Next American City
A Discussion About the Post-Gentrification Discussion
“At this point I’m battling gentrification fatigue,” proclaims Dax-Devlon Ross, who has written extensively about his experiences as a self-proclaimed “black gentrifier” in West Harlem.

Accommodating Floods Instead of Destroying Waterways
The flood management story of Boulder, Colorado, includes a successful encounter with a 1,000-year rain event, and its lessons are less about concrete and dams than one might think.
Kansas City Bike Share Program Crowdfunds to Expand (Updated)
The B-Cycle bike share program in Kansas City is using a crowdfunding platform to generate funds for capital investments after an underwhelming attempt to generate funds for operations.
Accounting for the Port Authority’s Failures
The recent George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy, clouded by the presidential aspirations of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, is only the most recent failure of management by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
A Clash of Cultural Sensibilities in South Philly
Allyn Gaestel outlines the tensions that arise as a growing Vietnamese community begins to define the visual character of Washington Ave. in South Philadelphia.
Could Federal Guidance Make Public-Private Partnerships Easier?
Matt Bevilacqua takes a look at a new policy proposal that could pool expertise to help municipalities better coordinate public-private partnerships, "supporting bottom-up infrastructure investment" from the top down.
Making Community Engagement an Asset, Rather than a Chore
What does it mean to truly involve the public in planning processes? Neeraj Mehta finds "too much placation, manipulation and tokenism in our engagement efforts," and identifies principles for collective problem-solving and shared decision-making.
Can Cargo Bikes Replace Trucks and Minivans?
Is the adoption of cargo bikes the next step in America's evolution towards a European model of bikeability?
Tough Questions for Creative Placemakers
The process by which creative types colonize a distressed neighborhood, making it safe for hipsters and developers, has become a common template for urban revitalization efforts. Neeraj Mehta asks who is served, and who isn't, by these forces.
Guide to Building Better Streets Released
This week, NACTO released a preview of its Urban Street Design Guidebook, a document meant to assist local governments in designing their streets on the principle that they're spaces for people and commerce as well as arteries for traffic.
Debate Roundup: Why No Urban Issues?
"Another debate, another lack of urban topics," bemoans Matt Bevilacqua, reporting on last night's presidential town hall debate. Once again, issues of relevance to planners (climate change, transportation, housing, etc.) got nary a mention.
Setting a National Standard for Measuring GHG Emissions
It's hard to believe that in the decades since the impact of greenhouse gas emissions were first recognized, no standard for measuring and calculating emissions has been developed. The introduction of the Community Protocol intends to change that.
Using Twitter as a City's Suggestion Box
Writer David Lepeska offers a great summary of innovative civic technologies and mobile apps being used across the country, and speculates about which city will be the first to use Twitter as a very public suggestion box.
Turning Kids Into Planners
An experiment in Germany engages kids to build micro-cities as playgrounds. The idea is coming to downtown Philadelphia.
San Francisco Puts Affordable Housing Up For a Vote
Boasting some of the highest housing prices in the country, and rising, San Francisco is in desperate need of affordable housing. This November, the city's voters will have a chance to try to remedy the situation with two ballot measures.
Collaboration Breeds New Capabilities in Philadelphia
Alex Vuocolo reports on the new model of multi-stakeholder collaboration that is bringing acclaimed public spaces, and economic growth, to the city of Philadelphia.
Will D.C. Stand Up for America's Cities?
In his column Urban Nation, Harry Moroz argues for deeper involvement from the federal government in urban policy in order to give American cities the fighting chance they deserve to be healthy and enjoyable places to live.
America's Largest Cities Gamble on Casino-led Growth
An expanding number of cities across the U.S. are looking to attract urban casinos, with the hope that further development and money (tax revenues to fill drained city coffers) will follow.
New Orleans Prepares for Biggest Test Since Katrina
Seven years after Katrina made mincemeat of the city's flood protections, Hurricane Isaac is bearing down on the Crescent City. Ingrid Norton looks at what's different this time around.
Open Data Brings Power to the People
As the ways in which cities across the U.S. are utilizing the web continues to increase, open data is changing the way citizens interact with their government. Philadelphia is one city using information to level the power playing field.
Pagination
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie