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.
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.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie