News and Events

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Preference, and Urban Design: A Multi‐Disciplinary National Analysis
A report prepared by Tabitha Combs, Noreen McDonald, and Daniel A. Rodríguez
Submitted to the University of Oregon

The prevalence of and the support for neo-traditional developments (NTDs) in the U.S. has grown over the years, and NTD proponents have long emphasized the development paradigm’s ability to alter travel behavior, reduce dependence on motorized vehicles, and foster social capital among its residents. However, little is known nationally about the actual travel behaviors and social relationships of residents in these neighborhoods, relative to residents of typical suburban neighborhoods. This report summarizes the findings of a national project to examine the travel behavior and social capital of residents of NTDs.

Read the complete report

Katherine Hebert wins a UNC Highway Safety Research Center scholarship

Katherine Hebert, a first year Master’s student, has been awarded a scholarship from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC).  The HSRC conducts interdisciplinary research aimed at reducing deaths, injuries and related societal costs of roadway crashes.  This scholarship was created to encourage student to pursue a career in one of the many disciplines of highway safety.  Katherine completed a Bike and Pedestrian Planning course and attended several conferences this past year which increased her interest in pursing a career in transportation safety.  She intends to continue researching the connections between land use planning, transportation planning and safety.  

Monica Leap, a first year Master's student, has been awarded the Women in Transportation scholarship for North Carolina. Advancing Women in Transportation (WTS) is a national organization of transportation professionals who are committed to career and industry excellence.  The North Carolina Triangle Chapter of WTS awards the scholarship annually to encourage women who are pursuing careers in transportation. Previous DCRP winners include Megan Lewis and Laura Sandt. 

CTP faculty to collaborate with the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention to evaluate SOPARC. SOPARC, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities, will be validated in diverse US populations. This research is funded by NIH/NHLBI in a grant to RAND Corporation. To learn more about SOPARC visit http://activelivingresearch.org/node/10643 .

Jennifer Wieland, a dual degree Master's Student in City and Regional Planning and Public Health, received the Best Colleague Award at this year's DCRP graduation, which took place in May.