Imagine living in a place where everything you need is a 15-minute walk, bike, or public transit ride away? This concept isn’t new. It’s been an urban planning strategy since the early 1900s.
15-minute cities gained popularity in 2019, as countries around the world grappled with the effects of the climate crisis.
Carlos Moreno, a French-Colombian professor, expanded on the idea when he proposed decentralizing downtown businesses. By scattering economic development throughout a city, more neighborhoods could become sustainable.
Ideally, this link of hyper-local living would also fulfill five social functions: working, supplying, caring, learning and enjoying.
Stronger Communities
The pandemic showed us how important social connections are. Designing cities around people could provide a template for building stronger communities.
There are magnificent people and places to discover in every street of a town. Getting to know your neighbors, shopkeepers and the surrounding natural world is enriching and helps us feel a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Local living
During the pause, I redesigned my life around my San Francisco neighborhood.
Most services and natural beauty are a 15-minute walk away. The Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay surround this district that includes many parks, beaches, and miles of trails.
Since I live within the Clement and Geary business districts, I walk to multicultural grocery stores, a farmers’ market, drugstores, and chain supermarkets. Restaurants, bakeries and cafes abound.
The hairdresser, dentist, car repairman, and shoe repair shop are nearby. Trader Joe’s, Target and doctors are a 15-minute bus ride away. Art museums, movie theaters, libraries and a post office provide culture and connection.
Downtown became a distant memory as I immersed myself in the community at my own speed.
On the flip side, there are many empty small business storefronts in the district. Economic opportunities are not an organic part of this part of the city unless one works remotely.
Responsible ancestors
There is a ballet going on every day on local streets. The choice to re-nature and reconnect to the places we call home can enrich our lives and cool down the planet.
What are three choices you can make in the next month to support local businesses, build community and create an oasis in your neighborhood?