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The Social Infrastructure of Main Streets
Main Streets are a form of social infrastructure: the everyday places where people see one another, support local businesses, participate in civic life, and feel connected to where they live.


When Sidewalks Become Playwalks
For many of us, play started right outside the front door.
Not in a destination playground. Not in a programmed recreation space. But in the street; on sidewalks, driveways, and quiet neighborhood routes where children could ride, wander, invent games, and slowly learn the world around them.


A Better City Exists After Dark
"Golden Jubilee"- created by Fez BeGaetz, at Couch Park in Portland, OR The Portland Winter Light Festival just wrapped up and it was the kind of reminder our cities need more often; at night public spaces must be safe, of course. Pushing the envelope further though, they can also be luminous. Playful. Curious. A little surprising. Walking through installations this week, I kept coming back to a simple idea: light is more than illumination; it’s invitation . It shapes h


5 Years In: 'A Better City Exists' Portland + Puget Sound
As we close out the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the work, the partnerships, and the everyday moments that add up to real positive change. At First Forty Feet, our mission “a better city exists” isn’t a slogan as much as a commitment to keep showing up, listening, and helping communities turn shared hopes into places that feel more welcoming, resilient, and alive.


Transmilenio: Transforming Bogotá's Commute and Quality of Life
Bogotá, Colombia's vibrant capital, has historically grappled with traffic and transport issues. In 2000, the city unveiled Transmilenio, a


Designing Play Spaces in Cities
Cities are known for industry, commerce, and culture, but play spaces are also crucial for urban residents' well-being, especially children.
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