Ringing in the new year is always a time for reflection and prognostication. That's no different at JVM Studio, but we'll keep things short and sweet.

In 2017, we started JVM Studio as a strategic urban design practice founded to help cities, towns, and neighborhoods shape and benefit from change, and it was a big year for us. Working with the economists at Econsult Solutions, we helped Media, PA develop an economic development strategy focused on further improving the walkability and this charming borough. We participated in symposium hosted by the University of Connecticut that inspired the city of Hartford to eliminate parking requirements citywide. We continued our work for the Old City District by completing the Market Street Transformation Mobility Study, which is now moving toward implementation.

2018 is shaping up to be another exciting year. We're heading up to Cape Cod to help the town of Provincetown re-imagine the possibilities for Pilgrims' First Landing Park, working with market experts at the Riddle Company to reposition a former military base in New Jersey, and hoping to announce a couple transformative projects in Philadelphia early in the year.

Backing up from our own work for the moment... on January 9, the Brookings Institution will publish The New Localism. In the age of democratization of information, Trumpism, and Brexit, we agree that devolution will be a watchword in the years to come. While the 20th Century was a story of strengthening national and international institutions, it is becoming clear that leadership in the 21st Century will, in many ways, be in the hands of mayors and local councils. Communities need to reassess their priorities in an age of urban revival and growth, create private sector partnerships, and write policies and budgets that reflect those values and priorities. Let's make the most of it, together.

Happy New Year, and may 2018 bring you health, happiness, and human scale.