Community / Economic Development

Reining in Rising Property Insurance Rates
There are many proposed ways to mitigate the property insurance cost crisis. They all require action from federal or state governments.

Colorado Renter ‘Cash Back’ Program Rewards On-Time Rent Payments
The state is exploring a program that gives people a cash incentive for paying rent to offer renters some of the financial incentives homeowners receive.

Congestion Pricing Compromise?
A CBS News New York report suggests that Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering lifting her ‘indefinite pause’ on the Manhattan congestion pricing project if the $15 toll was lowered. Litigation threatened by the NYC comptroller may be a factor.

Study Highlights Equity Gaps in California's EV Incentives
A UCLA research team identifies gaps in incentive uptake and electric vehicle registration rates in disadvantaged communities.

Revitalizing Sepulveda Basin: A Green Vision for An Urban Oasis
Developed through the input of thousands of community members, this is the first comprehensive plan by the City of Los Angeles for the 2,000-acre basin.

Beating the Heat: Expanding Access to Swimming Pools
The swim season for Los Angles County public pools has been extended, with swim facilities open for five months to provide relief from the hot weather.

New TV Series Highlights Sustainable Aquaculture
Hope in the Water explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists who are seeking to harvest aquatic species to feed our growing population while protecting the oceans.

COVID Isn’t to Blame for the Retail Vacancy Crisis
A drop in demand for retail space began well before the seismic shifts of the pandemic.

Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing
It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.

Juneteenth Celebrated At Nation's First Jackie Robinson Park
The historic park in Sun Village hosted a vibrant Juneteenth festival, honoring the African American community's resilience and recognizing local leaders and residents.

Nation's First Nuclear Power Plant in Nearly Half a Century Breaks Ground in Wyoming
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had shovel-in-hand for the groundbreaking of his company's small-scale nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on June 10.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.

10,000 Americans Turn 65 Every Day; Why It Matters
As more people age, communities are preparing for the growing need for services, affordable housing, and transportation.

Wish Granted: Former Brownfield Transformed to New Park
Wishing Tree Park in West Carson, California officially opened last month, replacing a brownfield site with a much-needed green space for recreation and respite.

American Climate Corps Echoes New Deal Programs
A new federal initiative places young workers in jobs aimed at building climate resilience, but will it avoid the mistakes of similar programs?

‘Parks After Dark’ Helps LA County Communities Thrive
Los Angeles County's popular Parks After Dark program continues to serve communities in need and offer multiple important benefits, as documented in a recent UCLA study.

From Duck Farm to Parkland
The opening of the San Gabriel River Park expands access to green spaces for residents in the San Gabriel Valley, especially for Avocado Heights and other park-poor communities in the area.

Innovative Park Agencies Receive National Recognition
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.

The Permanent Affordability That Wasn't: Lessons from the Pythian Building
A high-stakes, high-profile community land trust project once hailed as a triumph in New Orleans ended in disaster for its residents, but it’s important to draw the right lessons about why.
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