October 09, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: planning, MAP-21, demographics, economic opportunity, transit, paratransit, mobility

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The Changing Face of America: Changing the Face of Planning

In thinking about strategies to meet the needs of America’s aging population, we can simultaneously develop strategies to help the next generation. And in doing so, we need to remember that the next generation is much more culturally, racially and ethnically diverse. Finding this sweet spot should be a goal for planners. Are we building communities where people can age in place? Are we building communities where the youth population wants to remain? Are we developing strategies that meet multiple mobility needs and shifting economics? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly need to be tailored to reflect the unique needs of each community.

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October 01, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman Source Comments Off

New Report Reinforces Importance of Transit – Job Connection

The Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota releases new research brief, “Maximizing the Benefits of Transitway Investment,” written by MZ Strategies, LLC. The summary provides highlights and policy implications of new research by Humphrey Institute Professor Yingling Fan on the projected land use impacts to regional transit accessibility. The full report, "Enterprising Twin Cities Transitways: Regional Competitiveness and Social Equity in an Integrated Land Use and Transit Context," examines different scenarios for locating jobs and housing near the Twin Cities 14 future transit corridors.

September 16, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman Source Comments Off

Update: Mariia Zimmerman invited to be Visiting Fellow at Virginia Tech's Metropolitan Institute

I am very pleased to share the news that in addition to my freelance consulting work, I will be spending the next year at Virginia Tech's Metropolitan Institute as a Visiting Fellow. I look forward to working with Joe Schilling, Ralph Buehler, Thomas Sanchez and other Faculty Fellows at the Metropolitan Institute on advancing Sustainability issues through lectures, research and publishing materials through the Institute's on-line resources.

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September 12, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: walkable urbanism, livable communities, walk to school, planning, local coordination, Arlington, bikeable

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Walkable for Whom? And to Where?

I’m proud to call Arlington County -- a livability oasis in NoVA -- home. It has become this as a result of decades of strong political leadership, extremely engaged citizens, and a business/development community who sees the value in locating near transit and designing projects that promote transit and walking, outside cafes, street trees and other amenities. However, like many communities, we still lack coordination between the School Board and County, and the reality that architects, engineers and planners rarely design the public realm for children.

September 07, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: MAP21, elections, transit, federal transportation

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Mayors Deliver at the Conventions

Eight mayors spoke at the Democratic convention in Charlotte, and three at the Republican convention in Tampa. The truth is simple and inspiring. Across the country, local leaders -- Republican and Democratic – are stepping forward with a portfolio of innovative strategies to make their cities more competitive, more affordable, healthier and quite simply, great places to live.

August 08, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: EPA, FTA, APTA, livability, MAP-21, Transit, DOT, sustainability, HUD, Partnership for Sustainable Communities

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It’s time to get Sustainability off the starting blocks.

Earlier this week I travelled to Philadelphia to join other transit professionals at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 8th annual Sustainability and Public Transportation Workshop. Not surprisingly, there was no shortage of inspiring stories from the Philadelphia/Delaware River Valley Region. Of particular inspiration is the work by the regional transit provider, SEPTA, to be an active partner in Mayor Nutter’s efforts to green the City and re-engineer the transit agency to be a global sustainability leader.

July 27, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: Minnesota, Transit, economic opportunity, Twin Cities, Central Corridor, Thrive, Regional Planning

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Twin Cities: A Region Ready to Thrive!

The Twin Cities region is in the midst of a transit renaissance with two rail transit lines in operation, a third under construction and plans well underway for additional bus rapid transit and light rail expansion. The Twin Cities are a region ready to thrive!

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June 22, 2012 By: Mariia Zimmerman

Tags: EPA, Congress, DOT, HUD, Partnership for Sustainable Communities

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Sustainable Problem Solvers

June 2012 marks the third anniversary of the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities and a major change in my own life. Having spent the last two years as a senior leader in the Partnership – an accomplishment for which I am very proud (but rather exhausted) - it felt time to turn in my federal badge for the long-time dreams of both spending more time with my two young boys and starting my own freelance consulting business.