November 11, 2015 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #urban planning, #advocacy, #jarrettwalker, #transitcenter, #gabeklein, #philanthropy

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Creating the Communities we Want means Supporting the Grassroots we Need

The future of inclusive urbanism depends on building a robust pipeline of cross-disciplinary practitioners who represent a range of socio-economic backgrounds. But even the most innovative leader or practitioner can only go so far if the public is not with them. To sustain and expand urban innovation, we must have a strong community advocacy ecosystem. Equitable, sustainable and economically resilient communities requires strong grassroots organizations with the technical capacity and community organizing power to sit at the tables where decisions are made. Yet in far too many communities this is simply not the case. I share my thoughts on why personal support for grassroots advocacy should be a priority for all of us working in the planning, transportation, design and sustainability professions.

September 03, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #transit oriented development, #community oriented transit, #connected communities, #transit choices, #KaidBenfield, #PeopleHabitat, #urban planning, #urban design, #barrylevinson, #Railvolution

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Starting Anew with Community-Oriented Transit

The challenge before us now is how we will shape the future of our cities. Will growing demand for urban living and walkable neighborhoods help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but lead to gentrification and greater suburbanization of poverty, or will we find a better balance to great place making, equitable access to opportunity, and greener cities? I had an opportunity last week to think about this in my presentation to Baltimore's Transit Choices Coalition.

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July 23, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #urban planning, transporation planning, #transit finance, #transit, #bike ped, #new mobility, vienna, berlin, #ralph buehler, #virginia tech

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Vienna and Berlin: Transportation Inspiration from Abroad

I just returned from 2 weeks in Europe, which always provides lots of inspiration to me as an urban planner, yet this time I noticed that in many ways great US and European cities are having more in common. Bike sharing, cycle tracks, streetcars and mobiles apps are spreading in both continents, to name just a few of the visible ways that mobility is being expanded – creating a new sense of urban vibrancy and excitement. Berlin and Vienna offer great examples of how transportation is creating vibrant urban centers and new mobility.

April 01, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #urban planning, #transportation, #WTS, #AtlanticCities

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Celebrating the Women of Transportation

As we celebrate the growing number of female transportation and community building all-stars, let's also ensure we are equally committed to supporting the next generation of leaders -- male and female, and to ensuring greater ethnic and racial diversity among those who are leading our public agencies, private firms, and non-profit organizations that is more reflective of the growing diversity of American communities.

February 11, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #sustainable communities, #SustainableDC, #WashingtonDC, #Harriet Tregoning, #urban planning, #Metropolitan Institute

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Sustainable DC: Providing a Greenprint for the Nation’s Capital

The increase in urban innovation, population growth, and quality of place happening in Washington, D.C., over the last two decades is in almost direct relation to the steadfast decline of public opinion, functionality, and bi-partisanship experienced by Congress. Arising from this political cauldron is the newly adopted “Sustainable DC” plan – developed by the District through significant public input and the visionary leadership of outgoing Planning Director, Harriet Tregoning. Sustainable DC provides a policy “greenprint” to achieve Mayor Gray’s goal: “to make the District the healthiest, greenest, most livable city in the nation over the next 20 years.” This goal may sound audacious, but the Plan demonstrates that it is actually achievable through a series of targeted and measurable actions.

January 27, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #planning, #urban planning, #urban design, #transportation, #TOD, #KaidBenfield, #PeopleHabitat, #InnovativeDOT, #ITDP, #Smartgrowthamerica, #HappyCity

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Finding Planning Inspiration on a Cold Winter Night

Much of the country has been in a brutal cold weather vice these past couple of weeks with no signs of warmth breaking though soon. At times like this, I’m inclined to grab a good book, a cup of hot tea and find someplace warm to hunker down. Luckily there are some great reads out there to cure the winter blues. Read my take a few of the notable new releases by F. Kaid Benfield, ITDP, Smart Growth America and SSTI.

January 10, 2014 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #War on Poverty, #HUD, #USDOT, #FTA, #income inequality, #community development, #Fair Housing, #transit, #urban planning, #poverty

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Looking Back and Looking Ahead on 50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty

In reflecting on notable achievements from 2013, I am struck by three separate federal actions that received little fanfare but are important to the War on Poverty’s arsenal. Each respond to one of the most profound lessons we have learned over the past 50 years -- the causes of poverty are often inter-related and cannot be successfully addressed by only focusing on housing, or education, or employment. Rather, integrated approaches are needed.

November 11, 2013 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #janette sadik-khan, #urban planning, #cities, #bike ped

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An If/Then Reflection on Janette Sadik-Khan's Legacy

Over the years I have been fortunate to work with Janette Sadik-Khan on different federal policy efforts. I don’t know where she is headed next, but I do know that IF she is involved THEN she will make an impact. What I find amazing and transferable to any city is the story her legacy tells about leadership, vision and the ability to take risks. Janette has reshaped transportation and shifted our perceptions about what is possible and now normal both in the market place and in the court of public opinion – not only in New York City but across the country as witnessed by cities like Indianapolis, Cleveland, Oklahoma City, and Salt Lake City to name only a few redesigning streets to work for people, cars, bikes and transit; and reclaiming sidewalks, trails and streets for active public spaces.

October 28, 2013 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: #transit, #TOD, #equitable development, #Enterprise Community Partners, #University of Minnesota, #MPO, #transportation, #urban planning

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New Reports Developed by MZ Strategies, LLC Spotlight Transit as a Community Building Tool

Last week at the Rail~Volution conference in Seattle, two new reports developed by MZ Strategies, LLC were released that provide useful data, analysis and policy recommendations for transit investments that promote broader economic competitiveness, community revitalization, and increased access to regional housing, employment and life opportunities.