Community / Economic Development
Millvale Ecodistrict Pivot Plan Selected for Pennsylvania Planning Excellence Award
The product of a four-year community effort, Millvale's Ecodistrict Plan integrates placemaking and sustainability priorities for a town striving to make its Ecodistrict status part of its identity and culture, not just its infrastructure.
How *Not* To Do Economic Development
It's clear that New Jersey’s economic development planners didn't spend much time thinking about opportunity costs when they approved $1.1 billion in tax incentives under the Grow NJ program.
The Big Ideas Behind the Proposed 'Chicago Transit Redevelopment Trust'
The Chicago Central Area Committee has thrown its hand into the ring for the "100&Change" grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
'The World's Urban Planner': UN-Habitat's Joan Clos
The phrase "everything on the street" captures UN-Habitat head Joan Clos's approach to urbanization. In the wake of Habitat III, who is the man behind the conference's "New Urban Agenda"?
The City as 'Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities': It’s the People Thing
If even a sliver of a 78-million-strong set of consumers seems willing to hand over cash for something, businesses organize themselves to deliver, whether we’re talking hula hoops or downtown apartments.
Study: 'Global Neighborhoods' Are Proliferating in the United States
While narratives about gentrification and segregation dominate the headlines, one study found evidence of increased integration around the United States.
As Cities Have Changed, So Have Richard Florida's Ideas
Call it the re-education, the evolution, or the contrition of Richard Florida, but the "rock-star urbanist" has realized some unintended consequences of his creative class ethos, and he's ready to share a new vision for cities.
Urban Farming—Just for the Few?
Urban agriculture likely has more social than material impacts. But who does it benefit most?
Looking for a Walkable Urban Place for Retirement
Though many retirement communities still look just as they have for many decades—defined by cul-de-sacs and golf courses—many seniors are looking for a more urban lifestyle.
Looking for Economic Development? Skip the NFL and Go with Lollapalooza
One of the leading skeptics on the economic value of sports and entertainment investments has a caveat: music festivals just might be the ticket.
The Data Science Behind New Orleans' Blight Reduction Efforts
The BlightSTAT system has helped New Orleans track and improve blighted conditions around the city.
Study: Land Use Regulation Slows Economic Growth
Pro-development advocates have a new study to back up their cause.
Chicago Changing the Local Investment Game
With the announcement of a $100 million infusion into a local investment fund, Chicago will become the first city to fund in ways usually reserved for the federal government.
Debate: Growing the Economy From the Supply Side
Two economists discuss how specific kinds of deregulation could speed up growth. They emphasize planning issues: local overregulation of development and the high cost of infrastructure, among others.
Reno, Throwing Away Benches to be 'Business Friendly'
Reno's blight initiative drew criticism when it removed 68 benches from a park it was renovating.
Chicago TOD Strategies: Sum Of Parts Equal, Greater Than the Whole
A successful TOD will be predicated upon three core elements: 1) development; 2) transit; and 3) transit-friendly amenities. While focus tends to be on the first two elements, this article provides insights on the importance of the third element.
Replicas of Mid-Century Towns Built to Aid the Memories of Alzheimer's Patients
The Glenner Town Square development in Chula Vista, California will be one of the first "immersive facilities" in the United States, designed to trigger memories for Alzheimer's patients.
Tracking the Growth of the 'Gig Economy' in U.S. Cities
The Brookings Institute thinks it has found a way to measure the impact of the expanding 'gig economy'—i.e., freelancing work enabled by online platforms like Airbnb and Uber.
Philadelphia Renaissance Threatens Working Diamond District
Heretofore preservationists in the City of Brotherly Love have been focused on finding new uses for vacant, historic buildings, but the city's economic resurgence now threatens five, occupied low-rise buildings city's in vibrant Jewelers Row.
The New Definition of Global City, Fit for a New World
The Brookings Institution's Global Cities Initiative recently released a report proposing a new definition for global cities, which is actually seven definitions.
Pagination
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello