Economic Development

Why Cities Will Outlast the Pandemic Slump
A new report suggests that despite recent challenges, the ‘value proposition’ of urban activity centers remains as strong as ever.

Sports Stadiums Bring Few Economic Benefits
While their developers often tout jobs and local economic development as benefits of major stadium projects, research shows these venues often make little impact on local economies.

Marrying Urban Identity and Economic Prosperity
A new book posits that truly successful communities have a strong economic base and a firmly rooted sense of place.

State of the Cities: Mayors Focused on Infrastructure, Economic Development
Mayors around the country are pledging to bolster infrastructure projects with new federal funding, generate economic growth, and support the most vulnerable residents.

Who’s Afraid of Gentrification?
Examining the complex sources of concerns about displacement and opposition to investment in low-income neighborhoods.

The Return of Cities
Major cities like London continue their rebound from the pandemic, with some tweaks.

Kansas City: 'Silicon Prairie?'
The city's growth and the arrival of tech giants like Meta could signal a tech-based renaissance.

New Bus Rapid Transit Line Expected To Revitalize Indianapolis Neighborhoods
In addition to connecting residents to jobs and medical facilities, city leaders hope the BRT line will boost economic development along the route.

6 Surprising Ways Communities Can Grow Their Businesses Amidst the Labor Shortage
While the labor shortage has affected businesses across the country, many communities have started taking steps to support area businesses and help them thrive.

Seattle Accepting Proposals for Neighborhood Recovery Fund Projects
The fund will invest $6 million in community-led projects aimed at public space activation, digital equity, and other recovery strategies.

How Downtown Public Space Investments Impact Equity
Efforts to revitalize declining downtowns have, in some cases, become catalysts for supporting small, minority-owned, local businesses.

The California Dream is Becoming Less Achievable
Anti-growth forces have made it close to impossible for many young people and newcomers to gain the upward mobility that has defined the state's success.

Well Funded Transportation Networks Promote Economic Development
Traditional strategies seek to attract major employers but often neglect the transportation networks that make commuting possible and convenient for more workers.

The Future of Central Business Districts
Urbanist Richard Florida assesses post-pandemic possibilities for neighborhoods that once relied on 9-to-5 workers.

Study: New Markets Tax Credit 'Does What it Promises, Most of the Time'
The program, which gives tax credits to investors, has resulted in added jobs, increased incomes, and low rates of displacement.

Dollar Stores Close to Half of New Store Openings in 2021
Expanding wealth inequality has contributed to the explosive growth of "dollar store" retailers.

L.A. Mayor Proposes Guaranteed Income Program
The city could give 2,000 families $1,000 a month in what would be the largest program of its kind in the country.

What Is Gentrification?
Gentrification is a process of neighborhood change, usually resulting from an influx of relatively wealthy, white residents to a neighborhood. But that definition, and the controversies that follow, vary greatly by location, and there is no universally accepted definition of the term.

Pittsburgh-to-Cleveland Corridor Would Be Major Addition to National Trail Network
The 220-mile route would connect the two cities and could potentially boost the economies of communities along the stretch.

Debating Public Incentives for Private Developments
A debate common in growing cities around the country is taking place in Atlanta in answer to the question of how much support private developers need from the public.
Pagination
Town of Reading
Meridian Consultants
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
City of Morganton
St. Louis County, MO
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.