Community / Economic Development

Amid Growth, Vancouver Survives

The growth of Vancouver has far surpassed what planners projected half a century ago. And though some problems have followed, the region's growth hasn't wrought the city's downfall, as many expected.

September 10, 2007 - The Vancouver Sun

Start-Ups Sprout On Wal-Mart's Green Path

Wal-Mart's efforts to reduce waste and operate in an environmentally-friendly manner has fueled a green business boom in an Arkansas town near the corporation's headquarters.

September 10, 2007 - The Washington Post

Billboard Ban Will Hurt Small Business

This column criticizes the recently-passed Kansas City ordinance that restricts billboard advertising within the city, claiming it will disproportionately harm local small businesses that are already having trouble getting noticed.

September 9, 2007 - The Kansas City Star

Will 'Cool' Cities Rule The Economy?

Proponents of the "creative class" theory argue that hip cities will be the most successful because they lure highly educated professionals who are essential in today's economy. But detractors say this is simply an argument for bread and circuses.

September 7, 2007 - California Planning & Development Report

Delays Plague Controversial Atlantic Yards Project

Protests, lawsuits, and accidents have caused big delays in the construction of the controversial Atlantic Yards mixed use project in Brooklyn, New York. But the developers say the project will be completed on time.

September 6, 2007 - The New York Observer

Landowner To Fight Big-Box Moratorium

A landowner in suburban Atlanta who had planned to sell his property to Wal-Mart is now suing the city of Duluth over a big-box moratorium that he claims is not in the best interest of the city.

September 6, 2007 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Casino Idea A Losing Bet For Toronto

This column from The Toronto Star bashes the city's plan to spur economic activity by developing a city-owned casino.

September 6, 2007 - The Toronto Star

Dublin Bounces Back

The "Celtic Tiger" of Dublin has experienced a quick turnaround from one of the poorest European countries to one of the most successful.

September 2, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Harnessing Creativity To Redevelop The City

Der Spiegel interviews urban researcher Charles Landry about how cities can harness their creative classes and stay competitive in the global market.

September 1, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Many Hurdles Exist In Redeveloping Mumbai

Mumbai is on the verge of becoming the second-biggest city in the world. But to get there, redevelopment will require the displacement of thousands, if not millions.

August 31, 2007 - The Economist

Creative Ideas Usher New Age For New Orleans

From floating homes to green building to a public housing country club, the city of New Orleans has been pushed to take creative measures towards rebuilding and recovering after Hurricane Katrina.

August 30, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Mobility A Crucial Element For Economic Development

In looking at both developed and developing countries, this article argues that mobility and transportation infrastructure are essential to successful economic development.

August 29, 2007 - The World Business Council for Sustainable Development via Environmental News Network

City Opposed As Struggling Neighbor Seeks Merger

Facing the possibility of not being able to afford service by county sheriffs, the city of West Park, Florida, is hoping to forfeit its cityhood and join up with neighboring Pembroke Park. But Pembroke Park is less than enthusiastic about a merger.

August 29, 2007 - The Miami Herald

Rebirth In Barcelona

With large investments made in refurbishing and emphasizing its waterfront in recent years, Barcelona has set off on a path towards rejuvenation -- bringing in many foreigners and a surge of young, creative professionals.

August 29, 2007 - Der Spiegel

A More Manageable And Successful Future In 'Second Cities'

Many world cities are undergoing successful rebirths, but many see the smaller so-called "second cities" as the true hubs for long-term economic success.

August 29, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Lagging Harbor Development Could Hurt Portland's Economy

Delays in development and growth in Portland's harbor area could cost the region thousands of jobs and billions of dollars.

August 29, 2007 - The Portland Tribune

Piecemeal Development For Border Communities

In the communities on the Texas side of the U.S.-Mexico border, development is an incremental process. But with an influx of public services and infrastructure, the humble villages are blossoming.

August 28, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Socialism Evolves In The Kibbutz

Individual ownership, privately operated services, and professional management are part of the new face of the kibbutz -- Israel's cooperative intentional communities founded on Marxist and socialist principles.

August 28, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Residents Propose Secession From Struggling Gary, Indiana

Citing the city's poor economic stature, residents of a section of Gary, Indiana, are proposing that they split from the city. Some say race and class differences are the undercurrents spurring the idea.

August 28, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Urban Microfarming: A Smart Solution For Vacant Lots

Urban farming takes root in Detroit.

August 27, 2007 - The Detroit Free Press

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.