Community / Economic Development
Do California's Environmental Regulations Harm Business, or Drive Innovation?
Bill Fulton takes a rational approach to determining whether California's strict environmental regulations are a burdensome expense to business or if they drive them to innovate and succeed.
Tourism Trumps Residents in Egypt
The temple of Luxor is a must-see on the Egyptian tourism route, and city officials are clearing homes of locals out of the way to uncover an ancient parade route. Locals say the government is creating an excuse to clear low-income residents.
The New Library, or "Urban Mediaspace"
The public library is being re-imagined as an interactive space with multimedia learning labs, coffee shops and government services.
Mayor Bing Says It's Time to Downsize Detroit
"If we don't do it, you know this whole city is going to go down," said the Mayor. A new study by the mayor's staff shows that roughly one in three parcels are vacant lots or abandoned homes.
New TODs Face Competition, Parking Issues
Recent transit-oriented developments in Maryland have mixed success. Demographics are on their side, but lack of parking and fierce competition make retail a significant challenge.
From Motor City to Mode D'Art City?
Between official encouragement, revived art institutes and "guerrilla" artists, Detroit is becoming a magnet for artists as it seeks creative ways to revitalize.
A New/Old Neighborhood in Cairo
A group of development agencies came together to undertake a historic-preservation and community-development effort in Cairo's Al-Darb al-Ahmar community. The project was such a success that they're still working, by invitation, restoring the area.
Ghosts Good for Business
A number of hotels across the country have found that having a resident ghost is good for the bottom line, attracting tourists and thrillseekers.
As Flames Dies, Olympic Costs Pile Up for Vancouver
The Olympics have ended in Vancouver, but their costs live on.
Gentrification Without Exodus in Bedford-Stuyvesant
The Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is coming up in the world but is managing to preserve its African-American culture throughout.
Driving on the Rise in America
After more than two years of declines in American driving patterns, the amount of driving seems to be on the rise.
A Win for WalMart
A pro-smart growth group in Lockport, NY attempted to stop a WalMart Supercenter from being built in their town, but the state supreme court rejected their appeal.
The Most and Least Affordable Places for Homebuyers
This article looks at the five metro areas with the most affordable housing options, and the five with the least affordable options.
'Unexpectedly Green' Slums
This article from The Prospect looks at slums and squatter cities. Author Stewart Brand, editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, calls them "unexpectedly green".
The Death and Gentrification of Great American Cities
Sharon Zukin's new book takes a different look at the urbanity championed in Jane Jacobs' seminal book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities", arguing that gentrification is tearing up the authenticity of places.
The Migratory Patterns of Americans are Changing
The American Enterprise Institute looks closely at how migration patterns have changed state-by-state through the last couple of years of recession.
Chapter 9 Cities on the Rise
The economic recession is pushing many municipalities towards declaring bankruptcy.
Infamous Watts Public Housing, Reimagined
The Jordan Downs public housing complex in Watts, California is a perfect example of the failed projects of built mid-century. A new proposal would tear down the towers in favor of a mix of building styles connecting to the surrounding area.
Google and the Company Town
Google and the city of Mountain View, California have a unique relationship. The city is home to the search giant's headquarters, but the company is much more than a quiet tenant, according to this article.
Shanghai Dreams
This profile from National Geographic takes an inside look at the growing and rapidly changing city of Shanghai.
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
