Community / Economic Development
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Liveability a "Major Priority" at DOT
Among the criteria for evaluating projects, livability is at the top, along with safety and economic competitiveness.
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.'
Cleveland's Economic Development Success Story
Despite the unfortunate timing of its renovation, Cleveland's Euclid corridor continues to drive development for the city.
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.
Glaeser on Dubai's Rise and Fall
Economist Ed Glaeser explains what went wrong in Dubai World.
The Corner Store Returns
Market forces are reshaping the usual suburban format for many large-scale grocers.
Immigrant-Driven Economy
A significant portion of greater Cleveland's economy is driven by its immigrant population, according to a new report.
Preserving 'Button Parks'
Richard Louv proposes that local groups use the land trust model to create small public spaces, or what he calls "button parks."
Curing Sprawl in Lansing
Like many American cities, Lansing, Michigan, has been afflicted with sprawl since the end of World War II. Locals have identified the culprit: separate-use zoning.
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
