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An area that is generally open and accessible to people. Roads, public squares, parks, and beaches are typically considered public spaces. Quality public spaces contribute to urban livability and social interaction.

Not In My Backyard: A characterization of opposition by residents to a proposal for a new development because it is close to them. Often the residents do support the development's objectives in principle but oppose its implementation in their area.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: A multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through urban and environmental design. CPTED strategies are used to increase surveillance, strengthen territoriality, and control access.

A small park accessible to the general public and is usually created on a single vacant building lot or on small, irregular pieces of land. They provide a green oasis in dense urban environments.

A development that combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses into one space. It aims to create walkable neighborhoods and reduce the need for automobiles.

Low Impact Development: A land planning and engineering design approach to manage stormwater runoff as part of green infrastructure. LID emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features to protect water quality.

A legal set of rules dictating how land within certain areas of a municipality can be used. These codes may specify types of buildings, densities, heights, and how buildings can be used.

Upzoning: The process of changing the zoning of an area to allow for higher density of development. This is often used to encourage more compact and efficient urban forms.

A form of urban development that promotes walkable neighborhoods with a dense mix of housing and jobs. Neotraditional developments are typically contrasted with the car-dependent suburban sprawls.

Tax Increment Financing: A public financing method used for subsidizing redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community-improvement projects in certain districts through future gains in taxes.

Bus Rapid Transit: A high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacities. It involves dedicated lanes, busways, and typically enhanced station design.

The process of cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated land. It involves assessing and removing hazardous substances to make the land safe for new development.

An urban planning theory that emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. It focuses on curbing urban sprawl, promoting transit options, and developing compact, walkable urban centers.

A process of neighborhood change that results in the displacement of lower-income residents by higher-income ones. It typically involves the renovation of housing and can result in increased property values and rents.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: A widely used green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices for promoting environmental and health performance.

Food Enterprise Zone: A designated area that supports local food production, processing, and distribution activities. The zone aims to improve access to healthy food and boost local food economies.

A zoning ordinance that requires a certain percentage of new housing to be affordable for people with low to moderate incomes. It aims to create mixed-income residential areas and prevent gentrification.

The process of creating quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and well-being. It involves designing inviting and vibrant spaces that encourage community interaction.

A corridor of protected open space managed for conservation and recreation purposes. Greenways often follow natural land features and are used to connect parks and other natural areas, providing pathways for people and wildlife.

Objects and pieces of equipment installed on streets and roads for various purposes. This includes benches, trash bins, bus shelters, signage, and streetlights. They enhance the usability and aesthetics of public spaces.

Areas where the demand for public transit is high but the supply of public transit services is low. These areas often suffer from inadequate access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

The right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation. It can be a contentious issue when used for urban redevelopment projects.

Floor Area Ratio: The ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built. This is used in zoning to limit the size and scale of buildings.

Best Management Practices: The practices, techniques, and measures that are considered most effective and practical in reducing environmental impacts. In urban planning, it often refers to methods of managing stormwater runoff.

Transit-Oriented Development: A type of urban development that maximizes residential, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport. It aims to reduce reliance on cars and to promote more sustainable urban growth.

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. It is characterized by low-density, automobile-dependent development on the edges of cities and towns, typically leading to longer commutes and increased pollution.

The process of developing vacant or under-used parcels within existing urban areas that are already largely developed. It is a key feature of sustainable urban development strategies to prevent sprawl.

A program of land redevelopment in areas suffering from urban decay. It aims to improve urban infrastructure, provide public amenities, and often involves the clearance of slums.

A transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be designed to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.