Economic Development

Finding Returns in Lean Times

Connecting existing assets and social networks with very little additional monetary investment can generate returns in lean times, writes Hazel Borys.

June 15, 2012 - PlaceShakers

Doing it Anyway: How Nonprofits are Tackling the Challenge of Scattered-Site Rentals

Scattered-site rental management is something nonprofits have long found to be a challenge. But there are ways of pulling it off, and those who have done it tell Shelterforce how, and why it’s worth it.

June 9, 2012 - Shelterforce Magazine

Class is (Most Likely) Destiny in the United States

Richard Florida reports on why America ranks second to last among first world nations for economic mobility; the Northeast remains the most mobile region of the country.

June 1, 2012 - Atlantic Cities

The Biggest NYC Infrastructure Project You Haven't Heard of...

NYC's long-declining waterfront industry is expected to experience a new boom time, as the expansion of the Panama Canal will allow double the cargo and much larger ships to call at New York's harbor by 2024.

April 24, 2012 - MetroFocus

Making Regulatory Reform Work in Seattle

Although Seattle's downtown redevelopment may be receiving plaudits, Chuck Wolfe describes efforts underway to rethink land use regulations on a broader level in the city, with jobs in mind.

March 28, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Laying a Brick Foundation for Success in Rwanda

Benita Hussain describes an innovative architecture project serving Rwandan women in their quest to rebuild the country.

March 25, 2012 - Good

Maximizing the Economic Potential of American Cities

Inspired by three books published in the last year that help to elucidate the role of cities and density in making people and countries richer, Ezra Klein compiles some lessons for economic development in the United States.

March 13, 2012 - The Washington Post

Urban Revitalization: Baby Steps or the Magic Bullet?

Writer Tara Sturm explores the merits of incremental urbanism on revitalization efforts with the help of L.A. architect Alan Pullman, highlighting grassroots, community-driven economic development.

February 3, 2012 - Buildipedia.com

Mexican Bridge is an Experiment in Social Engineering

A new bridge completed this month is a key element in a $1.5 billion "superhighway" intended to bring economic development and the rule of law to a place now dominated by some of the country’s biggest illegal drug growers and gangsters.

January 31, 2012 - The Washington Post

The Innovations Building the Next Economy in 2012

Bruce Katz and Judith Rodin identify the forward thinking and innovative solutions that collaborative groups are implementing to restore prosperity to their communities.

January 18, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Want Your City to Thrive? Get More Bandwidth

Jobs of the future will be located in areas with some of the fastest bandwidth in the world -- and American is in sorry shape, writes columnist Thomas Friedman in The New York Times.

January 5, 2012 - The New York Times

California Supreme Court Rules to Eliminate Redevelopment Agencies

The court's decision is likely to have far-reaching effects on how cities in California finance and facilitate urban redevelopment.

December 30, 2011 - Los Angeles Times

Does Local Economic Development Work?

Academic Mario Polèse argues that the history of local economic development is a "story of academic fads", that have "proven of little practical use."

December 26, 2011 - City Journal

The Best Journalism About Cities in 2011

From Braddock, Pennsylvania to Beijing, Nate Berg offers his favorite articles about cities published in 2011.

December 22, 2011 - The Atlantic Cities

Business Leaders Push Back on Philadelphia Red Tape

A report from the Sustainable Business Network recommends policy changes that will help Philadelphia improve business formation and job growth.

November 21, 2011 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Is Urban Life Overrated?

Drawing from lessons learned by a Seattle-based economic development organization working in Africa, Chuck Wolfe notes that "[s]ometimes, finding a way to keep a meaningful rural existence trumps city life."

October 28, 2011 - myurbanist

Struggling Centers Revitalized With New Tenants

With the increasing popularity of online shopping, many shopping centers are losing retailers left and right. More unusual tenants are filling in the gaps, like gun ranges and bounce houses.

October 27, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal

What do Californians Want From Government?

CA Speaker of the Assembly John Pérez discusses the current challenges faced by government in California, drawing particular attention to the struggle for consensus on how the State should support economic development at the local level. (VIDEO)

September 17, 2011 - The Planning Report

The Controversy Over Sports Stadiums Continues

It appears that everyone is talking about the impact that sports stadiums have on urban economic development. As soon as one person says they're a terrible idea, another article will retort the benefits brought to a given city.

August 23, 2011 - Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

How to Turn Around the FHLB's Economic Development

The lackluster performance of the Federal Home Loan Banks' economic development could be improved by following the model of their own Affordable Housing Program, writes Carol Wayman.

August 23, 2011 - Shelterforce

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