Community / Economic Development
Unequal Distribution of Shade Is Environmental Injustice
A longread, written by Sam Boch and published by Places Journal, has been creating a stir online and is highly recommended for those with an interest in intersections between social justice and urban design.
Helping At-Risk Homeowners Stay Put With a Land Trust
For homeowners at risk of losing their home due to a medical crisis, divorce, or unexpected repair costs, City of Lakes Community Land Trust has been able to keep them in place by bringing their home into the land trust.
How Smaller Cities Are Trying to Attract Opportunity Zone Investors
Cities and states are altering local policies to maximize benefits for private investors in Opportunity Zones.
Who Most Needs Access to Core Neighborhoods?
We have a limited number of dense core neighborhoods in which getting around without a car is possible; such neighborhoods may appeal to many people, but having access to them affects people differently depending on work type and income level.
Opportunity Zone Investors Look to Fuel Tech in Chicago
One venture plans to fund a 100-acre campus for tech, bioscience, and medical research in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
Denver Won't Ease Restrictions for Social Marijuana Uses
The ongoing evolution of land use regulation related to legal marijuana hit a roadblock in Denver this month, although the city has already allowed nearly unprecedented freedom (in the U.S., at least) to buy, sell, and consume marijuana in the city.
Protecting Detroit's Historic Food District
Detroit's historic food district is under very contemporary development pressure, so the nonprofit tasked with managing the market has decided to define principles that prioritize affordability and inclusivity in the area.
We Need More Words for Play
Could cities harness the power of play to build more healthy, resilient, and equitable communities, if only we had the words for it?
Google Maps' Digital Erasure Highlights Issues of Community Identity in Buffalo, NY
In the face of displacement and gentrification, residents of the Fruit Belt neighborhood of Buffalo, NY point to tech-giant Google's map service as one among many possible causes.
Hip Hop Architecture Camp Connects D.C. Youth to Futures in Urban Planning
D.C. youth collaborate with local hip hop artists to create planning inspired music video.
Judge Halts Sales of New Coal Mining Leases on Federal Lands
Once again, the president's efforts to undo his predecessor's environmental legacy were thwarted by a court ruling. In this case, the Interior Department's failure to conduct an environmental review of a Trump executive order ran afoul of NEPA.
Preservation and Redevelopment Can Work Hand in Hand
While historic preservation is often perceived to be a hinderance to development efforts, preserving buildings actually helps economic development, say advocates.
A Boom in Nashville, but Fast Growth Could Bring Problems
Nashville has a great deal going for it, but rising housing costs and gentrification could take it down a darker path.
Residents Left Behind as L.A. Stadium Project Surges Ahead
Inglewood had fallen on hard times, but then plans for a massive sports and entertainment complex came along. While the city’s future is poised to change dramatically, the development is also displacing residents.
Civic Crowdfunding to Mitigate 'Bikelash'
Public outcry about the priority given protected bike lanes on streets can be mitigated when civic crowdfunding is part of the planning process, according to this article.
Trails and Rails Battle in San Francisco Bay Shoreline Park
Can freight trains and a scenic shoreline park along San Francisco Bay coexist, or are they incompatible uses? The East Bay Regional Park District voted to remove old rail tracks that BNSF Railway wants to reactivate. A local court may decide.
Trump Signs Two Executive Orders Limiting States' Authority Over Energy Pipelines
The Trump administration's "energy dominance" agenda depends, in part, on growing the energy distribution network, namely pipelines, rail facilities, and ports. However, states can use the Clean Water Act to block pipelines and coal terminals.
N.Y.C. Artists in Residence Tackle Social Issues
A program in New York brings artists into public agencies to work on collaborative projects that take creative approaches to problem solving.
S.F. Law Would Give Nonprofits Dibs on Apartment Buildings for Sale
The legislation would make nonprofit organizations more competitive in the real estate market by letting them get ahead of speculators.
Cobblestones vs. Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Controversy in Brooklyn
Improving streets in Sunset Park by removing cobblestones and aging train tracks has created a controversy between historic preservation and the need for safe bike and walking facilities and other streetscape improvements.
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.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
