Moscow DNA
Many of the issues that we face in our own cities are mirrored in the evolution of Moscow in the last couple of decades. The rapid increase in personal wealth and automobile ownership has facilitated middle class flight to the outer suburbs; this has created a staggering traffic problem that repeats itself daily. The jobs however are located in the center city with relatively few jobs in the outer rings of the metropolitan area. To make matters worse, Moscow’s famed metro system, built in the 1930s and 40s, is already over capacity handling some 8 million passengers a day. The resulting pattern is one we are all too familiar with in places like the Washington, Atlanta or Los Angeles – unrelenting congestion for much of the day and night.
Read More
Uncovering Value
For many, a life in town has had to come at the expense of access to nature. But as cities regenerate across the country, they are capitalizing on the restoration of streams and natural drainage ways that, up until recently, have been used for storm sewers, dumping grounds, and urban backwaters. They are uncovering them, cleaning them up, and maximizing their utility as great neighborhood addresses, sustainable storm water systems, and recreational destinations. It is stabilizing property values and saving millions in capital improvement dollars in the process.
Read More
Better Housing Coalition
The Better Housing Coalition in Richmond is a Community Development Corporation dedicated to strategic investments in urban neighborhoods that are under-performing. This remarkable non-profit organization focuses on improving the quality of environment and access to services for residents and businesses in the context of neighborhood-generated visions and aspirations.
Read More
Giant Metal Cockroaches Are Choking Moscow
Moscow is a rapidly growing megacity rich with a beautiful center, historic architecture, public art, pleasant promenades and urban parks. But Moscow's picturesque city center is plagued by increasing traffic congestion and a rapidly growing periphery.
Read More
