The Digital Press

Jane Jacobs transformed urban planning with her influential book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," advocating for vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods and opposing large-scale urban renewal projects. Her legacy is complex, blending visionary insights with contested ideas, and her work remains a foundational reference in debates about city life and planning.

Why it matters: Jacobs challenged harmful urban renewal policies, promoting pedestrian-friendly, diverse city neighborhoods that influence modern urban design.

The big picture: Her advocacy for organic, human-scale urbanism contrasts with large-scale planning, highlighting tensions between local community needs and broad infrastructure projects.

The other side: Critics note Jacobs’ limited scope on social issues like poverty and crime, and her dismissive stance on experts and large plans.

Commenters say: Readers appreciate the balanced appraisal of Jacobs’ legacy, recognizing her transformative impact while acknowledging her flaws and the ongoing urban complexity beyond her vision.