A recent article in Inhabitat magazine encourages readers to re-envision cities by illustrating how sustainable transport solutions can be integrated creatively into the existing urban fabric. The Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) chose ten design teams from contrasting cities like Dar es Salaam, Jakarta and Johannesburg.  The proposals exhibited in Buenos Aires, New York and Mexico City show that “architects and urban planners have re- framed the transport issue to make it integral to urban design”. The article also introduces a report, from ITDP, “Our Cities Ourselves: 10 Principals for Transport in Urban Life”, that describes the elements of transportation system with environmental, social, and economic benefits with examples from neighborhoods and cities around the world.

How can your jurisdiction develop sustainable transportation? Check out the following documents on the Knowledge Network that offer local government strategies for smart growth and sustainable planning.

• The Baltimore Sustainability Plan - outlines the actions being taken by the local government to address the environmental, social and economic future of the City.
• The Livable City Sustainability Plan - states the development agenda of El Paso Texas through interventions like green infrastructure planning and efficient waste management.
• Healthy Decatur: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability – This 2009 ICMA publication illustrates the case of Decatur, Georgia’s successful implementation of smart growth principals to create community cohesion, better health and urban vitality.    

You can also browse the resources on the Knowledge Network’s Sustainability, Smart Growth, Transportation, and Public Transit topic pages. The ICMA Center for Sustainable Communities is also an excellent source for best practice, tools, and resources that help local governments build sustainable communities.