What is a 15 Minute Neighborhood?

15-minute neighborhoods meet all of the needs of its residents within a 15-minute walk. Mixed-use development integrates where people live, work, and play to build a strong community fabric and encourage social interaction. A reduced reliance on cars decreases congestion and emissions, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles through walking and biking. In a 15-minute neighborhood, people have easy access to grocery stores, schools, parks, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and other essential services, making it easier to meet their daily needs without long commutes or car travel.

Cities across the world have latched on to the 15-minute concept. Most notably, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo began implementing the idea during the 2020 election cycle and COVID. Since 2012, Portland, Oregon has developed complete neighborhoods throughout the city with the goal of having 80% of residents living in such areas by 2035.