While New Orleans' economy struggles to return to its pre-storm levels, cities such as Mobile, Alabama are reaping the benefits of renewed economic vigor.
"Mobile's fortunes were changed a year ago when Hurricane Katrina hit, destroying much of the coast but striking the metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 here with little more than a glancing blow."
"The sudden twist of fate leaves Mobile poised to play a far bigger role on the Gulf Coast. The storm added considerable strength to Mobile's already reviving economy, as evacuees snapped up apartments and houses and disaster officials set up shop."
"Mobile's resurgence highlights how Katrina, while taking a considerable human toll, also reshuffled the regional economy. Cities like Houston and Baton Rouge, La., have seen their economies flourish since the storm. Other cities, like Gulfport, Miss., and New Orleans were hobbled and remain so."
[Editor's note: Although this article is only available to WSJ subscribers, it is available to Planetizen readers for free through the link below for a period of seven days.]
FULL STORY: Ill Winds of '05 Blew Some Good to Mobile, Ala.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
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
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
