Community / Economic Development

Eyes from the Street: The Neighbourhood Fabric that Matters
The mantra “eyes on the street" focuses on the physical and functional traits of urban fabric but fails to explain the high crime rate of my Jacobsian neighbourhood. Time to reconsider, look for explanations, and exchange mantras for research.

Research Connects School Choice to Gentrification
One unintended consequence of No Child Left Behind: increased gentrification.

San Francisco to Grant Low-Cost Housing Preference to Artists
A new program underway at the San Francisco Arts Commission would make it easier for artists to gain access to the city's stock of affordable rental and ownership opportunities.

Ohio Announces 320 'Opportunity Zones'
The new Opportunity Zones program is one to watch as states around the country throw their hats in the ring.

Mayor de Blasio Wants a Vacancy Tax to Combat Empty Storefronts
The hottest trend in commercial real estate, letting storefronts in Manhattan sit empty while waiting for top dollar, is robbing the city's streets of the benefits of a bustling economy.

More Bad News for Tesla—This Time From the EPA
A rollback of fuel economy standards carries huge financial consequences for the all-electric vehicle manufacturer that makes over $300 million annually by selling credits to auto manufacturers unable to achieve current fuel economy standards.

The Cities that Most Resemble Each Other
A fun activity in city comparison.

APA-Texas Acknowledges the Great Places of the Lone Star State
There are a lot of great places to celebrate in Texas, and the state chapter of the American Planning Association is in the second year of a program that calls attention to the role of planners in making them happen.

Researchers Find a Model of Redevelopment Without Displacement
It's the "holy grail" of urban planning, say researchers.
Wisconsin's Foxconn Deal Inspiring Lots of Transit Planning
The msot recent proposal for new public transit to serve the Foxconn facility in Racine County: a commuter rail connection from Downtown Milwaukee.

Amazon Picks Springfield Over Quahog and South Park for HQ2 Location
The pundits got it wrong.

Big Philadelphia Parks Bond on Hold While Funding Debated in Court
The Rebuild initiative in Philadelphia depends on funding generated by a 1.5 cents-an-ounce tax on sugary beverages. The tax is in effect, but $300 million in bonds have to wait for a court decision about the tax.

Yes Sitting, Yes Skating, Yes Music
Where can teenagers hang out and be safe in public? Members of Yes Loitering, advocates for public spaces where youth can “hang out and be themselves” without fear of reprisal.

Resurrecting the Classic American Main Street
In an interview, urbanism scholar Emily Talen discusses what it would take to restore "main street principles" to American towns and cities. Understandably, small retailers play a big role.

AARP Announces 'Quick-Action' Community Challenge Grant
The program funds projects that improve mobility and livability "for all ages."

2018 Planning Excellence Awards Announced
The APA revealed their annual recognition of the best of the best for planners and planning in 2018.

Houston Controller Finds Fault with Key Economic Development Program
A new report finds that Houston might not be holding private partners accountable for promised infrastructure improvements.

Ford Motor Company Considering Big Move to Historic Detroit
If Ford Motor Co. goes through with a plan to move into the old Michigan Central Depot, it would mark a new phase of the rebirth of Detroit's urban core.

National League of Cities to Study State Preemption of Local Laws
The mission of the National League of Cities is to advocate for cities—and the organization is now gathering evidence to push back on growing amount of state preemption of local control.

The Legacy of Housing Discrimination Still Haunts Minorities
The practice of redlining was outlawed in 1977, but its effects have been indelible.
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