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Top 5 Books on Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Explore 5 must-read books on urban planning and infrastructure that will transform your understanding of roads, highways, and walkable cities.
Book Summaries
How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
Jeff Speck, an urban planner, presents compelling arguments for creating pedestrian-friendly cities, making this book essential for understanding modern urban infrastructure.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Walkability is the key to creating vibrant, sustainable cities
- Car-centric design has degraded urban environments and public health
- Mixed-use development and density are essential for walkable communities
Jez Humble's insights into continuous delivery can be applied to urban infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of efficient processes in public works and development.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Continuous Delivery: Automating the Software Release Process
- The Deployment Pipeline: A Framework for Reliable Software Releases
- Build and Deployment Automation: Scripting for Consistency
How America Criminalizes the Poor in the Name of Justice
Tony Messenger's investigative work sheds light on how urban policies can disproportionately affect the poor, making it a crucial read for understanding the intersection of justice and urban planning.
3 Key Takeaways:
- The criminalization of poverty perpetuates a cycle of debt and incarceration
- Court fines and fees have become a backdoor tax on the poor
- Cash bail and private probation companies exacerbate inequality in the justice system
Saving America by Trusting Americans
Mitch Daniels, a former governor, offers insights into the importance of effective governance and infrastructure, making this book relevant for those interested in public policy and urban development.
3 Key Takeaways:
- America faces a debt crisis that threatens its future
- Government has become too large and intrusive
- Entitlement reform is necessary to avoid fiscal catastrophe
Leading and Succeeding in the Public Sector
Ira Goldstein's guide to federal management provides essential strategies for navigating public sector challenges, making it a valuable resource for those involved in urban planning and infrastructure projects.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Define success through goals, stakeholders, resources, and timeframes
- Empower and motivate your people as the most valuable asset
- Manage technology as a tool, not a solution
