Community / Economic Development
Community Rebuilding in New Orleans
Rebuilding is underway in New Orleans. But not with huge conglomerates running the show. Most of the work is being done by non-profits, startups and other community-based organizations.
Cost Concerns Linger Over Chicago's Olympic Bid
Organizers claim city money won't be needed as Chicago edges closer to securing the 2016 Summer Olympics, but locals are wary about the costs that could fall on them. The recession is exacerbating concerns.
A Mall Opens in Tough Times
A $276 million mixed-use remake of a 1973-era mall is opening on Interstate 64 in southeastern Virginia. While the retail is trickling in, the housing element is filling up quickly.
The Burgeoning Art Center of Africa
Cape Town, South Africa is developing into the cultural center of the continent, according to this piece from Travel + Leisure.
Synergy in Underused Spaces
In Jackson, Wyoming, a restaurant is a taqueria by day and a Nepalese restaurant in the evenings. Why isn't this sort of space sharing a more common solution to using urban spaces?
The Resilient and the Rest
This piece from Forbes looks at which cities will recover fastest from the recession -- and which ones won't.
Sabotaging the Smart Grid
James Surowiecki argues that state governments are sabotaging the economic recovery, and simultaneously sinking the creation of a smart energy grid.
Brazil's $42 Billion World Cup Investment
It's going to cost Brazil more than $42 billion in infrastructure costs to host the 2014 soccer World Cup, according to a recent report.
A Look at Housing Prices in the Recession
These two posts from Richard Florida look at how housing is faring during the economic recession. He looks at home prices in 300 metro areas, and how things have changed between the peak in 2006 to today.
Early Benefits for Vancouver in Olympic Development
Vancouver's development for the 2010 Winter Olympics will be a long-term benefit for the city, according to Olympics advisers. Some say the positive impact is already being seen.
Connecting the Museum With the Community
Museums are transitioning from niche cultural sites to community hubs, and expanding their engagement with their cities.
From Trash to Splash
Dumpster diving takes on new meaning as a New York-based design firm reinvents vacant lots as mini-resorts by converting old trash bins into swimming pools.
LEED-ND: Yay or Nay?
After five years of preparation and testing, members of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Congress for the New Urbanism will begin balloting in late July on whether to authorize a full-fledged LEED-Neighborhood Development program.
Banning Billboards
The city of El Paso, Texas, considers whether to become the latest of several cities to impose new restrictions on billboards that amounts to a ban on future construction.
Films a Blessing and a Curse for Small New Mexico Towns
Small towns in New Mexico are increasingly being used as film locations. But for some locals, the invasion of Hollywood is not worth the economic benefits.
Police Checkpoints Violate Rights to Public Access
The city of Washington, D.C. learns its police checkpoints aimed at reducing crime in hot spots are unconstitutional.
City Pride Fail
A famous beacon atop a building in downtown Pittsburgh has been broadcasting the city's name in Morse code since 1929. The only problem is they spelled it wrong.
Dealing With Vacant Mansions in London
In a posh borough of London, empty homes are causing problems for officials, who are tasked with finding the owners of these vacant or abandoned mansions.
Prayer at City Council
The ACLU and local clergy are fighting over the prayers recited at City Council meetings in San Marcos, Texas, near Austin.
The Bust of Williamsburg
Sales in Brooklyn are down, and that's made a ghost town out of the recently booming but now busted Williamsburg neighborhood.
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
