Planning Communities for All Ages

Using a 2013 national survey of 1,474 U.S. communities, we differentiate communities that address the needs of children and seniors in planning and zoning codes, and their impacts on the built environment at the street, neighborhood, and housing levels. Structural equation modeling results show engagement and professionalism are the most important drivers of multigenerational planning and zoning codes, and zoning has the greatest impact on built environment outcomes. Denser, larger communities are more child- and age-friendly. Rural communities and places with more seniors lag in response. Attitudes and income are not barriers to action, which gives hope for change.