Much ink has been spilt on the need for a society that values family-friendly policies, from paid parental leave to tax credits or allowances. These policies help convert consumer families to productive ones.

But what are the specifics of that kind of family economy? The answer is multifaceted. It involves prioritizing, planning and structure.
Family-Friendly Cities

Families are choosing cities with good schools, affordable housing options and a growing job market. They seek neighborhoods with parks, safe walking routes, a range of cultural experiences and other amenities.

The challenge for major urban areas is that they cannot offer the combination of lower prices and more space found in smaller cities and exurbs, but they can make their existing communities more family friendly. Fortunately, there are many ways to do so.

One approach is to test out ideas by revamping individual neighborhoods, as Rotterdam did in 2006. To create a safer, more fun environment for children, the city began by revamping a single neighborhood, Oude Noorden, making streets slower and redesigning public spaces. This is the kind of change that can have a lasting impact.
Parks & Open Spaces

Public open spaces – parks and green areas – are not only an essential part of the urban environment, but also offer many health benefits. Research shows that residents with larger neighborhood parks have higher levels of physical activity, greater social connections and community attachment than those who live in park-barren neighborhoods.

They are also vital to our natural ecosystems, providing habitat ground for native flora and fauna. As urban lungs, they help filter air pollutants and provide ecosystem services such as temperature regulation and water filtration.

Unfortunately, access to these outdoor amenities is often limited by structural and societal barriers. The plan highlights innovative policies, programs, initiatives and creative partnerships that will ensure all New Yorkers have access to parks and open spaces.
Safe & Walkable Streets

For people, walkability is a crucial factor in whether or not a community is worth living in. It encompasses more than just the availability of sidewalks and crosswalks—it also means streets that are safe to walk on, with adequate lighting, clear sightlines, and traffic speeds that are reasonable for people.

Wide, clear sidewalks and a lack of obstructions at intersections promote health and well-being by combating sedentary lifestyles, while pedestrian islands and streetscape improvements encourage social interaction and boost local business vitality. In fact, a pedestrian killed by a car traveling at 30 miles per hour is nine times more likely to die than one hit by a vehicle moving 20 miles per hour.

Widening lane widths and removing site-triangle requirements, which keep buildings and trees away from street corners, can make roads safer to navigate for pedestrians while still satisfying fire codes.
Affordable Housing

Having affordable housing is essential to the economic security of families. Without it, households spend more than they can afford on rent and often cannot pay for other necessities like groceries or health care.

The traditional definition of affordable housing is public or government-funded apartment buildings and complexes reserved for low-income households. Today, most affordable housing programs are focused on promoting mixed-income buildings and neighborhoods through inclusionary zoning and voucher programs.

Regardless of the type of affordable housing, families must qualify based on their income level. Having debt or criminal records, being evicted from other homes, and having a poor credit history can all prevent people from accessing mortgage loans or rental units. The best way to ensure eligibility is through a thorough, transparent process.
A Diverse Community

Diversity is important for a community’s success. It allows people with different backgrounds and experiences to come together, and it helps create a stronger economy. It also ensures that everyone’s needs are taken into account when planning for emergencies.

For example, in 19th century America, the power loom moved an essential aspect of family productivity from the home to the factory, creating a new form of family inequality and requiring philanthropic organizations like Jane Addams’ Hull House to provide succor for poor children bereft of familial care.

When it comes to diversity, shaming doesn’t work. Instead, it’s better to focus on the importance of celebrating everyone’s cultures and making them feel valued. This way, everyone will be more likely to get on board with promoting diversity in the community.محل اسر منتجة