Economist David Birch coined the term "gazelle" to refer to small businesses that double their size every four years. Charlie Gandy says these gazelles are incredibly useful when it comes to placemaking.
Gandy posits that gazelles "...bring a healthy dose of creative talent and out-of-the-box thinking to their entrepreneurial mix," and "...see themselves as progressive artisans and thought leaders and feel empowered to spread their enthusiasm with fellow local business owners".
Gandy writes from Long Beach, California, where a couple of gazelles have pushed the city to allow them the freedom to create "parklets" in front of their restaurants. The parklets "...have brought extraordinary results to both their businesses and very positive media tention to Long Beach as a progressive city ready to try out new ideas."
FULL STORY: Gazelles & the Art of Placemaking

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.
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