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A framework for relocalization necessitates an efficient and walkable urban form. It also embodies transit wherever feasible. The preeminant movement for the betterment of urban form based on ecological and social principles is New Urbanism. Beginning with the insightful work of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk (DPZ) in the 1980's pursuing what was then termed neo-traditional design. The Congress for New Urbanism (CNU)was formed in 1993 by Peter Katz. Their charter gave substance and philosophy to the concept which includes much of the criteria that underpins sustainability and relocalization programs.
Paralleling the work of DPZ in the 1980's and 1990's was the work of Peter Calthorpe in California who championed the concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) whose website can be found here. Transit Oriented Development focuses a new urbanist form in conjunction with a transit framwork which could be rail or bus to enhance the efficiency and limit or reduce the automobile dependancy of the community.
Congress for New Urbanism - The organization dedicated to promoting a new urbanist philosophy which includes dense walkable neighborhoods, connections to transit, orientation of units to the street, etc.
Green Communities - An organization promoting green developments.
Transit Oriented Development - A commercial site promoting the concept of transit oriented development.
Center for Transit Oriented Development - A national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing best practices, research and tools to support market-based transit-oriented development.
SmartCode Central - A site hosted by DPZ that provides a wealth of information about the SmartCode, which is a version of a zoning code that is form-based rather than text-based. It influences the pattern of development rather than regulating land uses. DPZ was central in its development.
Pattern Language - Hosted by Christopher Alexander, author of the book "A Pattern Language"
Building Liavble Neighborhoods - A mix of good information and consulting/design services.
SprawlWatch - A non-profit offering a cleartinghouse of data regarding smart growth and growth management and tools for addressing sprawl.
National Trust Main Street Center - The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been involved with issues of historical main street commercial centers with its holistic program for ideas and support.
The New Urban Trust Company - A real estate firm that invests in securities and properties that embody new urbanist principles.
Smart Communities Network - Organization providing information on green development, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Global Ecovillage Network - A global confederation of people and communities that meet and share their ideas, exchange technologies, develop cultural and educational exchanges, directories and newsletters, and are dedicated to restoring the land and living "sustainable plus" lives by putting more back into the environment than are taken out. Also see Ecovillage Network of the Americas site in English.
Walk Score: Find a Walkable Neighborhood - Walk Score ranks 2,508 neighborhoods in the largest 40 U.S. cities to help you find a walkable place to live.
Village Earth - A 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable, community-based development around the world by providing innovative training, consultation, appropriate technology information, and project support services.
Relocalizations Small Town Design Archive - A site with photographs of examples of small town architecture, urban design, and infrastructure. Members can upload pictures also.
Small Town Design: Getting It Right
Advice from a new Planners Press book says that appearances reflect quality of life. By Jim Segedy, FAICP, and Tom Daniels (June 2007)
LEED for Neighborhood Development: checklist for criteria
From the pilot program developed by the The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the United States Green Building Council.
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