Community / Economic Development

Small Towns in the Western U.S. Achieving Population and Economic Growth
A small town success story in Montana is indicative of a larger trend in the Western United States. Meanwhile, small towns in the rest of the country struggle.

Protecting and Growing Cultural Facilities in Expensive Cities
Independent cultural institutions provide so much of what make cities world class, and they are a big part of the appeal for people who choose to live in highly urbanized areas. These days, cultural institutions are having a hard time affording rent.

The First Mayor to Become President?
Pete Buttigieg, in his eighth and final year as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a formerly shrinking Rust Belt city, is on a roll in his bid to capture the Democratic nomination to challenge President Trump next year. The Indy Star looks at his record.

$1 Billion Industry City Redevelopment Caught Up in Post-Amazon Political Drama
Large mixed-use projects aren't getting an automatic greenlight in New York City anymore.

Review: 'The Handbook of Gentrification Studies'
A book by Loretta Lees and Martin Phillips, published in 2018, is reviewed and recommended to "graduates studying anthropology of cities, urbanism, geography, and new urban identities."

Senate Votes 0–57 to Rebuff Green New Deal
Not one Democratic senator, including sponsor Ed Markey (Mass.), voted on Tuesday to support the resolution "recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal." Instead, most, but not all, Democrats voted "present."

Zoning to Protect Manufacturing in N.Y.C.
Development in industrial areas is pushing out manufacturers, but new zoning regulations could help control the incursion.

Obama Presidential Center Still Facing Controversies
The project will bring money and visitors to Chicago’s South Side, but the community wants more assurances that the future of residents will be a priority.

Main Street as a Microcosm of the World
How can a three-day design workshop make a difference? Be a strong local partner able to convene community. Rob Steuteville at CNU Public Square shares lessons learned.

Environmental Impact Bond to Fund Atlanta Watershed Projects
The bonds finance new green infrastructure projects that otherwise would be considered too risky.

Jeep Plant Isn't Getting a Warm Reception From Detroit Residents
Fiat Chrysler’s plan for a new Jeep plant in Detroit is off to a rocky start.

The Resilience of Culture
Cultural institutions and heritage sites may contribute to a city’s social cohesion and attract investment.

New Dog Park a First for Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix. Phoenix let the dogs out.

Survey Reveals the Market Footprint of Online Grocery Services
How and where are people shopping for groceries online?

New Mexico Legislation Charts Path Away From Coal, But It Won't Be Easy
The Energy Transition Act passed the New Mexico state House on March 12 and heads to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the state's new Democratic governor who supports clean energy, but losing a coal plant early causes far-reaching economic impacts.

Proposed Gas Tax Hike Exposes Minnesota's Road Subsidy
After Minnesota's new Democratic Gov. Tim Walz proposed a 20-cents gas tax hike over two years, even leaders in his own party were caught off-guard, but one-third of the tax increase will replace the diversion of general funds to roads.

Missouri Making Hyperloop Plans
Missouri state legislators have created a task force aimed at delivering a hyperloop route between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Study Examines the Benefits of Online Reviews to Planning Research
Online reviews aren't representative of overall neighborhood populations, but they can reveal data that otherwise might go unnoticed during research phases of planning processes.

Trump's Budget Would Cut Funding for HUD, Transportation, EPA, More
Presidential budgets usually arrive with zero chance of being adopted without changes, but still important to consider as a reflection of the Executive Branch's priorities.

In the Shadow of a Rising NFL Stadium, a Scramble to Cap Rent Hikes
The city of Inglewood is the future home of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, but current residents are worried about their future in the city as rents rise and landlords evict tenants.
Pagination
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service