While most of human history saw people living above their shops and walking to meet daily needs, the post-World War II era of car-dependent suburban sprawl is now giving way to a deliberate return to walkable, mixed-use communities that generate dramatically more tax revenue than traditional development. This course explores the fundamental principles of successful mixed-use development — from pedestrian orientation and connectivity to authentic placemaking and shared parking strategies — through real-world case studies spanning from small-town Georgia to downtown Miami. Whether you're a planner, designer, developer, or public official, you'll learn to distinguish between vertical and horizontal mixed-use applications, articulate the economic benefits to stakeholders, and evaluate what makes these developments successful in creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify basic components for horizontal and vertical mixed-use development in urban settings.
• List different mixed-use developments via case studies to identify similarities, differences, and potential enhancements that improve the safety and well-being of a community
• Compare the social, economic, and physical properties of mixed-use developments with traditional urban developments and land use patterns to benefit the welfare of the community
• Explain a framework for mixed-use developments that improve the safety and security of a community.