About this section
The metropolitan moment
Energy: How the game changes

About this section
The metropolitan moment
Energy: How the game changes

The big idea: Think globally, act collectively - 04/28/2009: By KELLIE PATRICK GATES

What it means, and why it's a good thing: We used to call it "regionalism." But, these days, that word comes with baggage: While some make it their life's work (like the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission), others dismiss it as a goal, and many are just tired of hearing the word. But in a new age of energy and sustainab
City makes new friends - 04/28/2009: photo credit

The new Metropolitan Caucus announced earlier this year brings together local elected officials from the five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia) to focus on issues of common interest.
The big idea: Build around transit - 04/28/2009: By JOHN DAVIDSON

What it means, and why it's a good thing: In its simplest form, transit-oriented development means that if you want to build up neighborhoods and businesses, you have to recognize transit as a key element. Rising gas prices, a growing concern for the environment and a renewed interest in urban living has moved transit from a government priority to a priority for savvy developers.
A look into the future - 04/28/2009: byline w

FOR THE last three months, three teams of graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania have been envisioning the future of the city in a studio called Philadelphia Futures 2040. Their challenge: create three blueprint plans for the city based on alternative visions of population, housing and economic activities throughout the region.
The big idea: Smart cities embrace sustainability - 04/28/2009: By THOMAS J. WALSH

What it means: The term "sustainability" boils down to the "triple bottom line" for any company or program: Its impact on people, its impact on the planet and its profitability.
Energy: How the game changes - 04/28/2009: byline w

GET READY for free-market enviornmentalism. Two big pending changes in the energy world - one state-wide, one national - have the potential to change the city's fortunes.
Here are some top names for your 'green Rolodex' - 04/28/2009: photo credit

WE ASKED Christine Knapp, executive director of Penn Futures, to send us her Rolodex, or at least the top names of people she consults for her work on sustainable issues. Here's who she's got on speed dial:
The big idea: Combat 'Job Sprawl' - 04/28/2009: By CAROL TOWARNICKY & KELLIE PATRICK GATESphoto credit

What it means and why it's a good thing: Over the last half-century, the geography of employment has changed radically. Cheap energy, economic subsidies and short-sighted tax policy provided incentives for businesses to locate at, or relocate to, the regions' edges. Now, fewer jobs are in core cities.
On the horizon: Coherent planning, zoning - 04/28/2009: By ALAN JAFFE & THOMAS J. WALSH

The collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis in 2007, killing 13, was both a real and symbolic disaster. The word "infrastructure" quickly became a catch-all to describe a nation literally crumbling after decades of neglect - the philadlephia region included.