Urban cores have undergone a long period of depopulation and depression. But with cities across the country attempting to bring these areas back, a few simple strategies are laying the groundwork.
"Sadly, many of America's urban areas have 'died on the vine', and city and business leaders are now faced with the tremendous task of revitalizing these downtown cores. In fact, 62 percent of all major city population growth in the 1990s occurred along suburban borders, compared to just 11 percent in city cores, according to a report from the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy."
"A lack of investment in the downtown cores contributed to the decline and now cities across the nation are trying to figure out how they can take their urban centers from vacant to vibrant. Experts suggest three main strategies: create an organization to bring together business leaders and city officials; design a masterplan to encourage investment; and develop a way to leverage any special attractions in the downtown core."
FULL STORY: Urban Revitalization - Creating a catalyst for downtown redevelopment

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)