Sustainable cities, linking universities with city government

Our cities are creating walkable, vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that are attracting residents and employers, supporting existing businesses, and fostering entrepreneurs. And transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our cities. A variety of groups work together to expand and improve transit, pedestrian, and bike systems that anchor amenity-rich, walkable communities. The University of Utah’s City & Metropolitan Planning Department generates passionate learners who are our future community leaders (we personally know this to be true as we watch out daughter excel in the program).

Lowering dependence on cars reduces household transportation costs and frees up space to create places where people want to live, work and play. The most pedestrian friendly urban metros are also the most socially equitable. The reason for this is that low cost transportation costs and better access to employment offset the higher costs of housing. This finding underscores for the need for continued, and aggressive, development of attainable housing solutions.