by Tanya Zwahlen

Happy 100th birthday to the woman who inspired me to become a planner. The Godmother of Planning. The late, great Jane Jacobs.

My friend Brian loaned me a copy of The Death and Life of Great American Cities in 1998. The idea that sidewalk life is what makes communities safe, social and economically viable resonated with me immediately. I also admired her outspoken critique of urban renewal.  She was a courageous women, and her influence echoes through our modern planning work. The book undoubtedly changed the course of my life. I still have Brian’s copy 18 years later. Never gave it back.

Here is one of my favorite quotes by Jane.