Community / Economic Development
There's Still Hope For Upstate New York
While the national and local perception of the region is bleak, with the right strategy and mindset, Upstate New York could revive its economy.
Creating An African American Cultural Center In West Oakland
This report from NPR looks at a neighborhood activist who's leading a movement to revitalize a rundown West Oakland neighborhood into a black cultural district.
Harlem Refi Hits New High
A staggering $360 million refinance of a gritty 1,800-unit complex from the 1950's is another indicator that high profits can be found in long-overlooked inner-city neighborhoods.
Land Grabs In India Spur Criticism
The Communist government in West Bengal, India, has seized the land of thousands of farmer to make room for a car factory. Many criticize the government's emphasis on industrialization.
One Billion Dollar Plan Unveiled For Atlanta's Signature Street
The ambitious plan proposes to transform Peachtree Street with new streetcars, parks and other amenities. But skeptics wonder if such a massive overhaul is feasible -- or even necessary.
Romanian County Seeks Stake In Dracula's Castle
A county in Central Romania has expressed interest in purchasing the castle used by the 15th Century medieval ruler who inspired the tale of "Dracula" -- seeing the castle as an opportunity to increase tourism in the Eastern European country.
L.A.'s Grand Avenue Project Approved
Plans for a broad mixed-use, transit-oriented development have received approval from the Los Angeles City Council and County Board of Supervisors, moving closer to the creation of a what civic leaders hope is a cultural center in downtown L.A.
L.A. Also Looks To Create Ctiywide Wi-Fi Network
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has announced plans to create a citywide network providing free wireless Internet access. L.A. will join more than 300 cities nationwide that offer wireless access.
New Orleans Unified Plan Leaves Neighborhoods Stranded
The Unified New Orleans Plan was supposed to unite seven separate, and often competing, official Hurricane Katrina rebuilding plans. But it has not been able to sidestep the controversial need to align the physical city to its shrunken population.
Houston Plans Citywide Wi-Fi Network
The city of Houston is looking to create a wi-fi wireless Internet access network that covers the entire city. If approved, this would be the largest citywide wi-fi network in North America.
Miami Suburb Looking To Densify
Through the creation of 5 new mixed-use business districts, the low density and auto-oriented Miami suburb of Hialeah is looking to create new growth and economic vibrancy.
The Potential Of Infill
In Toronto, two opportunities to breathe life into the forgotten corners of the city.
Booming Shanghai Struggles To Create Livability
As Shanghai becomes a new world-class business capital, the city struggles to keep up with its rapid growth.
Grand Canyon Skywalk: Eyesore Or Marvel?
Plans for a massive glass skywalk over the Grand Canyon, hotels, and a golf course are aimed at revitalizing a small reservation but critics say the development will commercialize a natural and national treasure.
In Iraq, Shiite Sadr City Recovers While Sunni Areas Crumble
Recovery and reconstruction have seen rapid success in Sadr City, Baghdad's largest predominantly Shiite area. Many have moved to this former slum, while violence tends to occur mainly in Sunni areas of Baghdad receiving few recovery resources.
University Improvement Benefits Expand To Entire Region
After 15 years, a university president's ambitious plans to improve his school have made an equal -- if not bigger -- impact on the surrounding region.
For New Orleans, Green Plans, But No Green Buildings
While planners and architects are giddy with the possibilities for sustainable development in New Orleans, the actual needs of the city's residents -- namely housing and jobs -- appear to have been forgotten.
Boomtown Looks To Hire Lots Of New Planners
The Municipality of Wood Buffalo is looking to fill 49 new positions in its planning and development department to cope with the area's incredible growth -- a result of the tar sands boom in northern Alberta.
Aging Suburban Communities Cope With Urban Problems
The older suburbs around Richmond, Virginia -- and many other cities around the country -- can no longer count on being immune to poverty, crime and under performing schools that has long affected the urban core.
Rural College Towns Seek To Create Urban Life
Rural colleges are urbanizing their campuses to stay competitive with their peers and keep up with evolving demographic preferences.
Pagination
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions