WalkBoston%20Good%20Walking%20is%20Good%20Business%20presentation

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

A walkable community is: • unique, welcoming and friendly • active, varied, with reasons and places to linger

1. why good walking is good business

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

Retailer, homeowner, city official, or CEO — walkability helps your entire community grow and prosper

Local businesses

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....... thrive in densely-built, walkable communities, and are more likely to stock local products, supporting other local businesses.

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— American Independent Business Alliance, 2003

Attracting & retaining employees

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Younger workers want to be in walking distance of work, restaurants, and shopping; they’re looking for more social interaction.

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— CNN/Fortune, 2011

Employer advantages • walking keeps workers alert, productive and healthy • working in a walkable neighborhood appeals to employees • cost of employee-friendly amenities is reduced

Employers & employees

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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%.

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— American Heart Association, 2011

Municipal & State budgets

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If one in ten Massachusetts adults started a regular walking program, the state would save $121 million in heart disease expenditure annually.

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— MA Department of Public Health, 2008

Public sector savings • compact, mixed-use development has lower infrastructure costs [roads, sewers, etc] • offers independence to seniors, youth and non-drivers

A growing market

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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

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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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A 10-point increase in Walk Score increases commercial property values by 5% – 8%.

[University of Arizona & Indiana University, 2010]

Putting a number on property values • Walk Score: the new real estate barometer • proximity to stores, schools, parks, etc., adds value

Homebuyers

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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

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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

People walk when walking is: • safe for everyone • interesting and fun • comfortable and inviting

safe for everyone

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

Norwood MA: Once overlooked, the needs of pedestrians on both sides of the street are addressed, without needing to relocate parking

Make people want to be there • signs and crosswalks alert drivers to potential walkers • walking surfaces are smooth and well-lit

interesting & enjoyable

Draw people in • people want to see and be seen • activity outside and inside draws interest and attention

Make people want to be there • banners and art contribute to civic pride • festive lighting encourages evening activity year-round

Variety • varied activities ensure it’s a destination at all times • a mix of offices, shops, restaurants and residences makes it convenient

comfortable & inviting

Public facilities allow people to stay and linger

Year-round maintenance attracts walkers and shoppers

Separate people from moving cars • slow traffic makes it feel safe to walk • provide a buffer between the sidewalk and moving traffic

3. how to start

Create an engaging sidewalk experience

Activate storefronts • windows should allow people to see into the store • transparency of storefronts deters crime

Get and keep visitors’ attention • encourage social interaction • make it a place they want to return to

Community input • use low-cost chalkboards and stickers • collect ideas for vacant buildings

Interactive technology • free wifi, SCVNGER apps and QR codes encourage people to pause and engage • audio history projects celebrate community

Start small & build over time

Experiment with pop-up/temporary retail • offer short-term permits, low rent, month-to-month leases • plan weekly and monthly markets

Test infrastructure changes as pilot projects • Times Square’s new pedestrian space • only $4,000 was spent on lawn chairs

Use low-cost events to bring people in

Spontaneous Dancing | Boston, MA & Columbus, OH • every age and ability can participate • little to no preparation needed

ArtPrize | Grand Rapids, MI • 100,000 paper airplanes — 20,000 spectators attracted • total cost was under $1,000 with many volunteers

Human Dogsled Race | Lowell, MA • attracts visitors from around the region • treats winter as an asset

Scavenger Hunt | Quincy, MA • collaboration attracted new business • participants enjoyed fun activities

Take advantage of community resources • build partnerships, coalitions and community spirit • tap into volunteer, social and business organizations

If you want: • more potential customers • happy, healthy employees • higher, stable property values • public sector cost savings

summary Then make walking: • safe for everyone • easy and convenient • interesting and fun • comfortable and inviting

WalkBoston can help: • provide guidance, speakers, programs, technical assistance • create a walking map for your district • offer inspiration, resources, success stories: walkboston.org

good walking is good business 617.367.9255 | info@walkboston.org | www.walkboston.org

making massachusetts more walkable