Can we get it right this time? Local leaders try to reimagine vibrant local downtowns
SPUR’s Urbanist gathers local leaders to consider what it would take to achieve thriving San José, San Francisco, & Oakland downtowns, buzzing with pedestrian malls, green spaces, and tech-driven equity. From car-free streets to student hubs, could this vision blends Silicon Valley innovation with community soul to sidestep the urban doom loop?
San José is hiring newly graduated college students at a faster rate than anywhere else in the nation, which means we have a young population that is transforming what downtown looks and feels like. We are the center of innovation, and I see our infrastructure reflecting that in the years ahead. Robotaxis, glydeways, fully electric skyscrapers, and other advancements are right around the corner.
Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San José
I would like to see San Francisco make a commitment to reconfiguring downtown in a way that speaks uniquely to its values of social, economic, and racial equity and supports, rather than threatens, the neighborhoods surrounding downtown, each of which have deep-rooted identities and soul.
Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director. Chinatown Community Development Center
The downtown San José of the future is a regionally connected place where people live full lives walking, biking, and taking transit. It’s a place where there is always something going on: street fairs, sports and concerts, and new restaurants inspire people. It’s an inclusive place that lets all of San José’s hundreds of subcultures find expression.
Ramses Madou, Division Manager, Planning, Policy, and Sustainability, Department of Transportation, City of San José
I am a believer in the 8/80 concept that says we should strive to provide amenities that can be appreciated by an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old in equal measure. For a city to get downtown right, it should be welcoming with a lot of trees, parklets, and gardens — and no gasoline-powered vehicles. It should be pedestrian friendly with something for all demographics in terms of culture, arts, language, food, music, and recreation.
Subhajeet Seve Ghose, Executive Director, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy
Less cars, more feet on the street, heads in beds and butts in seats.
Andrew Jones, Program Director, Uptown & Downtown CBDs | Oakland Central
If we get it right, downtown San José will show how cities remain critical to the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change, migration, economic opportunity, social justice, and equity. If we get it right, downtown will achieve a clearly articulated identity as a great place to live/work/play/engage — for all residents. If we get it right, community values such as inclusion, curiosity, education, and creativity will be reflected in the lived experience of both residents and visitors. If we get it right, diverse economic and education opportunities will be defining characteristics of downtown.
Brendan Rawson, Executive Director, San José Jazz
Read the whole thing here.
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