City checklist

Is Your City a Great City?

Take a look around your town with this checklist, to see how it measures up.

In Great Cities...

Community goals are a top priority in city planning

ÂûÊCitizens regularly participate in making their public spaces better and local leaders and planning professionals routinely seek the wisdom and practical experience of community residents.

ÂûÊResidents feel they have responsibility and a sense of ownership for their public spaces.

ÂûÊNeighborhoods are respected, fostered and have unique identities. There is a sense of "pride of place."

ÂûÊPublic spaces are planned and managed in a way that highlights and strengthens the culture of a particular community.

The emphasis is on pedestrians, not cars

ÂûÊPedestrians and bicyclists are more numerous than vehicles (on at least some streets).

ÂûÊStreets function as ÒplacesÓ and have numerous attractive destinations along them.

ÂûÊTransit options are available to get to places where people want to go and are used by all kinds of people.

ÂûÊParking does not occupy most of the public space; free parking is difficult to find.

ÂûÊThere is a walkable commercial center convenient to every neighborhood that provides everyday needs and services (grocery store, pharmacy, library, medical services, coffee shop etc.)

New development projects enhance existing communities

ÂûÊNew developments, both public and private, are designed to include mixed uses and to be easily reached without using a private vehicle.

ÂûÊDevelopments are human scale and connect with places to cut through rather than mega scale, internalized and islands unto themselves.

ÂûÊThere is a mix of new housing types and layouts that allows and encourages people to grow old there.

Public spaces are accessible and well-used

ÂûÊThere are public places within both neighborhoods and downtowns where people can gather informally and regularly.

ÂûÊParks feature attractions for people of different ages and are used at different times of day; they are more than simply recreation facilities.

ÂûÊThe waterfront allows people to actually reach the ocean, lake or river.

ÂûÊAmenities (benches, transit waiting areas, etc) are comfortable, conveniently located and designed to support the intended use.

ÂûÊNegative uses or users do not dominate the public spaces.

ÂûÊBoth children and seniors can easily and safely walk to where they want to go (e.g. children can walk to school, seniors can walk to movies, grocery stores).

Civic institutions are catalysts for public life.

ÂûÊSchools are centrally located to support other neighborhood activity.

ÂûÊThe library is a multi-purpose and popular place where people go for many different types of activities.

ÂûÊCivic institutions (museums, community centers, hospitals, government buildings, etc.) have resources and activities that appeal to people of all ages and all cultures in the community.

Local economic development is encouraged

ÂûÊThere are many locally owned businesses-markets, mom-and-pop stores, street vendors, and larger independent stores; these local businesses are encouraged by the city; people know their retailers by name.

ÂûÊThe mix of locally owned businesses is such that at least some of them are "third places" -places where people can just spend time.

ÂûÊLocal businesses work with schools to provide internships or part time jobs.

Public spaces are managed, programmed and continually improved.

ÂûÊThe public realm is managed to maximize community interaction and to facilitate public outcomes.

ÂûÊSpaces are managed to provide opportunities for generations to mix.Ê

Courtesy: The Project for Public Spaces