Community / Economic Development
Get Public Support for Transportation Projects By Giving Them Jobs
Seattle needs major revisions to its transportation infrastructure, according to local officials. Getting the public behind the expensive projects may be as simple as saying one word: jobs.
Mall Restaurants Foresee Bleak Christmas
With sales down at local malls and retail centers and projected at record lows for the holiday season as households curtail spending, restaurants that rely on retail traffic are preparing for losses.
A Look At Big Box Reuse
This slideshow from Slate looks at how to reuse abandoned big boxes.
How Much Does Bad Air In LA and Central Valley Cost California?
An economic study has been published showing that the costs of air pollution to the 20 million Californians living in the state’s (and nation’s) two most polluted regions, the LA basin and San Joaquin Valley, to be around $28 billion annually.
Pirate Booty Creates Boomtowns
Somalian pirates are creating a booming economy of caterers, luxury cars, and high-end chefs in the northern coastal towns of the impoverished country. "The pirates depend on us, and we benefit from them," said one shopkeeper.
Building a Resort on an Olympic Foundation
As it prepares to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, the beachfront Russian city of Sochi is hoping to become an attractive resort city. Money is flowing and development is under way, but some expect growing pains.
Master-Planned Mixed-Use in Central Ohio
While the goal of these walkable communities is to attract young urban professionals, the benefits, of course, extend beyond that.
The Work of Community Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a plan to help the nation's hardest hit homeowners and neighborhoods. But by concentrating assistance in the most devastated areas, few places will be saved, writes Charles Buki.
Buffalo at a Crossroads
Nicolai Ouroussoff tells the tale of Buffalo, a quintessential rust belt city that seems committed to preserving its architectural heritage but unsure about its future.
New Plan for Calgary Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Calgary is poised to make itself into a city that encourages density without sacrificing too much of the leg room currently offered by existing suburbs.
Bailout Should Transform Detroit into 'Transportmaker'
As the federal government prepares to bail out the flailing U.S. automotive industry, it should think about changing the face of the industry from carmaker to "transportmaker", according to Robert Goodman.
The End of the Age of Malls
Fewer and fewer malls are being built in the U.S., and as they fade from the American landscape, retailers feel the pain.
Burlington is America's 'Healthiest City'
Education, higher incomes and the availability of healthy food choices contribute to making Burlington, Vermont America's healthiest city.
Redressing Strip Malls
Strip malls could be the next frontier for urban redevelopment, according to Chris Nelson.
Big Box Retail Owners Ask For Stacked Housing
The two owners of a traditional 8-acre strip, big box retail center in San Francisco have asked for an amendment to the neighborhood plan (undergoing revision) to allow them to add housing on top of their stores, thus doubling the height limit.
Housing Comeback in 2010?
An industry expert predicted at ULI's fall meeting that the new home market could pick back up by 2010, followed by a rally in the resale market in 2011.
Obama Administration to Create Office of Urban Policy
When President-elect Obama takes office in January, he says, an Office of Urban Policy will be established, and a Director of Urban Policy will be in place to "coordinate all federal urban programs."
Giant Signs Could Be Fire Hazards
Giant 'supergraphics' drape over the sides of buildings in Los Angeles, usually advertising the latest blockbuster. Almost all of the signs are in violation of sign laws, and building inspectors think they may be fire hazards.
The Year Without A Santa Claus
Cities facing budget cuts are cutting back on Christmas decorations and events. Has the Grinch stolen Christmas?
Can Homeless And Condo Owners Mix?
The Old Town neighborhood of Bellingham, WA, is a hangout for the homeless. The city plans to revitalize the area with new condo buildings, but locals fear that new residents won't mix well with the current ones.
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
