Community / Economic Development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
World Bank Embraces Cities
After an extended history of favoring rural areas over metropolitan ones, The World Bank appears to be changing course.
Tourism Flourishes Below Berlin
A group of historians and urban enthusiasts have developed a successful tourist organization that explores the underground structures and spaces of Berlin.
Pushing Public-Private Partnerships in San Francisco Parks
Parks officials in San Francisco look to mimic New York City's approach to funding parks through public-private partnerships.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
