While New Orleans' economy struggles to return to its pre-storm levels, cities such as Mobile, Alabama are reaping the benefits of renewed economic vigor.
"Mobile's fortunes were changed a year ago when Hurricane Katrina hit, destroying much of the coast but striking the metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 here with little more than a glancing blow."
"The sudden twist of fate leaves Mobile poised to play a far bigger role on the Gulf Coast. The storm added considerable strength to Mobile's already reviving economy, as evacuees snapped up apartments and houses and disaster officials set up shop."
"Mobile's resurgence highlights how Katrina, while taking a considerable human toll, also reshuffled the regional economy. Cities like Houston and Baton Rouge, La., have seen their economies flourish since the storm. Other cities, like Gulfport, Miss., and New Orleans were hobbled and remain so."
[Editor's note: Although this article is only available to WSJ subscribers, it is available to Planetizen readers for free through the link below for a period of seven days.]
FULL STORY: Ill Winds of '05 Blew Some Good to Mobile, Ala.

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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