Brainstorm: Can Cities Shrink Gracefully? Should They? How?

As the recession digs in, cities across the country are left with large swaths of abandoned or vacant places. Can these cities shrink gracefully? Do they even need to? Vote on ideas submitted by the Planetizen community, or suggest your own.

1 minute read

June 29, 2009, 10:00 AM PDT

By Planetizen

There's been a lot of talk recently about bulldozing vacant properties in struggling cities. Some say it's a good way to downsize, but others argue it may be too soon to give up on these areas.

Is there a good way for cities to deal with their abandoned spaces? Do they have to shrink or bulldoze themselves to do it?

We want to know what you, the Planetizen community, thinks cities should react.

Let us know your ideas, and vote on the ideas submitted by the community. Participate in the brainstorm by submitting or voting at http://planetizen.uservoice.com/pages/21833-can-cities-shrink-gracefully-should-they-how-.

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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

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