Having two of the top universities in the world within a couple of miles of each other doesn't hurt. But Boyd Cohen looks at Boston's cutting-edge efforts to foster innovation within and outside of its universities, that make it a global leader.
Cohen profiles some of the business models and approaches to supporting innovation that make the city the premier "innovation ecosystem in the world," outside of Silicon Valley. He spotlights MassChallenge, "Perhaps the largest single accelerator in the world", and MIT's Legatum Center, which engages, "talented MIT students who want to make for-profit startups that have a high impact in developing countries," and others to support his thesis.
According to Cohen, "One of the under-explored components of smart cities is how they enable
and attract smart citizens to innovate solutions that improve the
quality of life locally and around the globe, all while growing the
local and regional economy." And in Boston, "which has many other
smart characteristics--including quality transit and renewable energy
leadership--" programs such as those described by Cohen are, "succeeding
in facilitating the next wave of startups and are attracting
entrepreneurs from across the world."
FULL STORY: Why Boston Is One Of The World’s Smartest Cities

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