The newly formed Gary Region and Investment Project (GRIP) hopes to bring about a turnaround for the struggling Indiana city.
GRIP, a joint venture between Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council and The Times Media Company, is founded on the belief that Gary's well being influences the economic climate for the entire region, says Kari Lydersen. Gary was founded in 1906 by U.S. Steel and thrived until several decades ago, when massive job losses in the steel industry catalyzed its economic downfall.
GRIP's initial proposals range from redeveloping a beachfront park to encouraging development near Indiana University Northwest. Part of the organization's challenge will be finding funding for the projects, says Lydersen, which is expected to come from a mix of regional, state and federal sources.
Lydersen writes:
"Any one of those projects would cost many millions, and there is no guarantee that financing will materialize. But leaders say they are hopeful, thanks in part to federal encouragement. Ron Sims, deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has called GRIP an example of the regional planning focus favored by the Obama administration."
FULL STORY: Trying to Ignite Spark of Revival in a Grim Gary
Gary, Indiana to Expand Transit Service, Bike Share
The city plans to launch a bike share system in April and expand service on its bus routes.
Zoning Changes Intended to Spur Redevelopment in Haledon, New Jersey
The borough of Haledon is hoping that less restrictive zoning will spur a new wave of development and economic activity along one of the city's commercial corridors.
Caltrain Railyard Redevelopment Back on the Table in San Francisco
An incredibly complex development proposal for 20 acres of Caltrain railyard is back on the table, nearly a decade since it first made news in San Francisco.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions