Community / Economic Development
LA County Makes Progress Toward Sustainability Goals
A newly released annual report by the Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) shows that Los Angeles County is making progress on meeting the goals of the OurCounty Sustainability Plan.
A Better Understanding of Smart Growth Benefits
Smart Growth creates compact, multimodal communities where residents consume less land, drive less, and rely more on non-auto modes. Planners have important stories to tell about the benefits of Smart Growth.
Carson to Host California Land Recycling Conference
In September 2024, the Center for Creative Land Recycling will hold its annual conference in Carson, California, offerings opportunities to learn about the reuse of underutilized and contaminated properties.
Former Georgia Mall Revived by Pickleball
Macon-Bibb County is converting the largely defunct commercial center into a civic complex with county offices and recreation facilities.
New Waterfront Park Opens at the Port of Los Angeles
The $77.3 million new park offers unprecedented public access to the water’s edge for the Wilmington community where 18% of the total land area is taken up by oil refineries — almost 3.5 times more space than is dedicated to green space.
Downtown Chicago Vacancy Rates at All-Time High, Slashing Building Values
Record vacancy rates and the high cost of borrowing money are fueling a commercial real estate crisis in downtown Chicago.
Los Angeles County Moves to Open Schoolyards to Public Uses
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just approved a motion to extend and expand an agreement with the L.A. Unified School District for the use of recreational facilities at Walnut Park Elementary School.
Study: Seattle Vision Zero Projects Not Bad for Business
An analysis of seven road safety project sites showed no negative economic impact on surrounding businesses.
Minneapolis Opens 2024 Parklet Season
The program supports nonprofits and other groups who want to build parklets and outdoor dining spaces on public right-of-way.
Creating More Green Schoolyards in Los Angeles
Led by the Trust for Public Land, the “28×28” Initiative seeks to green 28 schools in Los Angeles by the 2028 Olympics.
A Holistic Approach to Revitalizing Neighborhoods
Affordable housing is one piece of a larger, interconnected approach.
Representing Watts
Not only is JuJu Watkins restoring glory back to USC Women's Basketball, she is also proudly representing Watts where she grew up and where her family has deep roots.
‘Culinary Hubs’ Turn Homes Into Micro-Restaurants
Real estate developers around the country are converting old single-family homes into “culinary hubs,” reports The New York Times.
How Infrastructure Communicates Values
The presence and quality of sidewalks, curb cuts, and other basic elements of infrastructure can speak to much more than just economic decisions.
Enhancing Public Services to LA's Unincorporated Areas
The County of Los Angeles recently launched a website to better connect residents of unincorporated areas to information and municipal services offered by the county.
New Book Highlights How GIS Improves Outcomes
Esri Press recently published a digital book called Mapping the Nation which demonstrates how a geographic approach guides important decisions and addresses challenges around the globe.
Poor Road Quality Leading to Higher Gas Use
Commuters in Massachusetts communities with worse roads use more gas, with the costs disproportionately impacting low-income households.
5 Urban Planning Ideas for How to Settle Mars
Colonization of the Red Planet is a hot topic of late. If someone were to try to take it from fantasy to reality, Earth's urban planners have a few tips that could help set future Martian cities up for success.
The Link Between Transit Access and Employment
Inadequate access to transportation hinders many Americans’ access to job opportunities.
Des Moines Plans to Repurpose Downtown Parking Lots
City officials want to encourage the redevelopment of underused surface parking lots.
Pagination
City of Rochester
Boston Harbor Now
City of Bellevue
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.