Community / Economic Development

How Cities Are Using Stimulus Money

This infographic from GOOD tracks the top recipients of money from the federal stimulus package and how that money is being used.

December 16, 2009 - Good

All You Need is Louvre

A war-battered town in Frances will be the site of a new extension of the venerable Louvre museum, and locals hope the addition of the cultural site will revive the struggling city.

December 16, 2009 - The Washington Post

Privatization of City Services, or Tax for the Public Good?

That's the decision cities face, says columnist John Gurda, and his hope is that Americans will reinvest in the common good through effective taxation.

December 15, 2009 - On The Commons

'A Palace for the Age of Towering Debt and Easy Credit'

Los Angeles Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne offers a take on Las Vegas' new CityCenter mega project, highlighting the project's faux-urbanism and what in the end is disappointingly conservative architecture.

December 15, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Regionalism is Alive in Pittsburgh

Some say the greater Pittsburgh area needs to think more "regionally". This piece from Pop City argues it already is.

December 13, 2009 - Pop City Magazine

Second Record Year for Foreclosures

By the end of the year, more than 3.9 million homes will have been foreclosed in the U.S., the second year in a row that figures have broken previous records.

December 11, 2009 - Business Week

Moving Up to a Rental

Former homeowners forced out of their houses are becoming renters. It seems to be a good thing for them -- and the economy.

December 11, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

The Importance of Beauty

A study by Richard Florida and others concludes that the beauty of a place is a highly significant factor in community satisfaction.

December 10, 2009 - SpacingMontreal

It Takes A Village, But Walmart Won't Bite

In Pass Christian, Mississippi, it seemed WalMart was on board for a village-style, mixed-use development that would include one of their stores. That is, until Walmart brass heard about the project.

December 10, 2009 - New Urban News website

How to Make Vacant Properties Disappear

Vacant properties are considered blight instead of potential, argues John Kromer of the Fels Institute. By acting strategically and thinking smaller, officials can revitalize their cities and attract new, more stable investment.

December 10, 2009 - John Kromer

New Retail Space Faces Challenges in San Francisco

A developer who hopes to put a new shopping center on a stretch of Market Street will face challenges from local groups who take issue with the accompanying parking structure and modern design.

December 8, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

The End of the Middle Class?

The growing concentrations of the super-wealthy in America contrast sharply with the erosion of the middle class. It is time for a new set of rules to protect ordinary Americans, writes Elizabeth Warren.

December 8, 2009 - Huffington Post

Park Re-Ignites Hope in St. Louis

The new Citygarden park in downtown St. Louis is seen by some locals as a sign of hope for the future of the city.

December 6, 2009 - Metropolis

Liveability a "Major Priority" at DOT

Among the criteria for evaluating projects, livability is at the top, along with safety and economic competitiveness.

December 4, 2009 - New Urban News email

Redefining Blight

From New London to the Atlantic Yards, the last month has seen a flood of news around the issue of eminent domain. Diana Lind wonders if we need a new definition of 'blighted.'

December 4, 2009 - Next American City

Cleveland's Economic Development Success Story

Despite the unfortunate timing of its renovation, Cleveland's Euclid corridor continues to drive development for the city.

December 4, 2009 - The Plain Dealer

Food Stamps Across the Country

The New York Times' has created an interactive map of food stamp usage breaking down recipients by county across the United States.

December 3, 2009 - NYTimes.com

Glaeser on Dubai's Rise and Fall

Economist Ed Glaeser explains what went wrong in Dubai World.

December 2, 2009 - The New York Times

The Corner Store Returns

Market forces are reshaping the usual suburban format for many large-scale grocers.

December 1, 2009 - New Urban News email

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.