Community / Economic Development
In Support of Street Vendors
From garbage pickers to tamale sellers, workers in the informal economy can account for half the workforce in developing cities. They should be respected as an important constituency.
Bad News for L.A.'s Homelessness Strategy: Public Restroom Plan Falls Apart
The city's failure to deliver public restrooms is not the first sign of trouble for its sweeping homelessness plan, but it’s a painful one for the residents of Skid Row.
Gentrifying Neighborhood Qualifies as a Federal 'Opportunity Zone'
The state of Georgia's Opportunity Zones designations included one choice that raised questions about the purpose of the new federal program.
Are Vacancy Taxes a 'Blunt Instrument'?
A number of cities are considering hiking up taxes on vacant properties. But does that actually lead to a reduction in blight?
Philadelphia's Eviction Task Force Releases Action Plan
The housing crisis is the eviction crisis. Philadelphia is taking action.
Oregon's 86 Opportunity Zones Include 'High Rent' Districts in Portland
Oregon is the latest state to join the nascent federal program, which is designed to stimulate investment in distressed areas.
Analysis: Homeless Villages Don't Spur Crime
Homeless villages aren't hotbeds of crime, according to recent analysis. Rather, they can be part of a "crime prevention ecosystem."
Freeway Cap Book Manuscript Online for Review and Comment
The first comprehensive manual for planning, funding, and building a freeway cap is put online for review and comment.
Small Business, Co-Op Apartments Mixed Up in New York Bill
The debate about the Small Business Jobs Survival Act continues in New York City.
Survey Examines the Differences and Commonalities Between Urban and Rural Communities
A big new study by the Pew Research Center examines the ties that bind, and the differences that threaten to tear us apart.
Chicago Puts Thousands of Vacant Lots on the Market for $1
Chicago continues to lose population from parts of the city, so vacant properties are multiplying. The city's "Large Lots" program aims to return vacant properties back to control by residents of the neighborhoods.
Kaiser Permanente to Fund Housing Efforts in Eight States
The healthcare provider's decision to spend $200 million on housing programs reflects the growing awareness of the intersectionality of housing and health.
California Getting Way More New Jobs Than New Housing
Even with tons of building permits already issued this year, the outlook for the state’s affordability crisis is pretty grim.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
The Cost of Solving Homelessness in Seattle: $400 Million
It’s "dramatically higher" than any number under discussion, and not even close to what the city will raise with its new tax on large businesses.
A New 'City Health Dashboard' for 500 U.S. Cities
The new City Health Dashboard might be the first time many communities have had access to a treasure trove of public health data at the click of a mouse button.
Apple Could Make Northern Virginia a Tech Industry Powerhouse
Apple is pondering a major move into Northern Virginia. For comparison, state officials have pitched sites covering about half the desired size of Amazon's second headquarters and two-thirds the size of the Pentagon.
Do Amenities Matter?
Marla Nelson of The University of New Orleans and and Renia Ehrenfeucht of the University of New Mexico, guest blog about a recent article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research.
Chicago Zoning Standing in the Way of Some Urban Gardens
It can be easier for Chicago's urban gardeners to grow produce than to sell it.
The Real Cost of Clean Water in One Kansas Town
Pretty Prairie has water with very high levels of nitrates, and lots of farmers that need to use nitrates if they want to keep the local economy going.
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
