Community / Economic Development
Proposed Improvements To Boston's Pedestrian Shopping Center
Plans have been proposed to expand downtown Boston's pedestrian-only shopping district with the hopes of improving the area's economic viability. Despite high pedestrian traffic, the shopping center has not been as successful as others in the city.
Best Cities For CleanTech Businesses
The latest benchmark from SustainLane tracks which American cities are the best incubators for clean technology companies.
Massachusetts Historic Mill Cities Struggle For Job Growth
A new report highlights the struggles of historic mill cities in Massachusetts as they lose thousands of jobs and strain to attract high-tech industries.
Transforming Kandahar
Despite ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Kandahar's officials, residents and planners are envisioning a prosperous and sustainable future for the city.
Orlando Unmasked
Walt Disney's utopian dream forever changed Orlando, Florida, and laid the blueprint for the new American metropolis.
Kibbutz Leans Away From Socialist Roots
Israel's oldest kibbutz -- a communal living settlement founded on socialist principles -- has approved a vote allowing community members to retain private salaries instead of pooling their income for the entire community.
A Street For Detroiters
In an effort to build community, Jerry Belanger has quietly redeveloped two bars along Detroit's burgeoning Park Street bar district.
Small Town New Jersey Looks At Big Redevelopment Project
The small New Jersey city of Harrison is considering a massive redevelopment project that could drastically change the character of the city. Some residents worry that the $1 billion redevelopment plan is too ambitious for the small town.
The Battle Over 'Billyburg'
The Willamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is the setting for the latest iteration in the modern day gentrification saga.
D.C.'s Convention Center Falls Short Of Booming Predictions
In Washington, D.C., a publicly-financed convention center that was promoted four years ago by local officials as a shot in the arm for the city's economy has turned out to be less than successful. But the city has a plan to revive the dream.
War Fatalities Hurt Small Town America
Small towns and rural areas hit by economic downturns have seen many of their young people enlist for lack of other opportunities -- and as a result they represent almost half of U.S. war fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Should Economic Development Efforts Be Place-Based or People-Based?
Randall Crane offers an introduction to the research literature around place-based versus people-based policies for economic development as he begins his research into systematic comparative assessments of the two policies.
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.
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
