Feature Story:

PPS Greatest Hits of 2008: 10 Trends Shaping the Future of Our Communities

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s we transition from a burgeoning economy to one that's rapidly deflating, people are realizing that placemaking offers the ideal approach to improving our cities and neighborhoods in these hard times.

Placemaking puts people first. It is a holistic approach based on public involvement, on citizens working to make things better. Capitalizing on communities' often overlooked assets and can-do spirit, placemaking shows how we can advance everyone's health and happiness without spending huge amounts of money.

We now see the limitation of the privatized pursuits that flourished in recent years, and are rediscovering the importance of truly public spots—parks, markets, waterfronts and downtowns, to name a few—where we can come together to meet our needs and solve problems.

Taking stock of our work over the past year, we noticed 10 significant trends that are redefining the world as we know it, even in a down economy.  What stood out in looking over all that we accomplished in 2008 was how people can still make big changes in their community if they have the right tools.

  1. Placemaking gains ground around the globe
  2. Collaboration is the key to making change
  3. Greenplace: How community revitalization fights climate change
  4. Placemaking is essential to vibrant travel destinations
  5. Libraries emerge as new town squares
  6. How cities stay lively 12 months a year
  7. The Power of 10 leverages community assets
  8. Public markets provide a leg up in a down economy
  9. The rise of community-based transportation planning
  10. New developments create innovative models for destinations

For more in-depth information about PPS and Placemaking, check out two recent articles from Convene Magazine and the Urban Land Institute.

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