ECO-DISTRIBUTE CINCINNATI

"Transforming Cincinnati's delivery landscape with innovative technology and sustainable practices. Focusing on reducing environmental impact and congestion, by utilizing underutilized spaces as distribution centers for streamlined, eco-friendly last-mile delivery. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, the goal is to revolutionize logistics, enhance the urban experience, and make Cincinnati a global model for efficient, sustainable product delivery."

The surge in e-commerce and the subsequent rise in product deliveries have transformed the urban landscape, particularly affecting the daily experience within our cities. The expansion of delivery vehicles crowding curbsides has increased congestion, creating challenges for both transportation and the overall flow of urban life. This influx of vehicles has also contributed to environmental issues, adding to pollution, and intensifying climate concerns. As the demand for online shopping continues to grow, finding effective solutions to mitigate these negative impacts becomes imperative for the sustainability and livability of our urban environments.

Emerging transportation technologies and innovative urban planning can help to address the challenges posed by the surge in e-commerce. By incorporating efficient and sustainable distribution methods, cities can alleviate congestion and reduce their carbon footprint. The key focus of this solution is leveraging underutilized spaces and implementing eco-friendly modes of delivery, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, drones, and other alternative transportation solutions. These strategies not only enhance the efficiency of product distribution but also contribute to creating a more environmentally conscious and resilient urban infrastructure, fostering a balance between the convenience of e-commerce and the sustainable well-being of our cities.

As guidance to address this problem and determine the effect on planning, I used various sections from the 2022 – 2024 APA Trend Reports for Planners. In the 2022 APA Trend Report for Planners, under the “Decarbonization and Diversification of Transportation” trend there are mentions of Electric Vehicles (EVs), Micromobility, Rethinking the Public Right-of-Way, and Curb Management Technologies. These items along with the insights given from the report can serve as inspiration and guidance to innovate and enhance Urban Logistics.

In the 2022 report, there is also a section on the “Automation of Transportation” that focuses specifically on autonomous vehicles and autonomous deliveries, which are a key aspect of the solution for the stated problem. (2022 Trend Report for Planners)

The 2023 APA Trends Report includes a section on “Equitable, Environmentally Responsible Transportation” which mentions the importance and impact of Electric Vehicles, E-Bikes, and Cargo Bikes, often used for deliveries within dense and urban settings across the world. (2023 Trend Report for Planners)

The 2024 APA Trends Report highlights the importance of emerging technologies in today’s cities and transportation network under the “Emerging Forms of Transportation” section. The section mentions Urban Air Mobility, Autonomous Vehicles, and Truck Electrification which are all key resources and aspects of the proposed solution. However, I think the most important part is the “Preparing for robots” subsection that describes the phenomenon of robots of all shapes and sizes entering our city and contributing to our society. It seems like a futuristic idea; however, it is not very far-fetched. Robots providing services like product delivery, public safety, and street cleaning are starting to emerge in cities across the world. (2024 Trend Report for Planners)

These solutions will vary based on the site typology and existing infrastructure

Three different typologies in Cincinnati

Comi, A., & Nuzzolo, A. (2012). Urban Freight Transport Policies in Rome: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead. ResearchGate. Retrieved from  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248707389_Urban_Freight_Transport_Policies_in_Rome_Lessons_Learned_and_the_Road_Ahead 

How Can We Deliver Sustainable City Logistics. (2024, February 27). Retrieved from  https://www.tomorrow.city/how-can-we-deliver-sustainable-city-logistics 

Quak, H. J. (2012). Improving Urban Freight Transport Sustainability by Carriers – Best Practices from The Netherlands and the EU Project CityLog. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 39(3), 158–171. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.03.098

Rome - ULaaDS - Urban Logistics as an on-Demand Service. (2022, March 01). Retrieved from  https://ulaads.eu/cities/rome 

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2022 Trend Report for Planners. (2022, January 18). Retrieved from  https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9228382 

2023 Trend Report for Planners. American Planning Association. Retrieved from  https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9263250 

2024 Trend Report for Planners. (2024, February 26). Retrieved from  https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9284143