Community / Economic Development

World-wide Quality Of Life Survey

For overall quality of life, Zurich and Geneva are the top-ranked cities. Baghdad scores lowest.

March 4, 2004 - Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Will local governments ever control Wal-Mart?

On Tuesday, Contra Costa County, California voters chose between 'consumer choice' and 'local control.'

March 4, 2004 - The San Francisco Chronicle

What Makes A 'Good City'?

Canada's Governor-General discusses innovative efforts to create liveable communities nationwide.

March 4, 2004 - The Toronto Star

Debates About Wal-Mart Supercenters in California Rage On

The big-box retailer still can't crack the California market.

March 3, 2004 - USA Today

More People, More Prisons?

Some Georgia counties consider new jails to be essential infrastructure for supporting metropolitan population growth.

March 3, 2004 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Curse Of The Creative Class?

Cities rushing to embrace Richard Florida's 'creative class' strategies are likely to be disappointed, writes Steven Malanga.

March 3, 2004 - City Journal

Is The Creative Class Theory Flawed?

Critics are increasingly charging that Richard Florida's theories about the creative class simply don't work.

March 2, 2004 - The Boston Globe

In The Land Of The Car, It Doesn't Pay To Oppose Freeways

Community is cut off from Main Street program after opposing a freeway widening plan.

March 1, 2004 - The Detroit News

Community at Your Doorstep

Fewer residents are venturing outside their homes to patronize local businesses as home-delivery services increase.

March 1, 2004 - The Washington Post

Thinking Out Of The Big-Box

This article describes the woes caused the increasing number of empty retail big boxes in our communities and presents some strategies for rehabilitation and re-use, including conversion into more profitable retail activities.

March 1, 2004 - Retail Traffic

A New Trend Transforming Strip Malls

With developable land in Southern California's urban core at a premium, underperforming strip malls are becoming a popular target for mixed use development.

March 1, 2004 - The Los Angeles Times

Evolving Immigration Hotspots

Shifting domestic economics are reshaping immigration patterns in the United States.

March 1, 2004 - Austin American-Statesmen

Borders' New Frontier

In what may be part of a larger trend, book chain Borders moves into underserved neighborhoods.

February 27, 2004 - The New York Times

A New Urban Benchmark: Amenity Dollars (AA$)

AA$ measures the financial ability of a city's citizens to increase their education, start new businesses, and support urban amenities.

February 27, 2004 - The Next American City

Rooftop Seat + Night Games = Lovable Winners?

A revenue-sharing deal with rooftop owners near Wrigley field could give the Chicago Cubs their first World Series in nearly a century.

February 26, 2004 - The Chicago Tribune

Should Wal-Mart Supercenters Be 'Banned' in Los Angeles?

Writer questions efficacy of potential wholesale ban on Wal-Mart 'supercenters' by the Los Angeles City Council.

February 26, 2004 - The Los Angeles Times

Does Gentrification Preclude Diversity?

The seventh-largest US city typifies 'new urbanism' and growth. But some fret about squeezing out the poor.

February 26, 2004 - The Christian Science Monitor

Fierce Grocery Competition Ends Fred Meyer

Southern California isn't the only region worried about Wal-Mart Supercenters.

February 25, 2004 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Real Cost Of Michigan's School Construction Boom

A new report offers a detailed assessment of how school construction decisions are made in Michigan, and their effect on development patterns.

February 25, 2004 - Michigan Land Use Institute

Michigan's 'Cool Cities' Initiative

For Kalamazoo, efforts to be a 'cool city' are a solid economic development strategy.

February 23, 2004 - Michigan Live

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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.