This past week I’ve seen a number of articles and headlines that center around a common theme, and it ties in nicely with Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative.

We know obesity is an epidemic. We know that most suburban developments are car-centric and pedestrian-hostile.  Ironically, while the exodus to the suburbs for the past 50 years was to provide a better quality life to families – it has made many Americans unhealthier, car-dependent, and stuck in traffic for countless hours a year.

Fortunately, I am able to live in a “20-minute neighborhood” – as do many in Portland. Unfortunately, many do not.  On Wednesday, the Oregonian featured a nice article about the 20-minute neighborhood concept.   Portland’s Bureau of Sustainability and Planning is developing a test neighborhood in a typical suburban neighborhood, with the goal of turning it in to a true 20-minute neighborhood. Click here to read the article. Let’s hope it becomes a successful model for our region.

I was also introduced to a new term this week: slumburbia. It’s a good opinion piece from the New York Times, and I bet the term will stick.

If you’re like me, you’re encouraged by the direction we’re headed – frequently impatient, but encouraged nonetheless.