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."
Read the full story: A Fresh Start For Urban Innovation
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority