Community / Economic Development

S.F. Law Would Give Nonprofits Dibs on Apartment Buildings for Sale
The legislation would make nonprofit organizations more competitive in the real estate market by letting them get ahead of speculators.
Cobblestones vs. Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Controversy in Brooklyn
Improving streets in Sunset Park by removing cobblestones and aging train tracks has created a controversy between historic preservation and the need for safe bike and walking facilities and other streetscape improvements.

More Evidence that Decline and Concentrated Poverty Define the Urban Experience
Concern about gentrification in urban areas has dominated the urbanism discussion for more than a decade now, at the expense of a more informed understanding of urban dynamics and the potential for more effective action.

How to Design and Plan to Address the Root Causes of Gender Inequality
Gender equality has never played such a prominent role in the design of public and urban spaces. The world needs more than superficial, reactionary measures to address the long history of public space as the physical realm of patriarchy.

Time to Delink Homeownership from Asset Building
Using homeownership as an asset-building mechanism and retirement plan might not be a great thing for our society.
New York City to Reduce Truck Emissions by Investing in Freight Rail Infrastructure
The Big Apple may claim the nation's highest public transit ridership, but it ranks well below average in its use of freight rail. Two small short line railroads are at the center of a $100 million investment to reduce truck reliance.

In This New Co-Living Partnership, Friendships Are the Ultimate Amenity
Kin, a new partnership between the real estate company Tishman Speyer and the co-living company Common, bets that residents will accept smaller living spaces in exchange for a community borne out of in-house sharing-economy amenities.

Small Towns in the Western U.S. Achieving Population and Economic Growth
A small town success story in Montana is indicative of a larger trend in the Western United States. Meanwhile, small towns in the rest of the country struggle.

Protecting and Growing Cultural Facilities in Expensive Cities
Independent cultural institutions provide so much of what make cities world class, and they are a big part of the appeal for people who choose to live in highly urbanized areas. These days, cultural institutions are having a hard time affording rent.

The First Mayor to Become President?
Pete Buttigieg, in his eighth and final year as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a formerly shrinking Rust Belt city, is on a roll in his bid to capture the Democratic nomination to challenge President Trump next year. The Indy Star looks at his record.

$1 Billion Industry City Redevelopment Caught Up in Post-Amazon Political Drama
Large mixed-use projects aren't getting an automatic greenlight in New York City anymore.

Review: 'The Handbook of Gentrification Studies'
A book by Loretta Lees and Martin Phillips, published in 2018, is reviewed and recommended to "graduates studying anthropology of cities, urbanism, geography, and new urban identities."

Senate Votes 0–57 to Rebuff Green New Deal
Not one Democratic senator, including sponsor Ed Markey (Mass.), voted on Tuesday to support the resolution "recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal." Instead, most, but not all, Democrats voted "present."

Zoning to Protect Manufacturing in N.Y.C.
Development in industrial areas is pushing out manufacturers, but new zoning regulations could help control the incursion.

Obama Presidential Center Still Facing Controversies
The project will bring money and visitors to Chicago’s South Side, but the community wants more assurances that the future of residents will be a priority.

Main Street as a Microcosm of the World
How can a three-day design workshop make a difference? Be a strong local partner able to convene community. Rob Steuteville at CNU Public Square shares lessons learned.

Environmental Impact Bond to Fund Atlanta Watershed Projects
The bonds finance new green infrastructure projects that otherwise would be considered too risky.

Jeep Plant Isn't Getting a Warm Reception From Detroit Residents
Fiat Chrysler’s plan for a new Jeep plant in Detroit is off to a rocky start.

The Resilience of Culture
Cultural institutions and heritage sites may contribute to a city’s social cohesion and attract investment.

New Dog Park a First for Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix. Phoenix let the dogs out.
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