Community / Economic Development
Preserving Historic Centers and Local Populations
The historic centers and plazas of Latin American cities are often viewed as prime prospects for preservation in the hopes of increasing tourism. Often this preservation has a negative affect on locals, but things are beginning to change.
Small Business Skips Bank Loan For Community Investment
Comfort Cafe in Hastings-On-Hudson, NY wanted to expand, but couldn't get a loan in the credit crisis. The owner got creative, and raised the money he needed by selling discount cards to loyal regulars.
Urbanists Calling For Reduced Parking in D.C.
Minimum parking requirements are coming under increasing fire in Washington D.C. This column argues that reducing parking will make the city a better and smarter place.
Why Affordability Matters
In this article, Erick Villagomez argues that affordable housing, by enabling urban diversity, is the key to a city's economic and social sustainability.
The Ephemeral Shopping Mall
Harundale Mall, one of the first enclosed malls built in the country, is now a strip mall. This article contains an examination of its somber decline and the direction in which Harundale--and other malls--may be headed next.
The Future of Urban Agriculture
Whether through community gardening or high-tech "vertical farms" interest is growing in urban agriculture.
Carbon Tax: A Norwegian Case Study Since 1991
Norway's carbon emissions have increased 15% since imposing a carbon tax in 1991, unlike neighbor's Sweden and Denmark where emissions decreased with their carbon taxes. Unlike the oil industry which became carbon-lean, Norway's drivers didn't change
Neighbors Oppose Possible Street Sale in New York
One of New York City's smallest and least-known streets is attracting the eyes of private developers, and the city seems keen to sell. But neighbors say the tiny street is worth preserving.
Specialty Shops Raise Home Values
A recent study of home values in Portland finds that close proximity to such amenities as specialty grocery stores and movie theaters can raise values as much as 20%.
The Real Bailout America's Cities Need
If we can bail out the investment industry, we should be able to bail out our failing infrastructure, according to this column from Neal Peirce.
Genius Grant for Urban Farmer
Will Allen began Growing Power, an urban farming non-profit, in an ailing Milwaukee neighborhood in 1993. He has since spread the gospel of urban farming throughout the world, and earned a MacArthur Genius grant for his efforts.
Greenwich Facing 'Financial Tsunami'
Greenwich, Connecticut is a rich enclave of hedge fund managers- and thus is feeling the pain of the current financial crisis like a ton of bricks. Ned Lamont, a Greenwich resident who ran for Senate in 2006, says, 'This is our Katrina.'
Main Street and the Bailout
Bank of America CEO Kenneth D. Lewis presents the case for Secretary Paulson's proposed financial rescue package, and why Main Street needs it.
Cities Embracing Music Festivals
The Austin City Limits music festival, held at the city's major public park, has inspired other cities to invite festivals to their parks, despite the inherent challenges.
Judge To City: Stop The Manhattanization Of Downtown!
In a huge blow to a city already polarized by a ballot-box planning initiative affecting open space on the November ballot, a judge has halted downtown redevelopment by rejecting the Environmental Impact Report in part because of the 'shadow effect'.
On 'Black Urbanism'
Architects and researchers are looking into the influences of African and African-American culture on urbanism.
Health Care Beyond the Hospital
Gail Christopher is hoping that the next president might take the health care conversation out of the hospitals and into the streets.
Bringing Energy Efficiency to Section 8 Housing
Seven very low-income housing complexes in New Mexico have been renovated to be more energy efficient. The work was made possible by a nonprofit partnership that works in part to put money back in low-income residents' pockets.
After Andrew, Homestead Bounces Back
Once nearly obliterated by Hurricane Andrew, Homestead, FL, is now a thriving city with a bigger and more diverse population than ever. This article takes a look at how it got there and how it plans to further reinvent itself.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
