The high-profile Downtown Project in Las Vegas, led by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, made the wrong kind of news this week.
"Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO and founder of the ambitious startup-city development Downtown Project in Las Vegas, stepped down as leader of the project a few weeks ago," reports Nellie Bowles.
"Hsieh’s move comes as the project has laid off about 30 percent of its staff, or 30 people, which does not include the community of entrepreneurs funded by the project," adds Bowles.
Joe Schoenmann first reported the layoffs for KNPR News.
Bowles cites sources claiming that many of the businesses associated with the Downtown project were bleeding money and that project was poorly managed. David Gould, who left a teaching position at the University of Iowa earlier this year to take a job with the Downtown project, penned an open letter to Hsieh, published in the Las Vegas Weekly, describing the venture's failures as "a collage of decadence, greed, and missing leadership."
FULL STORY: Tony Hsieh Steps Down From Lead Role at Las Vegas Downtown Project
Tony Hsieh's Legacy in Las Vegas
Tony Hsieh, who achieved international fame as head both of Zappos and the Downtown Project in Las Vegas, died in November. Several articles made an account of the Downtown Project's track record.
Questioning the Power Structure of Downtown Las Vegas’ Revitalization
Has the power and influence of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh spoiled the good intentions of the Downtown Project in Las Vegas?
Five Years Later: Zappos Founder's Downtown Las Vegas Project
Tony Hsieh laid out a grand ambition two create a more dynamic downtown in Las Vegas that would change cities all over the world. Now, after a series of setbacks and with dwindling funds, that vision seems unlikely to be realized.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)