Community / Economic Development
Best Cities for Jobs
Kiplinger's picks its 2009 Best Cities list, and in this tough economy decides to put the emphasis on job creation and stability. Number one? Huntsville, Alabama.
Rethinking Tax Abatements
Cities across the country are reconsidering tax abatement plans, in the new belief that cities just can't afford them.
School Sprawl
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new report focusing on the effect of the built environment on children's health. Access to parks, the ability to walk to school, and opportunities for 'incidental exercise.'
Detroit Could Become Countryside, Planners Say
A team of visiting planners suggested that Detroit could evolve into a series of urban villages connected by countryside.
Getting Buy-In On A New Urbanist Vision
Alamo Heights, a suburb of San Antonio, grapples with whether to adopt a "New Urbanist" (but slightly more traditional) approach to its major thoroughfare to improve pedestrian and bicycle access.
U.S. Towns Facing Disincorporation
Small towns like Mesa, WA and larger ones like Vallejo, CA may be forced to dissolve in light of their worsening finances. Local counties will need to absorb residents.
Fixing America's 'Food Deserts'
Time Magazine looks at the problem of 'food deserts' in America- usually low-income communities that groceries have spurned, leaving only fast food and bodegas to fill the bill.
Agriculture as Growth Sector?
Herve Kemp believes that the future of employment in Europe will include a million "family farmer jobs."
Fewer Shoppers Driving into Downtown
Only 17% of shoppers in downtown San Francisco drove to get there, according to a new survey conducted by The San Francisco County Transportation Authority.
Making Grocers More Appetizing to Developers
Last week, Mayor Bloomberg's office announced an initiative to encourage developers to include grocery stores in new projects. Nevin Cohen, whose research focuses on urban food system, reviews the plan.
Cities Struggling, But Not Raising Taxes
Falling tax revenues are a major element of the current economic woes facing many American cities. A recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust finds that few are increasing taxes in order to close budget gaps.
Regulations, But Growing Demand for Taco Trucks
Taco trucks are coming under fire in a lot of cities, as officials try to figure out how to handle the nomadic restaurants. As the Hispanic population grows, so does the popularity of the trucks.
Why Are Cities Growing?
With globalization meaning goods can be shipped cheaply anywhere, and the internet means you can work anywhere, why are cities growing like crazy? Prof. Edward L. Glaeser of Harvard says that proximity breeds innovation.
From Cheap Cars to Cheap Housing
The Indian discount automaker Tata is now venturing into home production, building 1,000 apartments near Mumbai with prices starting at $7,800.
A Community Vision for Boise
Residents in the greater Boise area are teaming up for a community visioning process they hope will help guide future physical and economic development in the region. It's been tried before, but organizers argue this time will be different.
Cheap Homes, Meet New Immigrants
Adam Matthews of GOOD Magazine looks at the $500 homes in places like Buffalo and sees opportunity for new immigrants, which in turn could help turn these places around.
Can Sports Save Ailing Cities?
With activities ranging from organized running to the Homeless World Cup, sports are helping to improve the lives of people on the ropes, bringing increased motivation and community-building.
Single Operator Suggested for Coney Island, But Character Loss is Feared
Theme park experts suggest contracting a single operator to manage Coney Island, but there's some push back from city officials who fear a loss of diversity and character.
No Jobs in Youth Magnet Cities, But Crowds Keep Coming
Cities like Portland and Austin have been magnets for young professionals. Amid the recession, these cities have few jobs to offer. But the hipsters keep coming.
Housing Market Climbs Back in Phoenix
Phoenix is undergoing another housing boom, with buyers clamoring to buy up properties with significantly discounted prices.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
