Challenges and criticisms of the 15-Minute City (15MC): developing and implementing chrono-urbanism policies in U.S. municipalities

Urban planners are increasingly implementing “15-minute city” (15MC) initiatives to improve livability by minimizing travel times and expanding multimodal transportation options. While numerous studies have documented the success of 15MC policies in Europe, few have addressed challenges in U.S. municipalities, which differ due to Euclidean zoning and sprawl. Despite focusing on accessibility and reducing car dependence, issues of safety and equity are often overlooked, limiting community support and effective evaluation. To address this gap, we analyzed 15MC initiatives in 31 U.S. municipalities and conducted 19 interviews with planners. We expand on chrono-urbanism by integrating time with considerations of pedestrian experience and equity and seek to further understand policy implementation through motivations, performance measures, and challenges. Our findings identify some successes, such as broad political support, land use changes promoting sustainable development, integration of equity and climate change goals, and improved collaboration across departments. However, planners also face implementation challenges, including community resistance to increased density, lack of tools for measuring success, difficulties ensuring the availability of essential services, and concerns about gentrification and displacement in underrepresented communities. Addressing barriers like measuring success, reforming zoning, and protecting vulnerable residents, will be crucial to advancing equitable and effective implementation.