Aaaaand that’s a wrap!
Who said conference sessions have to be panel discussions? Aaron and Fiona joined Jane Wilberding (@hntbcorp ), Phil Green (@villageofhoffmanestates ), and Andy Cross (@thelakotagroup ) at @americanplanningassociation #NPC26 with their session Curb Court: Trials of the Right-of-Way. They dusted off their high school acting skills for this sketch-based session showing the very real trials and tribulations of curb management. IYKYK.
What do you think… should Aaron and Fiona quit their day jobs?
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Planning Association stopped by MUSE a few weeks ago for their 4th Annual Urban Planning Firm Crawl. Students got a closer look at what planning looks like in practice at MUSE through an interactive scavenger hunt of our plans.
Always a great opportunity to connect with emerging planners, especially as one of our own, Kennedy, first met us through their first crawl! Thanks to @spouiuc for spending time with us!
Happy Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day! Katrina was out on the 606 this morning with her kids (and lots of other families!), all taking advantage of the chance to get some fresh air and be active on the way to school. If you missed this year, and would like to participate next year, you can visit https://loom.ly/0m-lllc to register your event and find resouces to help you plan it!
It's been an orange springtime for our colleagues embedded at the @chicago.dot Complete Streets team, including a conversation with the Dutch @cycling_embassy hosted by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Chicago and a presentation from @mobyconnl about the design approaches to intersections in the Netherlands and the US.
Some takeaways:
🚲The Netherlands didn’t become a worldwide leader in bicycle transportation overnight! Their approach requires the software (people/culture), hardware (infrastructure), and orgware (institutional buy-in and support) to all work together.
🚦Safe and efficient streets can be accomplished with fewer traffic signals and stop signs as long as intersections are designed for slower speeds and different modes are well organized.
🫘 Kidney beans are more than just protein-full legumes! They're also an intersection design similar to roundabouts.
We can always count on the next generation of planners to inspire us and challenge our assumptions. Last week they did just that when Syd visited her old stomping grounds to present at @uwmilwaukee Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planning class. She shared her research behind Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress (PLTS), and the students called attention to how elements like noise, seasonal changes, and time of day can impact their experience while walking.
Syd is continuing to support the development of this PLTS tool with UWM and the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety.
Join MUSEs Dhara and Kennedy at the annual Bronzeville Trail Block Party, hosted by @bronzevilletrail , for a day of family-friendly activities and an opportunity to connect, learn more, and share ideas.
Trail Day Block Party
Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
39th & Federal St.
In partnership with @chicagodpd , MUSE is leading the development of the Bronzeville Trail Framework Plan. This effort builds on the Bronzeville Trail Task Force’s leadership in advancing a vision for the former Kenwood “L” Line embankment, with the future of the trail to be shaped through ongoing community input and collaboration.
This is one of many opportunities to engage. Stay tuned for the Bronzeville Trail Framework Plan Open House!
We’re debuting five new buttons at April’s big weekend of planning in Detroit!
Pick up two special edition buttons at @aplannerwithapurpose ’s Detroit Activation, curated by Detroit native and former MUSE Nina Idemudia. The activtation is a gathering for people who care about cities, neighborhoods, and the future of our communities. Registration is free!
If you’re heading to @americanplanningassociation National Planning Conference this weekend, keep an eye out for our team. We’ll be attending, presenting, and generally bringing good vibes (and buttons).
#NPC26 #aplannerwithapurpose #Detroit
MUSE is dialing 313 for @americanplanningassociation #NPC26 this weekend! Aaron and Fiona are bringing their Curb Court case to the national stage, and a few other MUSErs will be around to connect and learn with peers from across the country. Will we see you in Detroit? 🚌
Happy almost-Earth Day! 🌎 Last week Ally and Lizbeth attended a celebration for the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for Greater Chicago (CCAP), hosted by our friends @cmapillinois . The remarks from board members reminded the room of the spirit of the plan and of the power local and municipal governments have to reduce emissions and protect communities. The event invited collaboration through resource sharing, ideation, and friendly conversation!
This regional plan was a massive undertaking, led with care and intention by CMAP staff, a steering committee and three working groups, and a consultant team led by E3. MUSE designed the project brand and led stakeholder engagement, including the distribution of more than $30,000 in stipends to participating organizations. Check out the CCAP on CMAP's website and find out how our region plans to tackle emissions. 🌳
We're looking for someone who's ready to join us in our mission to evolve the field of urban planning: is it you? MUSE is hiring an experienced Senior Associate to lead comprehensive plans, corridor studies, and other planning projects.
If you’re passionate about people-centered planning, thrive in a small-team environment, and have consulting experience, we’d love to hear from you! Head to musecommunitydesign.com to see the full job description and apply.
Our friends at @territorynfp hosted a one-of-a-kind career fair to bring urban planners, designers, architects, and construction professionals to young people in Austin and Chicago! MUSEr, Lizbeth, moderated a panel about working in urban design and the realities of the field. We asked fair goers what they'd like for the City of Chicago in the next 10 years, and an overwhelming number of young people want to see more third spaces and options for recreation. ⭐️
Thank you to Territory for inviting us, and thank you to Mercedes Miley @farrassociates , Mejay Gula at @sitedesigngroup , and Cassandra Rice @perkinswill_chi for joining us!
🌷The month of March may be ending, but empowering and uplifting women is a lifelong practice! Let's continue celebrating and sharing the stories of powerful, impactful women we come across year-round. ⭐️
