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Friday Five: Abundance, Innovation, and Map Designs

Published over 1 year ago • 2 min read

Friday Five: Abundance, Innovation, and Map Designs

Happy Friday! Here's what we're reading this week:

What We're Reading This Week:

What the “Abundance” Movement Means for Transportation

A growing faction of technologists and policy influencers is rallying around “abundance” as a new vision for infrastructure—one that emphasizes more of everything: more housing, more transit options, more highways, more airports. This abundance mindset has entered urban policy debates, especially around transportation, where its advocates argue that supply-side growth can solve affordability and accessibility issues. Critics, however, warn that without clear priorities, “abundance” risks becoming a buzzword that greenlights sprawling development and car-centric investments at odds with climate and equity goals.

5 Transportation Startups Partnering with Cities to Shape the Future of Mobility

A new wave of transportation startups is teaming up with local governments to test and scale innovative mobility solutions. From demand-responsive transit services and electrified shuttle systems to smart infrastructure for traffic flow and safety, these companies are working with cities and counties to rethink how people get around. Their focus ranges from equity-driven access to green mobility tech—and while results vary, the partnerships show growing momentum for public-private collaboration in solving complex transit challenges.

National Public Housing Museum Opens in Chicago

The newly opened National Public Housing Museum in Chicago offers a powerful look at how public housing has shaped American cities, policy, and people’s lives. Located in the last remaining building of the former Jane Addams Homes, the museum features recreated apartments, oral histories from residents, and interactive exhibits that explore themes of displacement, community, and resistance. By centering lived experience, the museum aims to challenge stereotypes and spark conversations about the past, present, and future of affordable housing.

NYC's New Subway Map Is Designed to Help You Not Get Lost

New York City has launched a new digital subway map that pays homage to Massimo Vignelli’s iconic 1970s design while offering modern functionality. The updated map blends sleek, abstract aesthetics with real-time data, showing service changes and train locations in an intuitive interface. Designed to improve accessibility and usability, the map aims to make navigating the complex system easier for locals and visitors alike—without sacrificing the elegance of great graphic design.

Memo from SF Mayor Lurie Encourages Housing Near Transit

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has introduced a zoning reform plan aimed at increasing housing density near major transit corridors.The proposal seeks to eliminate low-density zoning restrictions in key areas, encouraging the development of multi-family housing near BART and Muni stations.This initiative is part of the city's strategy to address housing affordability while promoting sustainable, transit-oriented development.The plan has elicited mixed reactions, with some residents expressing concerns about neighborhood character and others supporting the move to alleviate the housing crisis. ​

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urbaneer

written by Michael Natelli

Learn something new every week about the trends shaping cities and the built environment. Join 700+ city nerds looking to stay in the know about planning, transportation, housing, urban innovation, and more.

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