Brookings’ Bruce Katz explains how municipalities like Los Angeles can create thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing through connecting planning, industry, innovation, and infrastructure efforts.

In The Planning Report, Bruce Katz shares his views on the role of metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, to usher in new waves of advanced manufacturing and industries. As the urbanization trend continues, Katz explains how leaders of metropolitan regions can make conscious decisions to shape a future that strategically invests in infrastructure and human capital.
Looking at the Los Angeles County's strategic plan for economic development to 2020, Katz believes that Los Angeles has the unique assets as well as the area to continue attracting business, talent, and innovation, and to remain competitive with cities around the world. Noting that Los Angeles has particular interest in water innovation for both hardware and software, he explains, "In the global economy, we’re beginning to revalue quality products and smart products driven by technology and software."
Author of The Metropolitan Revolution, Katz takes notes of Los Angeles' efforts to advance partnerships between universities, start-ups, and advanced manufacturing opportunities.
The premise for cities is simple: How do you become the best 21st-century version of yourself, leveraging your distinctive strengths and opportunities?
Katz explains that as the global economy favors cities and metropolitan areas that can create an ecosystem of "innovation districts," where a direct line is drawn between companies, clusters, and the competencies of their academic institutions.
FULL STORY: Katz: Global Economy Favors Regions That Strategically Invest in Infrastructure and Human Capital

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions