The Urban Phoenix Podcast

2020 was a devastating year for our cities. That doesn’t mean we can’t learn from the experience

Covid-19 has thrust our nation into a paralyzing reality... but the re-dedication of car space to people might be just the thing out cities need

Even if it’s seldom used, bike infrastructure sends a clear message to everyone that two-wheeled transportation is welcome

For the most part, cyclists want the same thing... safer streets, better infrastructure, more advocacy. But within bike culture is a vast array of different reasons for riding on two wheels. The infighting between these groups is crippling the effort to improve cycling for everyone

The shared model has brought the E-Scooter into the light. Now it’s time to legitimize them with ownership

Americans have become blind to the privilege of driving, so much so that driving is almost seen as an American right.

At some point... and maybe quite often... we have wished for a simpler time. We have wished for fewer distractions or more time with our families, or the ability to work from home. Now that many of us have these things, how much of this time will we take with us going forward!

A company that makes membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels in Perry, New York is now making over 100,000 face shields per day to help front line workers combat Covid-19. Customer Service Manager Teagan White talks about the mission of JN White to help protect us in this time!

People are inherently drawn to attractive urban environments. It’s our job as urbanists to inform them WHY these places make them feel good

We are at the point where the ability to automate anything from park maintenance to public transit is a reality. But will the lack of an authority figure welcome vandalism and illegal activity?

If there is a positive result of shutting down our economies, it’s the short term environmental relief our planet is experiencing

Even after the Coronavirus pandemic is mitigated, remote work will continue to rise. Cities should be thinking about what that means now, rather than later.

I had lost 17 pounds, until the Coronavirus caused me to work from home. Now that I’m not biking to work every day, I’ve quickly gained 6 pounds back.

In 2018, the country’s richest man donated 0.1% of his net worth. Now more than ever, we need our economic leaders to do just that... lead.

Yes, the Interstate Highway System destroyed regional transit, but it also spelled the end of local transit too... and our cities would never be the same

Zagster/Pace has pulled out of Rochester. Another company will take its place in the future. The important thing to remember is this is not our fault.

With far less traffic on the roads during this time of social distancing, now is our time to truly see what it’s like to live walk and bike along a busy road and feel comfortable

We’ve seen the videos of entire communities singing from balconies in Spain and Italy while in quarantine. Why don’t we see this in US cities?

Maria is the Executive Director of the Community Design Center of Rochester. We talk about quality urban design, public space, transit, balconies, and the future for our cities in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Public transit is taking it at the shins during this time of social distancing. And understandably so. How will these uncertain times change public transit forever?