Urban Economic Zones Miss Mark

North Carolina has created several urban zones to target economic incentives. But questions are being raised about the intended versus actual impacts.

1 minute read

October 24, 2000, 5:00 AM PDT

By Laura Kraft


"Two years ago, North Carolina lawmakers asked cities to identify urban zones in need of an economic boost so the state could bestow tax breaks on companies that create jobs there.But now, even after two tries, some of the zones stretch miles from urban cores and include financially well-off areas that local officials agree don't deserve the special treatment."

Thanks to Laura Krafft

Wednesday, October 18, 2000 in Wall St. Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

May 2, 2025 - SD News

Close-up of carved United States Court House sign with eagle seal above a doorway.

Judge Halts New Conditions for HUD, Transportation Grants

The Trump administration attempted to impose new restrictions on federal grants aimed at eliminating DEI programs and aligning with the administration’s immigration policy.

45 minutes ago - The Hill

Electric vehicle charging station with white cars plugged in

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds

A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

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.