Community / Economic Development

China Needs 'Supercities'

A new report calls on China to cluster its development into "supercities" to obtain greater economic prosperity.

March 26, 2008 - Xinhua

Why the Breakdown of Atlantic Yards is a Loss For New York Planning

New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff discusses why the impending breakdown of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn is a harsh blow to urban planning in New York.

March 24, 2008 - The New York Times

Rebuilding New Orleans by Rebuilding the Education System

This report from NPR looks at the efforts of one educator to help rebuild communities in New Orleans by rebuilding the city's charter school system.

March 23, 2008 - NPR

What's in a Name?

The town of Slough gets no respect, but it's trying.

March 22, 2008 - The New York Times

The Movie Star and the Power of Architecture

Actor Brad Pitt's efforts to rebuild housing in New Orleans are not just flashy PR, but rather a reminder that architecture can make a difference, according to this article from Metropolis.

March 20, 2008 - Metropolis Magazine

Subprime Tent Cities

This video from the BBC looks at the ten cities that have sprung up outside of L.A. as a result of the subprime mortgage meltdown.

March 19, 2008 - BBC via YouTube

Preserving a Bloody History

An industry is sprouting in Las Vegas based on the preservation of the city's infamous mob history.

March 19, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Fueling a Town's Future

The small Arkansas town of El Dorado has experienced an economic rebirth since an oil company offered to pay college tuition and fees for all graduating high school seniors.

March 18, 2008 - Nate Berg

Iraq War Spending: What Could We Have Built Instead?

Robert Pollin & Heidi Garrett-Peltier writing in The Nation show that the U.S. has spent hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraq that could have been much more productively invested in public goods like sustainable infrastructure.

March 18, 2008 - The Nation

Debate Continues Over New York Street Mall Proposal

Neighborhood opposition is hampering plans to convert a section of New York City's Prince Street into a car-free pedestrian mall every Sunday.

March 17, 2008 - The Villager

Australia's 'White Flight' and the Rise of the Aborigines

The Aborigine population in Australia is on the rise, and the shift in demographics is posing problems for the country's school system.

March 13, 2008 - The Sydney Morning Herald

Grand Canal Proposed in South Korea

South Korea's new president has proposed the engineering and construction of a huge cross-country canal -- a plan he hopes will revive much of the country's depressed villages and offer an attractive venue for tourists and shipping companies.

March 13, 2008 - The New York Times

In The Ghetto

"Slum tourism" is on the rise in developing countries around the world. Some say the tours help the affluent understand the dire situations faced by the world's poor, but others say it's just a way to help Westerners feel good about themselves.

March 11, 2008 - The New York Times

Neighborhood's Unchecked Facelift Highlights Poor Planning

Poor planning is allowing uncontrolled and rapid gentrification to destroy Toronto's Liberty Village neighborhood, according to this article from The Toronto Star.

March 11, 2008 - The Toronto Star

Universities Reconnect with Cities

Universities across the country are reviving their connections to their host cities, participating in urban renewal projects and investing in their cities' futures.

March 11, 2008 - The Columbian

High Rising Along Toronto's Lakefront

Officials in Toronto have announced plans to densify the city's waterfront with a redevelopment effort that stands to create high rises along the lakefront.

March 10, 2008 - Toronto Sun

Public Spaces Key to Flint's Rebirth

With a focus on public spaces, Flint, Michigan, is looking to revitalize itself.

March 7, 2008 - Making Places

Manhattan: Food Desert?

New York has become a concentration of the super-wealthy, and soaring real estate values are driving out supermarkets. Will street vendors be able to fill the gap?

March 6, 2008 - AlterNet

Creating Jobs Creates Sustainable Cities

Portland city officials are warming up to the idea that jobs are key to sustainable cities, and have proposed a plan to try to lure sustainable businesses to the city.

March 6, 2008 - The Portland Tribune

Boise a Case Study for the High-Tech Economy

Idaho policymakers must make necessary investments and attract talent to succeed, according to a new report.

March 5, 2008 - Idaho Business Review

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.