Downtown Fort Worth

Today on the Streetsblog Network, Kevin at FortWorthology adds to the ongoing debate over how the smart-growth crowd should view Obama’s stimulus plan. The way he sees it, those expecting meaningful change in transportation policy at the federal level are bound to be disappointed. At the local level, though, things are looking much better, at least in this corner of Texas:

Real change can be effected at the local level. Real
progress can be made at the local level. When the Near Southside
form-based code went into effect, urging development in the district
into a people-focused and cohesive urban pattern, it’s because we (the general we) did it. When you take your first ride on the modern streetcar system, it’ll be because we did it. When you ride your bike down a bike route or lane, it’ll be because we did it.

Plus: winter bike-commuting tips from Bike PGH, musings on the potential virtues of the 7-11 from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space, and the latest on plans for the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle from Orphan Road. You’ll find it all at Streetsblog.net.

Photo by StevenM_61 via Flickr