Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

Davidson, North Carolina, population 7,100, isn't the kind of global metropolis that is normally looked to as a cutting-edge example of sustainable transportation planning.

davidson_main.jpgBy making new development walkable and bikeable, Davidson, North Carolina preserved its small town character as it grew. Photo: U.S. EPA

But a new series from Transportation for America holds up tiny Davidson as a national model for the country's smaller cities. T4America is highlighting Davidson's success as part of a series on livability and smart growth in 12 rural areas and small towns.

Davidson has seen a sharp hike in population since 2000, but by increasing transportation options and revitalizing Main Street, the town was able to preserve its character and community. Davidson was the 2004 recipient of a National Award for Smart Growth Achievement from the U.S. EPA.

The key to Davidson’s success, according to Town Planner Kris Krider, was connecting each new housing or commercial development with travel options and broadening the definition of how people move. “Sitting in traffic is not one of the themes of livability that we think is valuable,” Krider said. “It could be a walking path. It could be bike paths. Connectivity is not just streets, it’s connectingpeople.”

T4America is running the series, in part, in support of the Livable Communities Act, as a response to senators who say the bill won't help rural areas. So far they've also highlighted smart growth leaders in Laconia, New Hampshire; Cache Valley, Utah; Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin and Huron, South Dakota, with more to come.

Elsewhere on the Network, Walk Bike New Jersey is helping the League of American Bicyclists build a campaign on behalf of the Active Community Transportation Act; Charleston Moves examines the city of Cincinnati's decision to reopen a number of one-way streets to two-way traffic; and SFBart's Blog highlights the expiration of federal funds to promote public transportation in San Francisco on days when ozone pollution is most hazardous.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Got DOGE’d Again

Amidst uncertainty about future federal funding, Amtrak is cutting $100 million and 450 jobs.

May 9, 2025

Friday Video: Where Was the First Public Bus Route in the World?

...and which surprising historical figure helped launch it?

May 9, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: ‘Normal’ is Not Correct, Someone Died Here

After a crash, the debris is quickly cleaned up and everyone moves on (usually too quickly). But these two experts are asking us to all slow down.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are Not Gonna Pay a Lot for This Truck

President Trump's tariffs, along with rising insurance costs, are driving down Americans' interest in owning a car.

May 8, 2025

How One Suburb is Using Transit to Transform Into a True City

A Washington State suburb may be poised to evolve into a true transit-oriented hub – and offer lessons for other bedroom communities, even during an anti-transit era.

May 8, 2025
See all posts