A ranking of the 10 most civic-minded companies holds some surprises -- mainly that the list is dominated by financial services firms.
"International companies are contributing to the betterment of the cities in which they do business, focusing on programs geared to improving health, sustainability, transportation, education, and even urban planning in metro areas," writes Mary Jander.
"It's vital to stay local. While many big corporate donors also support broader causes, the value of visible giving in a city where business is important not only builds revenue, it attracts employees and builds political equity within the community. Improving the home city means improving the business conducted there."
"So which firms stand out in civic giving?... In some cases, the firms are surprising sources of urban improvement. Who would associate some of the most disgraced financial companies on Wall Street (or Bay Street) to provide some of the most effective help for inner city education?"
Read the full story: Top 10 Civic-Minded Companies
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
A ‘shady’ deal: Chicagoans rally against planned Amtrak maintenance facility
The $900 million facility would allow Amtrak to maintain entire trains in one building, which the company says will reduce delays.
NYC releases high-tech public restrooms — with a 10 minute time limit
The $4 million pilot program aims to make it easier for people to find public restrooms in New York City.
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello