This article takes a look back at the small-town urban renewal success of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and its long-lasting effects.
"Newburyport's downtown revival of the 1960s, '70s and '80s left an indelible mark. It made the city a national model for preservation. It restored a dying downtown."
"And it caused enormous social changes that have stretched over 30 years and counting."
"Newburyport wasn't the first to shun the 'federal bulldozer,' the pejorative name for the urban renewal practice of tearing down the core of old cities and rebuilding them."
"But by the mid-1970s, its story was so compelling, its turnaround so quick and its physical attractiveness so becoming, it became the poster child for success - even though it hadn't entirely succeeded."
"Against a national backdrop in which America was struggling to revive its inner cities, Newburyport's successes were widely applauded. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor and many other newspapers trumpeted the spirit of renewal and restored charm. Typical of the headlines was one from the Lowell Sun: 'Newburyport: A City that Came Back.'"
Read the full story: A city’s ‘character’ changed for good
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off
After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.
Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?
Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.
Chicago's streets are littered with dead birds. Will the city protect them?
Chicago sits in the route of migratory birds traveling south. Its abundance of glass buildings and bright lights make it particularly disorienting for the animals.
CA city to shut down airport, transform it into utopian park
The western side of the 200-acre park will feature a dog park, nature education center and arboretum.
NYC to vote on supporting outdoor dining, streamlining bus and bike lane creation
The city has five proposed amendments to its municipal constitution on the ballot this November.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority