to IMCL Board Member Charlie Hales who won a clear victory as Portland’s next Mayor! Charlie has a passion for livable and lively cities, and a profound belief in social and cultural equity. As Mayor, he has vowed to ensure quality of life for all by working with neighborhoods to identify their needs. He … Read more
What would it take to create a neighborhood where, as a child you can play on your street and around your block, where you know by name people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities because you meet them and talk with them on your way to school on foot or by bike? How can … Read more
Most successful city squares in the US are programmed with a variety of activities throughout the year – festivals, markets, food, music, and cultural events. This is a great service to the community, ensuring that all citizens have access to free city events, and providing a festive lunchtime setting for workers and shoppers. However, it … Read more
Where you live affects your health and life expectancy. A report released in September by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation projects that obesity rates in 13 States will be over 60% by 2030. These are state-wide rates, so the rates for poor neighborhoods within those states will be ever … Read more
Until the nineteenth century, a square or plaza was a hard surfaced open space between buildings, a place for contact with our fellow human beings in exchange, dialogue, debate, play and democratic decision making. Parks belonged to the nobility and were for recreation and contact with nature. The confusion began in the 19th century when … Read more
Until the nineteenth century, a square or plaza was a hard surfaced open space between buildings, a place for contact with our fellow human beings in exchange, dialogue, debate, play and democratic decision making. Parks belonged to the nobility and were for recreation and contact with nature. The confusion began in the 19th century when … Read more
The idea is simple. People who live close – within a 10 minute walk – to grocery stores, transit lines, parks, and other essential services, can more easily minimize environmental impacts and maximize a healthy lifestyle. Making choices that benefit one’s self and society at large should be a real option, not a constant battle … Read more
Plaza San Martín de Tours is by no means the most celebrated square in Buenos Aires. Historically, political unrest has expressed itself in the Plaza de Mayo, which sits directly in front of Argentina’s Pink House, the seat of federal power. In the San Telmo neighborhood, the Plaza Dorrego boasts one of the most vibrant … Read more
If you are concerned with making our cities and suburbs healthy and livable for all, take a look at the wise and invaluable book, Elderburbia. Written by Philip Stafford[i], director of the Center on Aging and Community and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University, this book speaks to urban designers, planners … Read more