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Planning for Family Friendly Communities

The needs of families are not being adequately addressed within many communities. Families have unique requirements relating to housing and neighborhood design, parks and recreation, and transportation. Communities that have addressed these needs have benefited both socially and economically. This series of reports is designed to give practicing planners the background and tools they need to implement family-friendly initiatives of their own.

PAS Memo: "Planning for Family Friendly Communities"

In the spring of 2008, APA, in collaboration with Cornell University, conducted a survey of planners to assess attitudes and barriers to creating family friendly communities. Over 97% of the 944 planners who responded believed that families were an important component for communities both socially (for "community diversity and sustainability"), and economically (a "valuable consumer population"); yet, they also noted that they faced significant obstacles in reaching out and serving this population. The PAS memo, the inspiration for this follow-up report, details these results.

Overview Paper: "Planning for Family-Friendly Communities: Issues and Opportunities"

How can planners create family-friendly communities? This paper highlights a few answers to this question from both academic literature and on-the-ground experience. It explains why families are important Ð both economically and socially Ð to our communities, and what demographic trends mean for the future of family- friendly planning. It also notes challenges planners have faced in creating family friendly spaces, and some innovative solutions planners have developed.

Issue Briefs

"Comprehensive Planning for Family-Friendly Communities"

Comprehensive plans present the needs, goals, and objectives of a community. Families with children have needs in housing, transportation, and community design which may not be adequately addressed without special consideration. This issue brief will discuss how planners can incorporate these considerations into their comprehensive plans, while also providing suggestions on navigating the politics of the process.

"Reaching Out: Youth and Family Participation"

In the APA/Cornell survey, 48% of planners noted the need to have parents actively involved in the planning process. When asked follow-up questions, however, less than half took even simple steps to make such participation possible. Parents and children hold unique and valuable information about a community that is unlikely to be ascertained elsewhere. This brief discusses methods of increasing parental and youth engagement.

"Housing and Family-Friendly Communities"

Planners need to consider many factors in meeting the housing needs of families. They should determine what type of housing is required and what the surrounding neighborhoods should look like. They need to know how demographic and economic trends may alter future housing demands. Planners also must consider whether the housing supplied (owner-occupied or rental) is going to be affordable for families after energy and commuting costs. This brief examines these issues, while highlighting some innovative approaches taken by planners to meet these unique demands.

"Transportation and Family-Friendly Communities"

Families will not invest in a community unless they have access to its amenities, and access begins with transportation. Planners need to reconsider the role of transportation within their communities - how and why roads are designed the way they are; whether more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure should be developed - to ensure families have the access they require. This brief discusses four major issues in family- friendly transportation including the "Complete Streets" movement, the "Safe Routes to School" program, trip chaining, and transit-oriented development.

"Expanding Lifestyle Amenities for Families: Parks and Recreation"

Accessible recreational opportunities and environments are important for the development of family friendly communities. Parks are more than just places to enjoy leisure activity; they have been shown to enhance childhood development, improve neighborhood safety and public health, and foster local arts. Moreover, investments in parks and recreation may be easier to obtain than other "family friendly" initiatives, with local municipalities demonstrating a willingness to implement zoning changes for open green space.

Case Studies

East Lansing, Michigan

East Lansing prides itself on the quality of life it provides for its citizens. It offers families safe neighborhoods, access to quality childcare, an affordable housing stock, and a low cost of living. It is active in downtown redevelopment, engaging in "better design" practices such as mixed-use redevelopments and open space greenways, and is working to improve its transportation network.

Trenton, New Jersey

Trenton has a diverse population with a median income that is 70% of the national average. It has struggled economically. Within this challenging context, the City has launched innovative family friendly initiatives. Trenton was named America's "Most Livable City" in 2005, showing that even challenged communities can provide family friendly amenities.

Burlington, Vermont

The City of Burlington is a healthy, green, and walkable city. It has been named "One of America's Best Places to Raise Your Kids" by Business Week. This case study examines Burlington's strategies for maintaining its family-friendly nature, particularly relating to its transportation, recreation, participation, and housing policies.

Frederick, Maryland

The City of Frederick is implementing several programs to become more "family friendly," particularly programs which promote affordable housing. The City has had to engage in inter- governmental cooperation to address budget and timing issues as it pursues program implementation.

Miramar, Florida

Miramar planners are re-visioning their community as a family-friendly, full-service city, and are promoting density and sustainability in the midst of south Florida sprawl. Initiatives take full advantage of the community's green spaces, promote alternative forms of transportation, minimize environmental impact, and educate youth about sustainability.

Vignettes: Lombard, IL; Weston, WI; and Rockwall, TX



About the project

This project is part of a larger initiative on Planners' Role in Creating Family-Friendly Communities, directed by Professor Mildred Warner. Project Team includes: Erica Gutierrez, Kathleen Hoover, Jinwoo Kwon, Kevin McAvey and Briana Olson. This research is funded in part by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. We would like to thank Ann Dillemuth and Kim Hodgson of the APA for reviewing our material and providing valuable input.