United States
U.S. Airports Get Makeovers
Many U.S. airports are in need of significant overhauls, as terminals from the 60s and 70s can't keep up with current demand and expectations. Jad Mouawad explores the renovations and expansions transforming the nation's largest airports.
Cato Hosts Affordable Housing Battle Royale
This past week, the Cato Institute and Next American City played host to an energetic discussion of the role of housing and development policy in controlling the supply of affordable housing in American cities.
Why Buying a Home Now Isn't the Bargain You Might Think
With home prices at their lowest in a decade and mortgage rates at historic lows, one would thing buying a home now would be significantly cheaper than it was five years ago. Not so, says a new study.
Friday Scummy: Local Leaders Behaving Badly
You're probably itching for a change of pace from relentlessly humorous stories we bring you every Friday. So, this week we're changing it up a bit, with the help of our friends at The Atlantic Cities.
Breaking Down Barriers to Shared Open Space
Anne Marie Chaker reports on the emergence of the "shared backyard," in which a surprising number of neighbors are combining resources to create bigger gardens and more space to entertain.
A Safe Haven for Economic Benefits
A recent study concludes that investment in wildlife refuges leads to economic rewards.
As the Housing Market Rebounds, Sprawl is Poised to Come With It
A new report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released this week claims that sprawl is poised to make a comeback after a pause driven by the recession, and not lasting changes in lifestyle choice, reports Robbie Whelan.
Americans Want Planning
Today, the American Planning Association (APA) released the findings of their 2012 national poll of Americans' opinions on planning. The results should have planners feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Bloomberg Bets on Cities
Launched today by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Mayors Challenge will award $9 million in prizes as a down payment on urban innovation, reports Ariel Schwartz.
Does an Increase in White Residents Equal Gentrification?
Matt Bevilacqua looks at the real story behind headlines making news this week regarding the "fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods in the United States."
Banks Seek to Apply a Green Polish to Their Reputations
Bank of America is one of a handful of major banks to pump money into green initiatives, where they see an opportunity for new capital and a chance to improve their images.
Coal in the Doldrums: Is the EPA to Blame?
In a wide ranging interview with Grist reporters Chip Giller and Scott Rosenberg on her tenure at the helm of the EPA, Lisa Jackson discusses the administration’s position on coal. It’s been accused of waging a war on it by coal supporters.
City Officials, Homeless Advocates at Odds over Bans
Is "compassion fatigue" driving Philadelphia and other cities to adopt ordinances to crack down on the homeless? Homeless advocates contend that these measures are counterproductive, as they force the homeless into criminal means of getting by.
Creative Placemaking Sweeps the Nation
2,200 cities, counties and arts orgs applied to ArtPlace to fund their creative placemaking projects in 2012. 47 projects, ranging from an arts campus in rural Sitka, Alaska to a series of "aerial nets" along a Philadelphia waterfront, made the cut.
Why Neighbors May Want to Welcome Wal-Mart With Open Arms
Two assistant professors from the University of Chicago and BYU have found that the addition of a Wal-Mart store in a neighborhood can raise the value of homes within a mile of the store, reports Mary Ellen Podmolik.
Bad Deals Plague Transit Agencies Across America
Compounding the pain caused by decreased funding from local and national sources, transit agencies across the country are haunted by "toxic pre-recession bank deals" that have them paying exorbitant borrowing costs.
Extension Looms as Federal Transportation Talks Reach an Impasse
With the House/Senate Conference Committee under pressure to agree to a transportation reauthorization bill, House Speaker John Boehner indicated that if agreement can't be reached by June 31, a 6-month extension (rather than 3 months) is preferable.
Visiting America's Urban Farms
Morgan Clendaniel and the good folks at Co.Exist bring us an eyeful of the best examples of the country's new crop of urban farms from a new book by Sarah Rich.
Why Economic Analysis for Transportation Projects Makes Sense
As Congress haggles over a new transportation bill, a report out last week argues that all stakeholders would be better served if state and federal governments conducted rigorous economic analysis before spending money on transportation projects.
Doing it Anyway: How Nonprofits are Tackling the Challenge of Scattered-Site Rentals
Scattered-site rental management is something nonprofits have long found to be a challenge. But there are ways of pulling it off, and those who have done it tell Shelterforce how, and why it’s worth it.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
