An expanding number of cities across the U.S. are looking to attract urban casinos, with the hope that further development and money (tax revenues to fill drained city coffers) will follow.
Chicago may soon become the next large city in the United States to legalize gambling within its limits. Across the U.S., a substantial number of states and cities have legalized gambling in recent years, despite an ongoing debate over the pros and cons of their effect on crime rates, surrounding property values, and municipal coffers. "The debate is just the latest in a decades-long controversy over what role, if any, casinos can play in the revival of America's cities," says Next American City's Ryan Briggs.
"The economic downturn has given states an impetus to open up new sources of revenue, with gambling often viewed as low-hanging fruit," states Briggs. "Twelve states have expanded gambling options in the last three years, 22 now permit commercial casinos (up from two in 1974)..." Yet concerns remain. Many urban casinos have had their fair share of issues, such as Philadelphia's Sugarhouse, which has underperformed since its opening.
FULL STORY: Urban Roulette
State Supreme Court Deals Setback for Philly Casino Proposal
Regulatory issues have delayed a proposed casino mega-development in South Philadelphia.
New Philly Slots Site May Help Gambling Fit Better
Philadelphia is still trying to figure out where to put its two approved casinos as it prepares to become the nation's biggest city to host gambling. In this piece, Inga Saffron says a new proposed site could make gambling work for Philly.
Adaptive Reuse More Popular Than Ever, Study Says
The past decade saw more old commercial buildings transformed into residential buildings than any decade previous.
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.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie