In this Los Angeles Times op-ed, author Richard Handley highlights a movement which seeks to revolutionize the business cycle of "boom and bust" to one that is more self-sustaining.
At the basis of this idea is the redefinition of theword "growth" shifting from the premise of "expansion" to that of "development." Handley explains that while expansion is characterized by sprawl, higher taxes, and overburdened resources, development is defined by new jobs, strong communities, the creation of affordable housing and other public services. The institute also promotes the idea of natural capitalism, a business model that seeks ways to make natural resources many times more productive by eliminating the concept of waste. By usingthese concepts of redefining the notion of growth and encouraging local companies to adopt the natural capitalism model, Handley states, Ventura County will prosper. Go to the Rocky Mountain Institute, for more information on restorative use of natural resources.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
Read the full story: To Continue to Prosper, We Must Redefine Growth
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Bill to overhaul energy permitting clears Senate
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 still needs to pass the House of Representatives.
MTA sends Dem leaders a wish list to mend Trump’s damages
Requests include exempting new train and bus components from tariffs and increasing transit security funding.
Mass. votes against statewide minimum lot size for single-family homes
Over 2 million residents voted on Question 7; it was decided by just over 30,000 votes.
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
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello