Downtowns
Pittsburgh downtown tax diversion plan draws criticism for lack of transparency
A proposed new development tax faces opposition from transit advocates.
The nation's 10 'stickiest' downtowns
How often do residents visit your downtown?
Small 'maker' businesses are good for downtowns — and data proves it
Small-scale manufacturers tend to be more engaged in the local supply chain, contributing to economic revitalization.
America’s urban FIFA stars won’t be stadiums — it will be our downtowns. Let’s not blow it.
When the World Cup visits cities across America this summer, it’s a rare chance to shift the perception of our downtowns on the global stage. The secret? What makes downtowns great for FIFA makes them great for everyone, all the time.
Google Razed 80 Acres in Downtown San Jose. Then… Nothing Happened.
The project was expected to generate about $79 million annually in property taxes.
From SoHo to SoDoSoPa
How zoning made great neighborhoods illegal to build, and preordained gentrification.
New Tool Uncovers Exact Costs of Downtown Highways
A new research tool can help cities calculate the economic potential that could be unlocked by replacing highways with other uses.
Boston Approves 700 ft Tall Buildings Downtown
A new rezoning plan raises height limits in some areas for buildings that are mostly residential.
Remote Work is Dying in the Bay Area — and Tech is Leading the Charge
Roughly two-thirds of Bay Area workers are back in the office full-time.
Boston Upzoning Proposal Moves Forward
The Boston Planning Department approved a proposal that would raise allowable building heights in downtown and streamline permitting for small businesses.
Akron's Multimillion Dollar Bet on Parks
The Ohio city invested $17 million to revitalize a downtown park. It seems to be working.
Office Conversions Have Increased Every Year This Decade
Since the pandemic, office vacancy rates remain high, leading many cities to adjust zoning codes to accommodate adaptive reuse.
Downtown Portland Ready for Maine's Tallest Building
The city of Portland anticipates a major new urban development addition called the “Old Port Square” project.
Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth
A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Downtown Los Angeles on the Rise: A Promising 2025
Fueled by new developments, cultural investments, and a growing dining scene, downtown Los Angeles is poised for significant growth in 2025, despite challenges from recent wildfires and economic uncertainties.
From Plan to Place: Providence’s Downtown Renaissance
Providence’s downtown is transforming from plan to place. Decades of strategic planning, zoning reforms, & investment are paying off, creating a more vibrant, walkable urban core. Here’s how thoughtful policy and design are shaping the city’s future.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Pagination
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.
One Hundred Miles
County of Mendocino
planning NEXT
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority