Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis (Master's)

Department or Program

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

First Advisor

David A. Van Wie

Second Advisor

Regine Rosenthal

Third Advisor

Barbara S. Kreiger

Abstract

Climate change poses a pressing challenge of the modern age. With wide-ranging implications for society, many fields play a role in shaping public policy and fostering awareness about the environmental crisis. One approach, the 15-minute city, aims to ensure that all essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This vision reflects a shift toward more sustainable and resilient urban environments. Cities such as Amsterdam, Boston, and Oxford, in adopting key elements of this concept, present diverse case studies for understanding how 15- minute city frameworks can effectively maximize socioeconomic interests. The analysis of Amsterdam’s level of spatial accessibility reveals disparities in tailoring solutions for different demographics. Boston’s approaches to adapting public infrastructure provide a model for understanding the policy mechanisms that can work toward 15-minute city goals. Oxford’s vision, which emphasizes the need for community engagement, presents a balanced approach to development. Through examining these cases, this thesis project explores how social policy mechanisms (e.g., public policies, zoning laws, and infrastructure investments) contribute to the realization of 15-minute cities in Western Europe and the United States.

This thesis also investigates the cultural factors that influence these initiatives and evaluates how demographic variations impact their effectiveness. The landscape of media, policy review, and relevant literature provides a platform for the various narratives. Due to the differing perspectives on climate solutions, this project explores the varied coverage in the pertinent literature. In order to understand the effects of “15-minute cities,” this project also works to introduce factors that impact urbanization and human stability

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