Community / Economic Development

A Bust to Follow China's Building Boom?

The economic stimulus of China has focused billions of dollars on building skyscrapers. Some wonder whether a building bust may soon follow.

March 9, 2010 - Business Week

Notable Architecture to Watch in 2010

This piece from Business Week lists the most anticipated architecture projects to watch in 2010.

March 9, 2010 - Business Week

Can Urban Design Alleviate the Need for Cops?

A look at public space as a "community living room" and the role of police within the context of Los Angeles.

March 8, 2010 - Examiner

Town Futures in Photoshop

A picture's worth a thousand plans - at least when it's a "photo-realistic visualization." Designer Steve Price's detailed 3D flash animations show towns what empty streetscapes and drab buildings could look like with a little bit of planning.

March 8, 2010 - Grist.org

Container Housing Approved to Aid Haitians

Officials in the Dominican Republic have approved the creation of cities made of home built out of shipping containers -- part of efforts to aid earthquake-rattled Haiti.

March 8, 2010 - Inhabitat

Turning Cities into Innovation Centers

Saul Kaplan says cities should be transformed into innovation centers to stay competitive and become the venue of a "new economic conversation".

March 8, 2010 - Business Week

Tough Times in Detroit, But Some Hope Remains

One in five Detroit homes is in foreclosure and asking prices are dropping to extreme lows. Many in the city question what lies in the future for the struggling city.

March 7, 2010 - Guardian

Location Still Matters

When all business happens over the internet, does where your business still matter? Yes, says Business Insider, for all the same reasons as before.

March 6, 2010 - Business Insider

West Oakland: Upscaling Neighborhood, or Reviving Industrial Hub?

West Oakland's days as an industrial center are long gone, but city officials have a vision of rebuilding it as a clean energy mecca. Problem is, many locals have their own vision of upscaling the neighborhood with local eateries and condos.

March 5, 2010 - The Wall St. Journal

Small Town Engages Citizens Over the Internet

The City of Manor, Texas uses its website to poll its 6500 residents on local issues, and rewards participation with more influence on what gets decided.

March 4, 2010 - Next American City

Reconsidering Empire Zones for NYC

March 4, 2010 - Alison Bates

Do California's Environmental Regulations Harm Business, or Drive Innovation?

Bill Fulton takes a rational approach to determining whether California's strict environmental regulations are a burdensome expense to business or if they drive them to innovate and succeed.

March 3, 2010 - Governing Magazine

Tourism Trumps Residents in Egypt

The temple of Luxor is a must-see on the Egyptian tourism route, and city officials are clearing homes of locals out of the way to uncover an ancient parade route. Locals say the government is creating an excuse to clear low-income residents.

March 3, 2010 - Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS)

The New Library, or "Urban Mediaspace"

The public library is being re-imagined as an interactive space with multimedia learning labs, coffee shops and government services.

March 3, 2010 - Miller-McCune

Mayor Bing Says It's Time to Downsize Detroit

"If we don't do it, you know this whole city is going to go down," said the Mayor. A new study by the mayor's staff shows that roughly one in three parcels are vacant lots or abandoned homes.

March 2, 2010 - The Detroit News

New TODs Face Competition, Parking Issues

Recent transit-oriented developments in Maryland have mixed success. Demographics are on their side, but lack of parking and fierce competition make retail a significant challenge.

March 1, 2010 - The Washington Post

From Motor City to Mode D'Art City?

Between official encouragement, revived art institutes and "guerrilla" artists, Detroit is becoming a magnet for artists as it seeks creative ways to revitalize.

March 1, 2010 - The Globe and Mail

A New/Old Neighborhood in Cairo

A group of development agencies came together to undertake a historic-preservation and community-development effort in Cairo's Al-Darb al-Ahmar community. The project was such a success that they're still working, by invitation, restoring the area.

March 1, 2010 - Metropolis Magazine

Ghosts Good for Business

A number of hotels across the country have found that having a resident ghost is good for the bottom line, attracting tourists and thrillseekers.

March 1, 2010 - USA Today

As Flames Dies, Olympic Costs Pile Up for Vancouver

The Olympics have ended in Vancouver, but their costs live on.

February 28, 2010 - The New York 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.