An opinion brief, on defining and messaging urban design's healthcare-equivalent issue.

Democrats are centering the current government shutdown showdown around a salient issue: healthcare. It's a smart framework, as the issue has long been a winner for them, and it benefits large swathes of folks across the political aisle.

We need to do a better job of strategizing our shorthand, and communicating accordingly.

Timeline:

00:00 The urbanist wish list.

00:33 Strategy.

01:29 Lessons from the current government shutdown.

02:24 Why healthcare works.

04:09 Finding a shorthand - safe cities for kids.

05:08 What’s our healthcare?

05:41 Designing and planning for kids.

06:35 The Bike Bus precedents, and safe streets for kids.

07:29 Nostalgia and the long-term play.

08:10 Plugging into mainstream conversations, such as The Anxious Generation.

09:17 Wrapping up.

For context:

ACA enrollee data (Kaiser Family Foundation).