Commercial real estate developers go into detail on the impact of the financial crisis on their ability to make projects happen.
"The banking crisis 'pretty much stopped the majority of commercial development dead in their tracks, except non-leveraged projects, smaller investments and owner-occupied deals, and institutional projects that were already in progress,' [Developer Rick] DeKam said. 'I think you will see institutional, medical and even multifamily development as the steady-performing real estate over the next few years.'
Michael Cagen, associate broker specializing in multifamily investment at Marcus & Millichap's Grand Rapids office, has seen the same financing challenges of late as other real estate categories.
'Only several months ago, we were able to find financing, but at higher interest rates and at lower loan to values,' Cagen said. 'Today, lenders tell you they need to have the complete banking relationship with you, that the buyer needs to be local and that it needs to be newer property. In essence, this means the number of lenders who are available to finance a given deal has continued to shrink.'"
FULL STORY: Commercial real estate financing goes from bad to worse

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.
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.
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)