Can Rust Belt cities evolve from low-skill factory jobs and paternal company town employers in to more diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial economies?
A new Brookings Institution study looks at factors of successful Rust Belt communities, and how some have evolved from older identities. At work are a number of factors, including universities, the legacy of wise community investing in company towns, and capitalizing on place and history.
Cities and counties that are home to the University of Wisconsin and Notre Dame, for example, have incomes that are higher than their statewide average, as these and other institutions contribute heavily to their respective economies.
Smart economic developers are a boon to their communities. Green Bay, Wisconsin, is leveraging partnerships with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's new engineering school and local business start-ups, and also capitalizing on downtown redevelopment and a mixed-use development near legendary Lambeau Field.
Company towns have built-in characteristics that provide a leg up on the competition. Columbus, Indiana, is home of Cummins, whose corporate leadership has resulted in an advanced reputation for high-quality architecture and design. As well, the town is a leader in clean technology.
FULL STORY: A Tale of Two Rust Belts, Can the Midwest's Smaller Communities Succeed?
Wisconsin in Crisis
Hospitals in parts of Wisconsin are experiencing a medical crisis reminiscent of New York and Arizona—they are running out of beds due to a surge of COVID-19 patients. The outbreak is statewide, showing no relationship with density.
Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan
The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Grand Rapids Passes Zoning Reform Package
The new rules aim to make it easier to build small multifamily housing developments.
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.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions