Peter Calthorpe
Transform the American dream
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The American Dream is an evolving story and the American city is its ever-changing stage. The two feed one another in a complex, interactive cycle. We are at a point of transformation once again and the two - city and dream - must change together.
In a perfect world, this transformation would begin with the economic stimulus package now moving through Congress. Unfortunately, the legislation is being shaped for speed, not long-term effects. Transit, a foundation of sustainable growth for our cities, has had its portion of the funding cut from $17 billion to $10 billion, and inter-city rail from $4 billion to $2 billion, while highway construction has remained at $30 billion.
Just as federal policy set the stage for sprawl with enormous investments in freeways and VA loans that drove the demand for suburban homes in the ‘50s and ‘60s, it must now support a new direction through investments in transit and walkable communities. Read more
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