The Misadventures of My Very First “American” Bus Ride

This week, we have two reasons to yet again bring back an "oldie but goodie:" 1) Much-needed levity after a dizzying week and 2) We're hard at work preparing our application for Phase II funding from the Small Business Innovation Research program from the NSF! We've got some SUPER cool stuff planned. Get it touch to find out what we've got up our sleeves. In the meantime, without further ado, please enjoy one of the most embarrassing tidbits I've ever shared about my pre-PhD urban mobility naiveté (or, you could argue, the precursor to my post-PhD absent-mindedness) - my very first bus ride...and of course, how urban data and analytics can help others avoid my nails-on-the-chalkboard-level-of-humiliation story.

Mariela AlfonzoJanuary 31, 2017transit, walka, placemaking, data, miam

Oh, The Places We'll Go (Together)

What were the most pressing challenges and concerns for you awesome, relentless warrior place-makers in 2016? And how can we help you (if you would honor us with the privilege) help you crush them in 2017? Today's blog reveals the top four challenges faced by cities and developers who are creating walkable, livable places based on our discussions with over 100 of you so far! In preparation for the official launch of our newly updated software that helps cities create and justify better places, we want to know if these challenges resonate with you and learn more about your placemaking pains. But most importantly, we want to explore how State of Place can help you identify the kinds of changes that would maximize both quality of life and economic development as well as arm you with the data you need to justify the need to invest in these projects and convince all the naysayers. In other words, we want to help save you time, money, agony - and give you back a little bit of your peace of mind - in 2017...

Mariela AlfonzoJanuary 17, 2017walkability, livability, placemaking, urban planning, real estateComment

Suburban Mom: English(wo)man in...(Surburban) Detroit?

This is the first of our COO Michelle Drouse Woodhouse's Suburban Mom series about placemaking - and the State of (Suburban) Place(s). In the first installment in this series, Michelle reflects back on her very urban, spontaneous life sans-kids and how both the introduction of her two daughters and her move to the suburbs of Detroit have influenced her understanding of place and the importance of mobility, inclusivity, and choice.

Mariela AlfonzoDecember 13, 2016suburbs, Place, placemaking, inclusivity, urban designComment

Pots, Pans, and Place?

After hearing the news of Fidel’s death, I immediately logged onto CNN to watch live video coverage. I knew it was only a matter of time before Cubans spilled over into the streets of Miami - banging pots and pans next to, of course Versailles and also, La Carreta, in my very own “Weh-che-steh.” Despite the lack of true public space, Cubans, as they oft - and are known to - do, persevered and took matters into their own hands. They crafted their own space of expression, even though they lacked a physical place in which to do so...But despite the beautiful freedom of expression on display in Miami on Saturday, the lack of public space - true public space - was never more glaring, and disappointing, to me. We - as planners and urban designers - we know better. We failed them. We failed to provide true public space - a cornerstone of our democracy. We failed to do our part in shaping our free Republic.

Mariela AlfonzoNovember 30, 2016public space, Cuba, Miami, walkability, placemakingComment

Does Walk Score Walk the Walk?

While Walk Score has clearly laid out their methodology and its limits, as both a preeminent and easily accessible walkability proxy, it’s tempting to try to use what is essentially a measure of the density of destinations as a proxy for walkability, livability, quality of place, and more. But should Walk Score be used to apportion government spending and/or approve development proposals or plans? My colleagues, Julia Koschinsky, Emily Talen, Sungduck Lee, and I recently conducted a study to truly understand when it was and was not appropriate to use Walk Score as a proxy for walkability tied to policy, funding, and/or project approvals.

Mariela AlfonzoOctober 19, 2016walkability, placemaking, methodologyComment

Seeking Your Insights on Our Solution to Turn Your Placemaking Visions into Reality!

We want to hear your feedback before our NSF-funded software beta is due - please sign up here!

Mariela AlfonzoJune 27, 2016walkability, placemaking, urban planning, city

Contribute Your Feedback by June 24th - Turn Your Placemaking Visions into Reality!

We're getting down to the wire - our NSF-funded software beta is due at the end of June. But we are still taking your feedback until June 24th - please sign up here.

Mariela AlfonzoJune 7, 2016State of Placewalkability, placemaking, data analyticsComment

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye to...Zombies? Pivoting & Lean Placemaking™ Part Three

BlogurbanJune 9, 2014lean placemaking, lean startups, pivot, placemaking, public participation, public spaces, urban designComment

MVPs as antidotes for zombie cities: Lean Placemaking™ Part Two

BlogurbanJune 2, 2014cities, lean placemaking, mvp, placemaking, startupsComment

Today I'm "Walk"ful for...I Walk Hard for My Money

BlogurbanNovember 27, 2013China, food, placemaking, Shanghai, Streets, urban designComment

NYC --> Shanghai, 2 days! Slicing It Up Right!

BlogurbanSeptember 8, 2013food, place identity, placemaking, urban designComment

NYC --> Shanghai, 5 days! What's Love Got to Do With It?

BlogurbanSeptember 5, 2013maintenance, placemaking, programming, public spaces, urban designComment

The Power of Place: A State of Place blog about the Value of Urban Design & How Data Helps Advance It.

We want to hear your feedback before our NSF-funded software beta is due - please sign up here!

We're getting down to the wire - our NSF-funded software beta is due at the end of June. But we are still taking your feedback until June 24th - please sign up here.