With the expansion of the Panama Canal expected to be complete in 2015, U.S. Port Cities are uniquely positioned to reap economic benefits of increased industrial activity.
In a recent industrial-related blog post from ICIC, author Amanda Maher analyzes why the U.S. is poised for a comeback in manufacturing--and what this means for our port cities. Specifically, a burst in the domestic real estate bubble has reduced pressure on industrial land from commercial and residential uses, making it more cost-friendly to reuse and redevelop industrial sites.
Cities like Newark are taking proactive approaches to invest in industrial sites around their port. In the past 24 months alone, Brick City Development Corporation has facilitated the groundbreaking of 5 large food warehousing/distribution sites near the Newark Port, resulting in hundreds of jobs for Newark residents.
The article examines steps economic developers can take to prepare for the expected increase in industrial activity, including a little old-fashioned hand-holding.
FULL STORY: Realizing Economic Opportunity in Port 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.
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