flickr & Infrastructurist
People sometimes ask me, “What are you reading lately?” The sheer volume of information we all come across each day – my sources are typically newspapers, my Google Reader, e-mails, MPC’s own blog, and even my Facebook page – makes answering this question daunting.
But it’s an valuable question, because in this world where everyone Diggs this and Likes that, it’s important to elevate the good stuff. So I’ve decided to put together a weekly post to share a few recent news and opinions that have piqued my interest. The links may come from fellow advocates, newspapers, magazines, radio, YouTube, blogs – even our own web site. I’d love to hear your reflections on the items I choose to share, and I encourage you to let me and the readers of this blog know what you’re reading by leaving a comment.
So, here’s the latest from my desk. Enjoy!
A new site to inspire
Neal Peirce and his Citistates Group cohorts launched a new site in March, Citiscope.org, which they intend to become the "'go to' place to find the latest news and trends on fresh ideas, approaches, and ways to help the world's cities work better for all their people." The site features case studies from cities around the world taking innovative and inspiring approaches to everything from housing the poor to welcoming immigrants. Best of all: Chicago is featured. Check it out!
High-speed rail – an American innovation?
This counterintuitive post from Infrastructurist reminds us the U.S. was once a transportation innovator. To me, this post is motivation to help get us there once again.
Another try at bus rapid transit in Chicago
Crain’s Chicago Business’s Greg Hinz reported two weeks ago that the Chicago Transit Authority is reapplying for federal funding to support a bus rapid transit pilot in the city. MPC Manager Emily Tapia Lopez chimed in with more details about an MPC study that will help ensure the chosen routes meet the Obama administrations six livability principles – an idea our friends at Streetsblog wholeheartedly support.