continues to adopt plans and policies to improve mobility options and access for those who live and work in the downtown area. The <strong>Raleigh</strong> 2030 Plan, adopted in 2009, positions 60-70% of all new growth in designated centers 4 , including the downtown area. With 15,000 residents within one mile of the State Capitol (at the head of Fayetteville Street), 40,000 downtown employees, and 41,000 students attending fi ve local universities 5 (a population largely relying on walking, public transportation, and bicycles), downtown <strong>Raleigh</strong> is ripe with potential pedestrian activity. The City’s development history – $9.9 million projects complete in 2010, and a planned $433 million projects underway 6 – sets the pace for a wave of new inhabitants, including residential, offi ce, and retail. Efforts to increase desired use of the urban core include programmatic elements: First Friday, <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Downtown</strong> Farmers Market, Winterfest, <strong>Raleigh</strong> Wide Open, and other seasonal events. Design improvements, including the 2005-2006 restoration of Fayetteville Street from a pedestrian mall to a vehicular thoroughfare, increase exposure of storefronts to those inhabiting the downtown streets. Cultural attractions provided by the <strong>Raleigh</strong> Amphitheater, Marbles Kids Museum, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Lincoln Theater, City Plaza and others, also provide a draw. Sidewalks and public transportation provide connections between these attractions, events, restaurants, retail establishments, and offi ces. Current improvements to pedestrian experience, as well as service by the R-LINE, rickshaws, and Capital Area Transit (CAT) busses can encourage people to leave their cars parked and navigate the city in more sustainable ways. Street trees and vegetation provide comfort and safety for pedestrians. 4 (The City of <strong>Raleigh</strong>, 2009) 5 (<strong>Downtown</strong> <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>, 2010) 6 (<strong>Downtown</strong> <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>, 2010) 2.4-Introduction | <strong>Downtown</strong> <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>
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