Reinventing A Rust Belt City

In the 1980s, Bilbao, Spain, had a lot in common with some U.S. 'Rust Belt' cities - declining population, dying industries, and a depressed downtown. This is the story of Bilbao's remarkable turnaround.

1 minute read

May 9, 2001, 5:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Today, thanks to a massive investment in path-breaking architecture and visionary planning, this urban invalid in northern Spain has come back to life with a bang. Tourists who flock here from around the globe to see Frank Gehry's shimmering, titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum also find a reborn city, its waterfront in the throes of renewal, its bustling downtown streets lined with swank shops, its ancient center being restored. Industries are cleaner, jobs are plentiful and the population is no longer hemorrhaging.The spectacular turnaround of Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia (Biscay) in Spain's Basque region, is a story of moxie, muscle and money."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Saturday, May 5, 2001 in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

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).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

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.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

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.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

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.

June 15 - The Washington Post