Curtin Call: March 2025

As we make our way through 2025 (March, already?), the world around us is buzzing with change—some of it exciting, some of it challenging and all of it shaping the way we live, work and connect. From breathing new life into downtowns through arts and culture to figuring out how AI can be more of a helpful sidekick than a sci-fi villain, there’s a lot to unpack this month.  

Here are a few of the articles and stories that piqued my interest this month, and worthy of one more time in the spotlight:  

On Revitalizing Downtowns with Arts and Culture 

Want to make downtown feel alive? Just add art. Cities across the country are proving that murals, music festivals and creative spaces can transform once-forgotten streets into vibrant hubs of activity. Seattle is leading the charge with public art initiatives, while Kennewick, WA, is turning historic spaces into storytelling canvases. The result? A cultural renaissance that attracts visitors, boosts local businesses and gives communities a deeper sense of identity. 

On Thinking Outside the (Housing) Box 

The housing crisis isn’t going anywhere, but according to this Planetizen article, cities are getting more creative in tackling it. Think backyard cottages, mixed-use neighborhoods and zoning updates that prioritize walkability over car dependency. However, change takes time and the demand for affordable housing isn’t waiting around. The faster these reforms move; the better positioned cities will be to combat rising costs and homelessness. 

On Gen Z Jobseekers Changing the Hiring Game 

Hiring in 2025? You’d better be on social media. Gen Z is rewriting the job search playbook, leaning on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to discover opportunities. Many would even consider skilled trades—if the training was covered. Rethink recruitment strategies to meet this digital-first, socially conscious generation where they are. 

On Sustainable Urban Living: A Blueprint from India 

Palava City, India’s first integrated greenfield smart city, is setting the standard for sustainable urbanization. With solar energy, waste-reducing construction and a 5-10-15-minute walkability model, it’s proving that cities can be green, efficient and livable. Could this be a roadmap for urban planning worldwide? We hope so. 

On Understanding Rural America 

Rural America doesn’t get the credit it deserves. These communities drive $2.7 trillion of the U.S. GDP and are growing in diversity and economic impact. The outdated narrative of decline doesn’t hold up—rural areas are evolving, innovating and playing a critical role in the national economy. It’s time to rewrite the script.