Community / Economic Development

It's a baffling time in the history of Detroit. For optimists, one can look to the rise of downtown and proposals for mega-development projects. For pessimists, there's the messy reality of impending municipal default. In Detroit, "paradox rules."

December 6, 2012 - The Detroit News

For Michael A. Pagano, local municipalities went awry in designing fiscal systems during the 20th century by fabricating what he refers to as “a crazy quilt of local revenue.” He proposes some possibilities for getting cities back on track.

December 6, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

We've heard a lot about how local communities are becoming more creative in financing their key initiatives, as a gridlocked and debt-burdened federal government withdraws its assistance. One federal program, however, is providing valuable support.

December 5, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

Despite the progress downtown L.A. has made over the last decade in becoming a vibrant, day-night, mixed-use community, "block-killing blight" remains a stubborn presence in the area's landscape. Ryan Vaillancourt calls out the worst offenders.

December 5, 2012 - Los Angeles Downtown News

According to Haya El Nasser, cities across America have succeeded in attracting young professionals for over a decade. “They came, they played, they stayed,” she writes. But, she asks, will these Millennials stick around as they age and have kids?

December 5, 2012 - USA Today

The Times delves deep into the financial incentives that cities, counties, and states dole out to corporations to lure jobs and economic development to their corner of the country. Just what does the $80 billion spent each year actually buy?

December 3, 2012 - The New York Times

Derek Thompson discusses the findings of a new study from the Brookings Institution that ranks the world's 300 biggest cities by GDP and job growth over the past year. Put simply, China is growing and Europe is slowing.

December 1, 2012 - The Atlantic

Thanks to a $2 million federal grant, New Orleans is embarking on a study focused on improving the city's Claiborne Avenue corridor, which sits adjacent to an elevated stretch of Interstate 10. The project's public outreach effort begins next month.

November 30, 2012 - The Times-Picayune

Howard Blackson's "Next Urbanism Lab" series looks at recent trends and lessons learned for urban designers. While the Bilbao Effect, the Vancouver Model, the High Line, and Active Living may provide seductive role models, local insight is key.

November 30, 2012 - PlaceShakers

Using new analysis of recent US Census data, Richard Florida demonstrates that “[c]ities and regions where density is more concentrated near their urban cores — appear to gain the biggest economic advantage.” That, and a tad more happiness.

November 30, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Kaid Benfield shares the seven winners of this year's National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement, who were recognized by the EPA for protecting "the health and the environment of our communities while also strengthening local economies."

November 29, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

For the past eight months, the Tampa community has shared their ideas for improving the city in public meetings and through social media. The resulting InVision Tampa plan will orient a more livable downtown along the Hillsborough River.

November 29, 2012 - Tampa Bay Times

Gated communities such as Sea Gate in Brooklyn and Breezy Point in Queens "have long held the rest of the city at arm’s length." Following Hurricane Sandy, residents are now seeking financial assistance from the city to rebuild their homes.

November 29, 2012 - The New York Times

The Public Interest Design Institute encourages architects to embrace participatory approaches in design that address complex social needs; demonstrating that it's possible to "make a career as an architect serving those who need the most help."

November 28, 2012 - American Institute of Architects

Transit-oriented developments multiplied and held their values comparatively well in the housing crisis. In this article, Josh Stephens explores whether the trend will continue post-recession, or if sprawl is poised for a comeback.

November 28, 2012 - InTransition Magazine

Thomas Friedman uses Chattanooga, Tenn. as an example of the "innovative thrust building, bottom-up, in the U.S. economy today." In an opinion piece for the Times, he urges leaders in Washington to help unlock America's embryonic growth surge.

November 27, 2012 - Jonathan Nettler

We all have our role models in life. Never are they more pivotal than in the visioning required for placemaking. Failing to have patterns that perform economically, socially, and environmentally is a critical mistake says Nathan Morris.

November 27, 2012 - PlaceShakers

A decade of relentless, and exhausting, opposition by those "who saw democracy being trampled in the interest of a developer whose methodology they found offensive," has taken its toll on the ranks of opponents to Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards project.

November 27, 2012 - The New York Times

Seen as a source of economic development and easy money for cities (struggling or not) throughout North America, casino projects are neither a revenue panacea nor the win-win "economic bullet" that supporters claim, argues Richard Florida.

November 27, 2012 - New York Daily News

As part of a broader effort to encourage less vehicular traffic city-wide, D.C. is expanding permit parking and reducing on-street parking in some of the city's most crowded neighborhoods. Not all are happy with the changes, reports Tim Craig.

November 27, 2012 - The Washington Post