Innovation Districts are helping metropolitan areas around the country lead the way toward economic recovery.
Cities could help foster and nurture economic development with dedicated areas for start-ups and businesses, such as Boston's Innovation District. Such places are designed to facilitate open interactions and collaboration between people, companies, and other innovators.
Thomas Menino writes:
"The launch of President Obama's Startup America initiative comes at a time when our nation's cities are primed to lead the country out of the recent recession. Unemployment rates are steadily declining in many metro areas, and the private sector is beginning to reinvest in the economy. But for cities to capitalize on this opportunity to create jobs, spur innovation, and accelerate entrepreneurship, our strategy has to be deliberate and hard-charging."
FULL STORY: A Fresh Start For Urban Innovation

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates
The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

Washington State E-Bike Rebate Set to Launch in April
The state program will offer up to $1,200 to fund the purchase of electric bikes.

BLM Approves Controversial Oil and Gas Leases on Navajo Land
The parcels are located near a sensitive archaeological site, but some Indigenous leaders approve of the move, which will bring in millions in revenue.

Hong Kong Cab Hailing App Folds — and Uber Takes Over
HKTaxi launched a year before Uber came to town. Now, it’s shutting down. Lawmakers worry a monopoly looms.

Rural Homelessness Could Be Vastly Underestimated, Study Finds
The annual ‘point in time’ count fails to capture the diverse types of situations experienced by unhoused people in rural communities.
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.
Standridge Inc.
City of Brookings
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service