The State of Urbanism

Oh, the joys of city life! The buzz, the people, the endless possibilities! But, swiftly turning that excitement into a groan-worthy experience? Cars. Miles and miles, and even more miles of vehicles slowly crawling through cramped city streets. It’s the modern city’s not-so-successful love affair with cars, and let’s be honest, it’s time for couples…

If you’ve driven in an urban area, you’re likely familiar with the dance of avoiding train tracks, especially when those tracks slice right through bustling streets. Now, throw in obscured traffic signals and poor road markings, and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster. This scenario is not cured by just slapping on more caution…

In Raleigh, North Carolina, a move by the Raleigh Transit Authority could potentially reverse one of the few positive byproducts of the pandemic era in urban mobility: fare-free public transit. During a recent budget meeting, the idea of bringing back GoRaleigh fares suspended during COVID reared its head. It’s like taking a step back just…

Let’s talk about city life, and no, it’s not the storyline of how sidewalks are sometimes about as bustling as a bee’s hive during a pollen spike. Instead, we’re diving straight into the heavy hitters: car dominance, parking spaces devouring our urban landscapes, and why embracing higher-density, multi-modal urban environments is a no-brainer for a…

Let’s talk about the urban tech monster hiding in plain sight—exclusive zoning for single-family homes and car-centric cultures—city dwellers, it’s time for an intervention! If you’re imagining quiet suburban lanes with verdant lawns and two-car garages, sure, that picture has its perks. But look beneath the tranquil façade and you’ll see it: the traffic jams,…

Let’s talk about a topic that’s a thorn in the side of every modern city: the love affair with cars and the resulting sprawl it encourages. Now, I know this may trigger a flashback for many of us, envisioning cramped highways and endless looking for parking spots that cost more than a decent meal. But…

If cities were rock bands, cars would be the overrated frontman hogging all the spotlight, leaving little room for other members—pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit—to shine. Let’s talk about why clinging to car-centric city planning is like insisting on using an outdated flip-phone in an era of smartphones—it worked then, not so much now. Ever…

Imagine this: your little cozy, decades-old house in an historic neighborhood suddenly gets slapped with a property tax bill that seems more suited for a sleek, new mansion down the street. Sounds unfair? Well, that’s the reality for many residents in historically Black neighborhoods, including Southeast Raleigh, amid rapid urban development and gentrification.\n\nPicture this scenario:…

Imagine this: a city where instead of sprawling parking lots and single-use areas, we have vibrant, multifunctional spaces teeming with activity. This isn’t a dream; it’s a very achievable reality, and the transition from single-family rental developments to more dynamic urban centers is a critical part of this vision. Let’s delve into why this shift…

In the bustling city of Raleigh, a new pilot program aiming to tackle homelessness has captured the public’s imagination. With a budget of $5 million, Raleigh City Council has embarked on an ambitious effort not only to assist homeless individuals in securing permanent housing but also to potentially transform how urban spaces cater to the…