Community / Economic Development

Bank-Owned Foreclosures Cause Problems for Cities

As bank-owned homes become a source of blight and crime, cities struggle to effectively hold banks accountable for their maintenance. Large banks tend to be the worst offenders, often failing to remove trash and weeds or paying fines.

September 10, 2011 - Contra Costa Times

Promoting Equity in Subsidized Housing

As the real estate market begins to rebound, many affordable housing advocates and developers in NYC are calling for a modification of the 80/20 program.

September 9, 2011 - The New York Times

Local Produce, National Food Systems

MacArthur genius Majora Carter is driving a new national brand for locally-sourced produce. Could the local food movement become mainstream, and survive going corporate?

September 9, 2011 - Solutions

A Closer Look at the Infrastructure Bank

The highly anticipated "job speech" by President Obama this evening will address, among other issues, the infrastructure bank. Michael Likosky argues that it is the only possible revenue stream for the nation's $600 billion infrastructure projects.

September 8, 2011 - CNN Money

Mixed-Use Prevails in 2030 Land Use Projections

A new land use study based on the 2008 "comp plans" data reveals a significant shift toward mixed-use and transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area.

September 8, 2011 - Finance And Commerce

Historic Preservation Jobs Are Local

With Missouri's Historic Preservation Tax Credit on the chopping block, Citiography outlines seven reasons the state should keep this program. Creating local jobs is just one.

September 8, 2011 - Citiography

Community Involvement Influenced by Anarchy

This Big City team looks at "small places of anarchy" in Toyko that has taken root in DIY Gardening, Collaborative Mental Mapping and FIXing the Neighborhood.

September 7, 2011 - This Big City

Historic Preservation vs. Planning Reform in the U.K.

With development-friendly reform sweeping through planning in the U.K., English Heritage is concerned the historic sites and greenfields will get swept away with little to no process.

September 7, 2011 - The Telegraph

Ten Years Later, a Renaissance in Lower Manhattan

The Globe and Mail looks at the revival of Lower Manhattan since the 9/11 attacks, in terms of being a both a great residential and business environment.

September 6, 2011 - Globe and Mail

Refineries' High Hopes For Diesel Fuel

It may not be apparent to American motorists, but the U.S. oil refinery industry is ailing. Reduced VMT, mandated ethanol use, and escalating vehicle fuel efficiency standards caused a decrease of gasoline consumed. Diesel may revive the industry.

September 6, 2011 - Houston Chroncle

Jobs vs. the Environment: Can A Middle Ground Be Found?

The debate may be as old as the first environmental regulation on the federal books - do regulations kill jobs? Fresh from a Sept. 2 victory over EPA's attempt to strengthen smog regulations,Republicans will continue the effort to reduce regulations

September 6, 2011 - The New York Times - Business Day

Going Local in Buffalo

Part of Buffalo, New York's decline, writes Amy Kedron, involved a shift from local to non-local ownership of businesses. A movement is afoot to encourage businesses to "Think Local First."

September 5, 2011 - Next American City

Density = Productivity and Jobs

Economist Ryan Avent writes that the statistics show that people who live in denser cities have better jobs and are more productive.

September 5, 2011 - The New York Times

Avoiding Plannerese: Keep it Simple

Planners, architects, and urban designers talk the talk and walk the walk, but often in a cone of silence, unheard - or at least not understood -- by those outside the profession, says Scott Doyon.

September 3, 2011 - PlaceShakers

Walter Reed's Closure Leaves Significant Development Possibilities

Walter Reed is closing and leaving behind close to 70 acres available for redevelopment in D.C. Residents want to know, can the planners get it right?

September 2, 2011 - NPR

Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City

With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.

September 2, 2011 - TheCityFix.com

Companies Flee Suburbs for Detroit Office Space

More and more businesses in suburban Detroit are packing up an moving into the center of the city.

September 2, 2011 - The Detroit News

Borscht Belt Meets Rust Belt

The "Borscht Belt", a once-thriving vacation getaway in upstate New York, has entered a serious decline. Legalizing gambling in the region is being discussed as a cure-all to revitalize the Catskills, but Citiography thinks its too late.

September 1, 2011 - Citiography

Planning Rule Change Worries Locals in England

Changes to the planning system in England have locals and environmental groups up in arms.

September 1, 2011 - Guardian

Analyst Says Economic Benefit of L.A. Stadium Would Be Minimal

As the city of Los Angeles considers a plan to allow construction of a football stadium downtown, some have called into question the economic projections of developers.

September 1, 2011 - Los Angeles Times

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.