Community / Economic Development

The Case Against San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Plan

In this op-ed, "San Francisco is not London", Steve Falk, the CEO of the S.F. Chamber of Commerce, explains why London-style congestion pricing is inappropriate for the downtown core - that it would only hurt businesses without reducing congestion.

December 24, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Remade as a Retail Mecca, Emeryville Falters

Emeryville, CA is a success story of redevelopment. City leaders transformed a decaying industrial area into a booming retail landscape. But with the economic downturn, locals are questioning the wisdom of basing the city on retail.

December 23, 2008 - The New York Times

Blogging the Blight of a Deteriorated Detroit Neighborhood

Amid the citywide blight of Detroit is the City Airport neighborhood -- rife with crime and virtually deserted by residents. But now former residents have begun to write and blog about the neighborhood, its better times and its possible futures.

December 22, 2008 - Utne Reader

Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too

In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.

December 22, 2008 - Marketwatch

Shrinking City Planning

Detroit's population is rapidly declining, but the answer to revitalizing the city may lie in part in urban farming.

December 22, 2008 - The Salt Lake Tribune

The City on Hiatus

Nick Paumgarten imagines a New York City landscape that would result from a present-day economic crisis.

December 21, 2008 - The New Yorker

Of Chickens and Cities

In Cleveland, the rise of urban agriculture has spurred new regulations intended to help farmers raise chickens or bees. Some fear, however, the newly created red tape makes it more difficult.

December 20, 2008 - The Cleveland Free Times

Schwarzenegger: Decaying Infrastructure Is Hurting Economy

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger writes that the failure of the U.S. to invest in infrastructure is hurting the economy, and a massive investment is necessary.

December 19, 2008 - Newsweek

Stimulus Money Pits Cities Against States

In an effort to secure federal stimulus funding, cities and states are elbowing to see who can get transportation projects started the fastest.

December 19, 2008 - Stateline

Housing for the Mentally Ill

Last week, a Santa Barbara apartment community, The Garden Center, opened to 38 new residents. The apartments were specifically designed to combat homelessness through housing and mental health care all at once.

December 19, 2008 - Miller-McCune

When Neighborhoods Improve, Social Safety Nets Unravel

Residents of one Las Vegas community fear being evicted as an urban renewal project goes underway. According to this article, projects like this often hurt neighborhoods by destroying the social ties they once contained.

December 18, 2008 - Las Vegas Sun

An Architectural Beacon of Hope in Skid Row

On the edge of Los Angeles' Skid Row, a gleaming white arts complex opens. A "stubborn declaration of hope," the center is intended to show architecture's power to create community.

December 17, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Better Streets Called a Top Reason to Love New York

New York Magazine's list of reasons to love New York includes a nod to the city's streets and their recent renovation into pedestrian- and bike-friendly thoroughfares.

December 17, 2008 - New York Magazine

Ask What Baton Rouge Can Do for You

To retain its young and educated, Baton Rouge officials must identify what they want and follow through in giving it to them.

December 16, 2008 - Business Report

Growing People And Jobs While Shrinking Traffic

As New York City faces its worst financial crisis in 2 decades, a NYC D.O.T. study was released showing that from 2003-2007, the increase in jobs and people was accompanied by a slight decrease in traffic due primarily to increased transit usage.

December 15, 2008 - The New York Times

From Motor City to Metaphor City

Detroit's decay epitomizes the collapse not just of the American auto industry, but the entire American consumer economy as well, writes Jennifer Wells.

December 15, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

Bottom-Up Urban Revival in America

America's growing regional metropolises can be the guiding light for America's urban revival, according to Manuel Pastor, Jr.

December 15, 2008 - Citiwire

Education Suffers in NY Projects

December 15, 2008 - Judy Chang

Rural Economies Imprisoned by Prison Building

Prison construction is flourishing under the assumption that it boosts rural economies, but as Eric Lotke points out, investing in other types of building would yield greater returns to society.

December 14, 2008 - Campaign for America's Future

Denver Pushes Projects to Fuel Economy

In an effort to revitalize the local economy, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has announced a plan to fast-track more than 200 construction projects in the city.

December 14, 2008 - The Denver Post

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.