Community / Economic Development
Understanding How City Rules Affect Urban Areas
In this excerpt from the new book, "City Rules: How Regulations Affect Urban Form," author Emily Talen outlines the ways in which zoning ordinances, building codes and other bureaucratic restrictions negatively affect urban areas.
Public Art Rejuvenates a City
Less than 25 years ago, Nantes was an old port town languishing in the wake of failing industry. But thanks to a commitment to public art, it has since become a cultural mecca and thriving tourist destination, Frank Browning reports.
Study Says Induced Traffic Effect Too Often Ignored
Despite many studies confirming the effect of induced traffic, the effect is often ignored in the transport models used for project appraisal, says a team of Scandanavian researchers creating an extreme bias in the assessment of new projects.
Bridging the Gap Between the Virtual World and Reality
A young artist in New Orleans launches a social experiment on the built environment, turning the walls of the city's buildings into a public forum.
Cities in Decline: Finding Something To Celebrate
News always comes in twos; there's the good news, and then there's the bad news. In the city of Windsor, Canada, the bad news has consistently been their ailing economy. Residents look for something to celebrate.
The Hands-On Urbanism Movement
Mike Lydon discusses "tactical urbanism," a DIY approach to planning that is sweeping the nation, and explains how communities are making lasting impacts at the grassroots level.
More Carrot, Less Stick Needed for Affordable Housing
Mixed-income housing - infusing affordable housing with market-rate units - is relying more on incentives and subsidies, than mandates, to stimulate development.
Where the Recession Continues: Local Government
While glimmers of a recovery can be seen in the eyes of private business, local governments continue to see red, shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Reno: The Biggest Little 'Livable' City in the World
Concerned about becoming a "western Detroit," the city of Reno, built around the gambling industry, seeks to shake off that trademark with new investments in other industries and amenities.
Nashville's Rebirth Starts with the Stomach
Kim Severson follows the hipsters and food trucks to East Nashville to document a "down-on-its-luck side of town being brought to life one great plate of food at a time."
The Woes of Young Working-Class Heroes
Young, educated city natives are being forced to pit their financial needs against their geographic desires in a battle against gentrification.
What Will it Take to Grow the Silicon Prairie?
Businessmen and entrepreneurs want to build up new tech hubs in the middle of the U.S., but Midwestern humility and a lack of monetary drive hold them back.
Polls: Are You Listening?
What should planners take away from last week's barrage of polls about Americans' attitudes?
Public Space, Interrupted
The Project for Public Spaces has compiled a "how-to" list for re-claiming your community's public spaces.
Historically Inclined Richmond Brands Itself Anew
For a city known for its storied history, but whose burgeoning creative culture has gone less noticed, a recent branding campaign was charged with the challenge of merging both identities.
Restarting New Orleans With Startups
In town for New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, Zak Stone reports on New Orleans' attempts to repopulate the city with the creative class.
The Young Entrepreneur Transforming Las Vegas That You Haven't Heard Of
You've likely heard of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s plans to revitalize downtown Las Vegas in advance of his company's relocation there. Whitney Pastorek profiles one young entrepreneur that's already making a difference in the neighborhood.
Finding Returns in Lean Times
Connecting existing assets and social networks with very little additional monetary investment can generate returns in lean times, writes Hazel Borys.
A Safe Haven for Economic Benefits
A recent study concludes that investment in wildlife refuges leads to economic rewards.
Park Maintenance Proves To Be a Problem for NYC
"Currently in its greatest period of park expansion since the 1930s," New York City has shown a remarkable commitment to expanding its open spaces, but finding the resources to maintain them is another issue entirely, explains Caitlin Blanchfield.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
