Community / Economic Development
A Tale of Two Niagaras
Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Ontario are a study in contrasts -- Ontario's a success story of good governance and planning, New York's the complete opposite. Rob Gurwitt has the story.
In Defense of ACORN
The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now has a remarkable record of grassroots anti-poverty and community development campaigns, writes David Morris.
Cause of the Banking Meltdown? Suburbia, Says Kunstler
James Howard Kunstler criticizes a recent New Yorker article that failed to consider the American pattern of suburban development as the cause of the banking crisis.
Park(ing) Day 2009
Last Friday was Park(ing) Day 2009, a growing movement where city parking spaces are transformed into miniature parks as a comment on public space (and the lack thereof). Here's a glimpse into Seattle's version.
Trading Cars for Fashion
Detroit's creative class is making the switch from designing cars to couture, as local boosters push the manufacturing culture into a new industry: Fashion.
Phoenix Light Rail Succeeds Beyond Expectations
Would one of America's most sprawling, auto-dependent cities take to the country's newest light rail system? Even its proponents were surprised by its success and its transformative effect on downtown businesses, particularly during a recession.
Des Moines, Iowa Moves Forward with "Complete Streets" Policy
Despite opposition from businesses and neighborhood groups, the city of Des Moines, Iowa is intent on implementing a program to make local streets friendly to non-drivers.
Retailers Reentering the Market, Seeking Better Space
Retailers like Best Buy, Kohl's and Apple evidently think the market is looking up, and are planning to open new stores. But, Retail Traffic Magazine reports, retailers are going to be a lot pickier about site selection this time around.
Fighting Blight With Art
Palm Springs officials are working to fill the windows of empty storefronts with art and movie posters in order to keep the streetscape feeling lively.
Public Art Thrives in Hard Times in Manhattan
A public art park has sprung up on a corner in Manhattan on loan from a local developer waiting to build on the land.
Forbes' '10 Fastest Dying Cities' Fight Back
Last year, Forbes Magazine named the 10 Fastest Dying Cities in the U.S. Eight of those cities decided to come together and fight back.
Cheapskate Cities
This map from Mint looks at American cities that have spent the least so far in 2009, and those that are also cutting back budgets.
DC Goes NU
New Urban News looks at the growing influence of New Urbanists and their ideas in Washington, from the appointment of former CNU director Shelley Poticha to a HUD position to the new Livable Communities Act proposed by Sen. Christopher Dodd.
Controversial Rezoning in Harlem, A Year Later
Controversy surrounded the 125th St. Rezoning, which locals thought would cause rampant gentrification. One year later, little has changed.
Stimulus Spreading Work to Otherwise Barren Field of Architecture
Work has been hard to find for many architects over the last year. But for architects doing federal work, the story is a bit different.
Senate Blocks Funds to ACORN
Yesterday, the Senate voted to block ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) from receiving grants from HUD. ABC News looks at the latest complaints against the group, and ACORN's chief organizer speaks in defense.
Millions of Reluctant Landlords
About 2.5 million homes have been converted into rental units since 2007 as homeowners try to wait out the loss in value of their properties, according to a new study.
Gaming Officials Monkeying With Land Use
In Philadelphia, the Gaming Control Board is made up of 10 men, 9 of which don't live in the city. A recent decision by the board will destroy two planned developments that would have improve Philly's character, says arch. critic Inga Saffron.
The Road to South Africa's World Cup
South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.
The Role of Artists in the Creation of Public Space
Public space plays an important role in cities. Essential to creating good public spaces, according to this commentary from The Nation, is the art community.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
