walkboston good walking good business presentation
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WalkBoston Good Walking Good Business PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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good walking is good business
making massachusetts more walkable
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Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. P.T. Barnum
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15 minutes with WalkBoston
who we are / what we do why walkability makes economic sense low-cost strategies for making vibrant pedestrian
areas with prosperous results
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making massachusetts more walkable
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A walkable community is: unique, welcoming and friendly active, varied, with reasons and places to linger
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1. why good walking is good business
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If you want: more potential customers happy, healthy employees higher, stable property values public sector cost savings
Then make walking: safe for everyone easy and convenient interesting and fun comfortable and inviting
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Retailer, homeowner, city official, or CEO walkability helps your entire community grow and prosper
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Local businesses
....... thrive in densely-built, walkable communities, and are more likely to stock local products, supporting other local businesses.
American Independent Business Alliance, 2003
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Attracting & retaining employees
Younger workers want to be in walking distance of work, restaurants, and shopping; theyre looking for more social interaction.
CNN/Fortune, 2011
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Employer advantages walking keeps workers alert, productive and healthy working in a walkable neighborhood appeals to employees cost of employee-friendly amenities is reduced
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Employers & employees
Employees can save $16 for every $1 they spend on health and wellness, and workplace fitness programs have been shown to reduce employer health care costs by 20% 50%.
American Heart Association, 2011
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Municipal & State budgets
If one in ten Massachusetts adults started a regular walking program, the state would save $121 million in heart disease expenditure annually.
MA Department of Public Health, 2008
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Public sector savings compact, mixed-use development has lower infrastructure costs [roads, sewers, etc] offers independence to seniors, youth and non-drivers
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A growing market
Nearly half of the U.S. population 150 million baby boomers and their children may be in the market for walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods with smaller homes. Brookings Institution, 2011
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Real Estate
Real estate values over the next 25 years will rise fastest in communities with a compact mix of residential and commercial districts in a pedestrian-friendly configuration. Real Estate Research Corp, 2002
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Putting a number on property values Walk Score: the new real estate barometer proximity to stores, schools, parks, etc., adds value
A 10-point increase in Walk Score increases commercial property values by 5% 8%. [University of Arizona & Indiana University, 2010]
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Homebuyers
Homebuyers will pay a $20,000 to $34,000 premium for homes in pedestrian-friendly communities. CEOs for Cities, 2009
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Community support
Small-scale pedestrian improvements along streets result in higher physical activity levels and have high levels of public support. Centers for Disease Control, 2011
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2. making walkable places
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People walk when walking is: safe for everyone interesting and fun comfortable and inviting
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safe for everyone
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Allow people to get where they need to go streets & sidewalks balance walking, biking, transit, with cars paths and crosswalks are where they are needed
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Norwood MA: Once overlooked, the needs of pedestrians on both sides of the street are addressed, without needing torelocate parking
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Make people want to be there signs and crosswalks alert drivers to potential walkers walking surfaces are smooth and well-lit
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interesting & enjoyable
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Draw people in people want to see and be seen activity outside and inside draws interest and attention
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Make people want to be there banners and art contribute to civic pride festive lighting encourages evening activity year-round
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Variety varied activities ensure its a destination at all times a mix of offices, shops, restaurants and residences makes it convenient
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comfortable & inviting
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Public facilities allow people to stay and linger
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Year-round maintenance attracts walkers and shoppers
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Separate people from moving cars slow traffic makes it feel safe to walk provide a buffer between the sidewalk and moving traffic
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3. how to start
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Create an engaging sidewalk experience
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Activate storefronts windows should allow people to see into the store transparency of storefronts deters crime
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Get and keep visitors attention encourage social interaction make it a place they want to return to
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Community input use low-cost chalkboards and stickers collect ideas for vacant buildings
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Interactive technology free wifi, SCVNGER apps and QR codes encourage people to pause and engage audio history projects celebrate community
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Start small & build over time
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Experiment with pop-up/temporary retail offer short-term permits, low rent, month-to-month leases plan weekly and monthly markets
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Test infrastructure changes as pilot projects Times Squares new pedestrian space only $4,000 was spent on lawn chairs
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Use low-cost events to bring people in
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Spontaneous Dancing | Boston, MA & Columbus, OH every age and ability can participate little to no preparation needed
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ArtPrize | Grand Rapids, MI 100,000 paper airplanes 20,000 spectators attracted total cost was under $1,000 with many volunteers
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Human Dogsled Race | Lowell, MA attracts visitors from around the region treats winter as an asset
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Scavenger Hunt | Quincy, MA collaboration attracted new business participants enjoyed fun activities
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Take advantage of community resources build partnerships, coalitions and community spirit tap into volunteer, social and business organizations
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If you want: more potential customers happy, healthy employees higher, stable property values public sector cost savings
Then make walking: safe for everyone easy and convenient interesting and fun comfortable and inviting
summary
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WalkBoston can help: provide guidance, speakers, programs, technical assistance create a walking map for your district offer inspiration, resources, success stories: walkboston.org
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good walking is good business
making massachusetts more walkable
617.367.9255 | [email protected] | www.walkboston.org