Community / Economic Development

Dongtan Eco-City: A Model of Sustainability?

Dongtan Eco City was planned for completion for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. By that time, 5,000 people should be living there. However, the planned housing, water taxis, sewage‐recycling plant and energy park all failed to materialize.

January 12, 2010 - The Urban Reinventors Online Urban Journal

Why Americans Are Moving Less

The latest Census data indicates that Americans are moving less than they used to. The New York Times asks a group of experts in demographics, sociology and urban issues why.

January 12, 2010 - The New York Times

Architecture Doesn't Hide Bad Planning in Dubai

All the architectural wonders of Dubai don't overshadow the city-state's poor urban planning, according to Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.

January 11, 2010 - Chicago Tribune

Commuting By Escalator

A system of escalators in Hong Kong, installed in 1993 to create a new connection between districts, has become an unusual and popular way to commute Hong Kong's steep streets.

January 11, 2010 - BBC

New Oakland Cafe Is "Cycle-Friendly"

This new cafe in Oakland does more than welcome cyclists - it caters to them. It is a welcome addition in a neighborhood that has seen more than its share of crime. Check out the pedal-powered video player.

January 11, 2010 - YouTube

Rural-Urban Divide Blurring in China

As China's cities grow, the economic policy that determines who is a rural resident and who is an urban resident are in need of some changes, according to this article.

January 9, 2010 - Guardian

Hamburg's Manifesto Against the 'Creative Class'

A new manifesto is being circulated in Hamburg, Germany, where city officials have used the concept of the "creative class" to rebrand the city and lure in creative people. The resulting gentrification of the city has many locals upset.

January 9, 2010 - Der Spiegel

Always Begin With the Stuff You've Got

That's how newly-developed communities are making it work, says Laura Wright in this in-depth look at how sprawl happened in Chicago and how smart growth is revitalizing the city.

January 7, 2010 - NRDC's onearth

Small Farming: It Takes A Village

Local food and small farming are part of a growing food trend in the U.S. But, as Steph Larsen writes, the trend is going to need more infrastructure down the supply chain to sustain itself

January 7, 2010 - Grist

Texas Pastor Builds a Neighborhood

Though he originally planned to build a prayer center on part of a 20 acre property he was pursuing, a Texas Pastor has expanded his plans into an all-out neighborhood with more than 450 homes.

January 7, 2010 - The Houston Chronicle

Creating Urban Connections Between Dubai's Icons

The Burj Khalifa has opened in Dubai. Now, locals say, the development of the city's public life must begin.

January 7, 2010 - The National

Winter Wonderland in the Bird's Nest

This slideshow from the BBC explores how Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest Olympic stadium is being reused -- as a kids theme park.

January 6, 2010 - BBC

The Flow of the Creative Class From Ailing Cities

Ryan Avent offers a counterpoint to a recent article critiquing the urban economic theories of Richard Florida, arguing that the movement of people and the "creative class" to cities based on employment is the heart of urban economics.

January 6, 2010 - Seeking Alpha

African 'Statue of Liberty' Angers Senegalese

A new monumental statue being built in the Senegalese capital of Dakar is seen by some as an African Statue of Liberty or Eiffel Tower. But for many of the nation's poor, it is a waste of money and an abuse of presidential power.

January 5, 2010 - NPR

A Bright Outlook For Freight Railroads

While rail is known to be much greener than its competitor long-distance trucking, it is also a key component to globalization and big-box retail. This article spotlights the growth of Burlington Northern Santa Fe RR and the Port of Los Angeles.

January 5, 2010 - Los Angeles Times - Business

Can Ailing Cities Attract the Creative Class?

In a scathing critique of Richard Florida, reporter Alec MacGillis claims that Florida's creative class strategies haven't worked for ailing cities around the country. Florida counters that the recession has changed the landscape.

January 4, 2010 - The American Prospect

World's Tallest (And Emptiest) Building Opens

Burj Dubai (now renamed as the Burj Khalifa), the world's tallest building, opened today in Dubai. But with the recent credit crunch and economic recession, the extravagant monument to boom times sits mostly empty.

January 4, 2010 - Los Angeles Times

New London's Big Gamble and Big Loss

New London, Connecticut was dealt a major blow when pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced plans to pack up and leave the heavily city-subsidized building New London had lured the company with. Bill Fulton looks at the impact of the move.

January 4, 2010 - Governing

Urban Planning in Los Angeles, 2009

Curbed LA takes an amusing look at the urban planning proposals that bubbled up in L.A. throughout 2009.

January 3, 2010 - Curbed LA

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.