Community / Economic Development
Detroit to Close 77 City Parks
The City of Detroit has announced plans to close 77 city parks this summer in an effort to cut costs.
Small-Town Environmental Justice
This piece from Next American City looks at pollution in small town New Mexico and how court rulings have made it hard for a local organization -- and those in other communities -- to fight environmental battles.
China's Drive Toward Carbon Neutrality
By 2030, China will have 220 cities containing a population of 1 million or more, 24 of which will be megacities. The boom China is expected to go through, 'boggles the imagination of North Americans and Europeans.'
California's Troubles Not the Fault of Prop 13
This article from City Journal suggests that California's much-reviled Proposition 13 limits on increases in property tax is not at fault for the state's crippling fiscal situation.
Jane Jacobs Overkill
Jane Jacobs, often viewed as the patron saint of the progressive urban planning world, maybe be given too much credit, according to this piece from Andrew Manshel.
Is A Burger Stand Worth Preserving?
A 20-stool burger stand in Los Angeles could be eligible for historic preservation status, much to the dismay of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency that shelled out over $5million for the surrounding land.
Decline and Despair in Exurbia
This story from the Los Angeles Times looks at the downfall of exurban growth in the High Desert of Southern California, and the families caught in the downfall.
Mickey Mouse McMansions
The Disney Company is betting against the struggling Florida housing market with plans to build million-dollar luxury homes near its Orlando theme park.
Redesign To Cut Traffic in Tysons Corner
A recently approved plan to redesign Tysons Corner, Virginia, to be more transit- and pedestrian-friendly would help reduce traffic, according to this column from The Washington Post.
Are College Graduates Worth It?
Vincent Valk looks at the dogged pursuit by cities for new college graduates, and asks if that strategy really pays off in the end.
Baltimore Points The Way Forward For Urban Renewal
Neal Peirce describes how Baltimore's first mixed income neighborhood since WWII is taking shape on the east side just north of the Johns Hopkins campus.
Placemaking for Pot Smoking
Potential legalization of marijuana presents California cities the chance to do a different type of 'greening.' Josh Stephens reports on the land use challenges of regulating California's most lucrative crop.
An Indianapolis Aerotropolis
Planners in Indianapolis have revealed plans for an "aerotropolis" to develop around the city's international airport.
Wal-Mart Gains Foothold In Lucrative Urban Market
Wal-Mart is succeeding in convincing Chicago politicians that it will create sustainable "employment and revenue for the city." The predominantly suburban-based supercenter chain is trying to move into denser urban areas.
Affordable Housing Makes Life - Well, Affordable
Households that are given affordable housing have more money to spend, which can bring more money into the economy, according to a new study from the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy.
Retailers No Longer Asking for Help
Mall operators across the country were getting requests for rent relief during the economic downturn, but in a sign of possible recovery, the requests have mostly dried up.
Vision California Calls for Compact Development in Established Cities
Vision California, the state's first planning document in over thirty years, was released Wednesday and concludes that planners "should focus on creating compact development in already established cities," over continued suburban sprawl.
'Twilight' Tourism Changes Small Town of Forks
The 'Twilight' series of books and movies has created a tourism industry in the small town of Forks, Washington, population 3,120.
Population Loss in the Sun Belt
Census estimates show that St. Petersburg, Florida, lost population between 2008 and 2009 -- a decline that's expected to continue.
Funding Neighborhood Food Security in Vancouver
The city of Vancouver has announced a plan to dedicate $100,000 to fund neighborhood-based food security projects.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
