Community / Economic Development

Money Earmarked for Detroit Convention Center Could Go to a Ski Jump Instead
The Northern Michigan Sports Commission hasn't even been created yet, but it already has funding clout in the state government.

No Place to Call Home: A Review of 'Homeless: Poverty and Place in Urban America'
In a history of the skid rows in American cities from the late 19th century until the urban renewal era of the 1960s, Ella Howard tells of the impoverished people who inhabited them and the policy choices that supported their existence.

A Detroit Neighborhood 'Sentenced to Die'
A handful of Delray residents refuse to be displaced by industry, but the plan for a new bridge may mean they don't have a choice.

All Aboard Florida's Brightline Set to Launch this Month
The privately funded, diesel-powered trains will run at speeds up to 79 mph between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, with an extension to Miami opening early next year. Real estate development is key to profitability.

Boomtowns No Longer Attract Waves of New Workers
The latest Upshot by Emily Badger looks at why American cities with the greatest economic opportunity no longer attract the population increases of yore

A Sermon for the Homeless
A recent conference hosted by the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles shined a light on efforts to reduce homelessness in Los Angeles—and demonstrated just how much work must be done nationwide to solve this humanitarian crisis.

The Artist Hubs of America
Data analysis reveals which cities have the most working artists.
YIMBYs Arrive in Boston
The Boston Globe explores the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, as debate over a retail project in East Boston gains pro-development interest.

Hepatitis A Outbreak Spurring Cities to New Actions on Homelessness
A series of articles from around the Internet in recent weeks highlights the need for more services and support for the homeless. The location of this story is set in California, but all communities should heed these warnings.

Pennsylvania's Gambling Expansion Proving Unpopular at the Local Level
The state thought more casinos would be a good way to raise some revenue for the state. So far a lot of local governments want no part of that action.

VA Reverses Course on Cuts to Popular Homeless Veterans Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs prompted outcry when it told advocates and its partners at the Department of Housing and Urban Development that it would cut $460 million for long-term housing for homeless veterans.

A 'City Vitality' Metric
Gallup and the city of Tulsa have partnered on the new Gallup-Tulsa CitiVoice Index.
Mapping the Country's Debt
An interactive map from the Urban Institute invites comparisons in the geography of debt.

Third Rail of the Housing Debate: More Density in Single-Family Neighborhoods
If California is going to address its chronic housing shortage, single-family residential neighborhoods can no longer be ruled "off limits." Opposition to a small Berkeley subdivision spawned new housing legislation and fostered the YIMBY movement.

Los Angeles Could Streamline Temporary Shelters, Permanent Supportive Housing
Los Angeles is exploring multiple angles for sheltering the 34,000 homeless living in the city. Urbanize LA takes a look at two of the city's most recent legislative efforts to develop more supportive housing.
Portland's Jade District Is a Planner's Nightmare (and Dream)
The Jade District on Portland's distant east side is a typical geography of wide streets and sprawl, but is also a relatively complete, self-contained community.

Army Corps: Climate Change Could Devastate Ohio River Region
The agency's report shows that inland-dwellers are just as likely as coastal types to be deeply affected by climate change.
Managing Airbnb: Regulatory Approaches to Short-Term Rentals
Tech ventures like Airbnb have "uberized" the lodging industry. They have also created new challenges for land use planners and government officials. This article provides a sampling of regulatory approaches to short-term rentals.

Housing Growth Stagnates in Boston Suburbs
Boston economists are sounding the alarm: while the city itself is adding plenty of housing, there's not a lot happening in the suburbs. That may adversely affect older folks who want to sell and younger people looking to buy.

Report: NYC Bus System in Crisis
A new report cites decreased ridership and dismal service despite a growing need for more and better routes.
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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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions