Community / Economic Development
Buffalo at a Crossroads
Nicolai Ouroussoff tells the tale of Buffalo, a quintessential rust belt city that seems committed to preserving its architectural heritage but unsure about its future.
New Plan for Calgary Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Calgary is poised to make itself into a city that encourages density without sacrificing too much of the leg room currently offered by existing suburbs.
Bailout Should Transform Detroit into 'Transportmaker'
As the federal government prepares to bail out the flailing U.S. automotive industry, it should think about changing the face of the industry from carmaker to "transportmaker", according to Robert Goodman.
The End of the Age of Malls
Fewer and fewer malls are being built in the U.S., and as they fade from the American landscape, retailers feel the pain.
Burlington is America's 'Healthiest City'
Education, higher incomes and the availability of healthy food choices contribute to making Burlington, Vermont America's healthiest city.
Redressing Strip Malls
Strip malls could be the next frontier for urban redevelopment, according to Chris Nelson.
Big Box Retail Owners Ask For Stacked Housing
The two owners of a traditional 8-acre strip, big box retail center in San Francisco have asked for an amendment to the neighborhood plan (undergoing revision) to allow them to add housing on top of their stores, thus doubling the height limit.
Housing Comeback in 2010?
An industry expert predicted at ULI's fall meeting that the new home market could pick back up by 2010, followed by a rally in the resale market in 2011.
Obama Administration to Create Office of Urban Policy
When President-elect Obama takes office in January, he says, an Office of Urban Policy will be established, and a Director of Urban Policy will be in place to "coordinate all federal urban programs."
Giant Signs Could Be Fire Hazards
Giant 'supergraphics' drape over the sides of buildings in Los Angeles, usually advertising the latest blockbuster. Almost all of the signs are in violation of sign laws, and building inspectors think they may be fire hazards.
The Year Without A Santa Claus
Cities facing budget cuts are cutting back on Christmas decorations and events. Has the Grinch stolen Christmas?
Can Homeless And Condo Owners Mix?
The Old Town neighborhood of Bellingham, WA, is a hangout for the homeless. The city plans to revitalize the area with new condo buildings, but locals fear that new residents won't mix well with the current ones.
China's Rail Investment Needs Pricing Reform
As China embarks on the greatest rail-building investment since the U.S. built its transcontinental railroad, this article points to the urgent need to reform its state-controlled pricing system, both for freight and passengers, to make it effective.
The Popularity of 'Boring' Architecture and Planning
In a professional critique of his master plan for the new town of Poundbury in England - one of the first new towns under Prince Charles' Foundation for the Built Environment - Leon Krier reveals that the plan was 'meant to be boring'.
In Poor Housing Market, Workers Won't Relocate
Afraid of losing their investment in a down market, homeowners aren't moving out of their neighborhoods - even if their jobs do.
The 'Creative Class' Takes Over
Joel Kotkin believes that the Obama victory is a sign that the 'creative class' - as detailed by Richard Florida - is coming into power, and that traditional business will be pushed aside.
Planning: The Solution America Needs
As part of a series in Harper's on how to save capitalism, James K. Galbraith argues that America can fix many of its economic troubles with better planning -- urban planning, infrastructure planning, and financial planning.
Spain's Manufacturing Boomtown Feels Economic Slump
The manufacturing town of Zaragoza, Spain is beginning to feel the crunch of the global economic slowdown, as a General Motors plant goes on a temporary hiatus.
'Self-Motivated Activism' Behind Park's Beautification
Thanks to the ambitious clean-up efforts of a few residents, a neglected, unofficial park on city land is now maintained daily and is on its way to being a greenway.
Bike Racks as Public Art Gaining Popularity
Quirky, artistic bike racks are cropping up in cities around the country--a trend that benefits more than just cyclists.
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
