(Re)Connecting Communities, December ‘25 Updates

Written By Adam Paul Susaneck

(Zoomed versions of each quadrant available below.)

December update of “Reconnecting Communities” news, which focuses on developments relating to overcoming discriminatory urbanism. Like last time, developments are arrayed along two axes: one axis which positions an item based on whether it represents progress towards reconnection, or the opposite; and another axis which (for better or worse) compares whether an item represents transformative change vs. something more ingrained in the status quo. 

On the “Reconnecting” side are developments which are progress away from the legacy of “Segregation by Design.” These include projects which advance spatial justice, such as large-scale infrastructure redesigns for more equitable mobility/land-use/housing, legal victories for affected communities, reparative actions, etc. On the other hand, “Disconnection” is defined as items that are further retrenchment of exclusionary urban design and environmental racism.

Items on the “Transformative” half are developments that move away from present systems and procedures, potentially resulting in fundamental shifts to existing institutions and practices  (again, for better or worse). This includes news involving novel legal arguments, funding mechanisms, infrastructure and design approaches, etc., or which indicate structural/long-term shifts to present institutions. On the other hand, “Status Quo” developments involve making use of established processes and represent less radical departures from existing systems (or, are potentially transformative projects which are still early in the development phase, and whose potential impact is difficult to determine).

Links

Transformative Disconnection

Transformative Reconnection

Status Quo Disconnection

Status Quo Reconnection

Adam Paul Susaneck
Next

(Re)Connecting Communities, Early November ‘25 Update