Community / Economic Development

Harlem is undergoing a rapid change in terms of demographics and income levels. One real estate broker is at the front of driving this change, and many in the neighborhood are not happy about it. But is this change avoidable?

July 11, 2008 - New York Magazine

July 10, 2008 - Ellen Gould and Andrew Pask

Stakeholders in Austin debate the future of a public golf course in the center of town while the University of Texas, owner of the land, debates whether to seek greater profits off the land. Neighbors champion the course as vital open space.

July 9, 2008 - Austin American-Statesman

The Chicago Tribune examines what became of an ambitious city project, led by Mayor Daley, to revolutionize public housing. Private developers received public funding to tear down old projects and replace them with mixed-use neighborhoods.

July 9, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

Officials in Los Angeles have renamed the former "South Central" to remove the stigma of riots in the 1990's. But some business owners and residents say that's had a greater negative consequence than keeping the old name would have.

July 9, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Former single-screen cinemas in New York City and Long Island are reopening as multi-use art centers and helping to stimulate the revitalization of dormant downtowns.

July 7, 2008 - Newsday

Dallas's city council passed an ordinance restricting the percentage of window space a storefront can use for advertisements. Council members say the signs are creating or adding to blight.

July 7, 2008 - Dallas Morning News

The Wall Street Journal looks at this "smart growth" thing.

July 7, 2008 - Wall St. Journal

It's known as the Iron Triangle, though some call the sewerless 13-block collection of auto junkyards just east of Shea Stadium an eyesore and disgrace. A controversial application of eminent domain is at the heart of the $3 billion makeover plan.

July 7, 2008 - Queens Chronicle

Forbes works with the Center for Neighborhood Technology to find the best neighborhoods to get around affordably.

July 4, 2008 - Forbes

In an effort to reduce shipping costs, Wal-Mart is cutting its food miles and passing the savings on to customer by selling locally grown produce.

July 3, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Downtown Phoenix prepares for a facelift with a new form-based code and downtown master plan.

July 3, 2008 - The Arizona Republic

A new study conducted by University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Pittsburgh and Duke University says that the scourge of gentrification is greatly exaggerated.

July 1, 2008 - Time

The article suggests that rising gas prices, enduring subprime mortgage crisis, and some changing demographics (i.e., the aging of Baby Boomers) are all contributing to the greater popularity of central city neighborhoods.

July 1, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

Pennsylvania is putting its money where its mouth is with the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a $120 million fund to encourage inner-city groceries.

June 30, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

West Baltimore residents and community groups see a new light rail project as their way up for their blighted neighborhood.

June 30, 2008 - The Baltimore Sun

Members of the British Parliament attempt to speed up the process for planning major projects. But some advocates and observers fear the public's voice will be muted.

June 25, 2008 - BBC

Steven Malanga writes about the resurrection of Bushwick, a Brooklyn neighborhood, from its decrepit past.

June 24, 2008 - City Journal

An unusual art installation in Trafalgar Square draws attention to Vancouverism: Westcoast Architecture and City Building, an exhibition about the city's achievements in urban development, engineering and architecture.

June 24, 2008 - The Vancouver Sun

Boston's Fort Point Channel neighborhood, New England's largest artist community, is struggling to retain its identity as developers continue to transform studio space into condominiums.

June 24, 2008 - The Boston Globe