This City Life

Jillian Glover works in communications and media relations. Her passion in that space is connecting with people about urban issues.
Jillian writes about cities at a few places online, including her own blog — This City Life.

Her writing is paying off. This City Life was recently named one of the Top 10 urban blogs on Tumblr. Jillian is also a contributor at Sustainable Cities Collective and This Big City.

We often talk about design details on Urbanism Speakeasy. This week our focus is on the everyday observations around a city. Jillian lives in Vancouver, Canada, but I can already tell you her observations and insights will resonate with you regardless of your hometown.

The isolation of auto-oriented development

Jillian has written about her years growing up in the 1980s in a typical suburban neighborhood. It sounded really familiar. (Please don’t tell my mom about the number of times I played frogger around traffic moving at 45-55 mph.)

A lot of cities are sprawled out just like the stereotypical suburbs. You’ll probably relate to her comments about wanting connection with other people as a teenager, but being forced to rely on cars. Adventures were not accessible.

“Smart growth settlement patterns” are also called by a less technical phrase–common sense.

Aren’t sprawled out, auto-oriented developments supposed to be freer and safer? Or using today’s jargon–more livable? Decades of evidence say no. With or without high tech gadgets, humans want to connect with other humans. That happens more often when people settle relatively close together.

Once Jillian was out on her own, she stayed in Vancouver but sought a different setting. She moved inward–toward the compact urban developments.

She recently wrote about Toronto being recognized as a great place for young people to live. She talks about ingredients young people are looking for when they relocate, and whether or not those relate to her own path within Vancouver.

Livable Laneways

Jargon alert! Jillian talks about the back alleys of Vancouver. No, not scary or intimidating pockets of despair. These are places that have become attractions for people. Jillian talks about some exciting (and sometimes easy!) ways to liven up public space.

The topics I’m drawn to most are…

I’m not spoiling this. Listen to the show! Jillian absolutely has favorite topics in her freelance writing.

Connect with our guest

Want to follow up with Jillian Glover? Find her here:

• Twitter (Jillian)
• This City Life (Tumblr)
• This City Life (Facebook)