In a feature for the Architect's Newspaper, Christopher Bentley looks at efforts by Ohio's three largest cities to revitalize their urban cores, and the challenges they face.
In what Bentley believes could signal "a transformational moment for the region," major public and private forces in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus are working together to try to reverse decades of sprawl and "capitalize on a renewed interest in city living" to "rebuild hollowed-out tax bases." By diversifying their economies, offering creative financial incentives, and forging partnerships between public agencies, non-profits, and private developers, these Rust Belt neighbors hope they've found the right formula to catalyze a sustainable urban renaissance.
With decimated tax bases, crumbling infrastructure, histories of dubious urban investment, and continued suburban growth, the challenges to cementing recent gains as an enduring "Rust Belt rebound" are many.
Read the full story: Feature> Can the Centers Hold?
Political Support for Amtrak’s All Aboard Ohio Plans Follows Federal Infrastructure Funding
Gov. Mike DeWine’s sudden interest in working with Amtrak might have something to do with $66 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding recently announced by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Ohio Approves New Tax Credit and Crowdfunding to Boost Downtown Development
Two pieces of legislation signed by Gov. DeWine promote investment in "legacy" cities.
Another State (Ohio) Gets It Right
Washington and California have been praised for early efforts to mitigate community spread of the novel coronavirus, resulting in relatively low rates of infection, hospitalization, and ultimately, death. Add Ohio to the bunch.
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.
Non-stop party: Chicago voters weigh permanent festival grounds
A stable place for bleachers, stages and drainage may streamline the setup and teardown of large events.
Metra may invest $9.1 billion in regional rail
The agency released a draft of a study examining potential ways to offer more frequent train service.
California city breaks ground on transit connector
The project includes three mobility hubs and a pedestrian bridge.
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