Community / Economic Development

Boomtowns No Longer Attract Waves of New Workers
The latest Upshot by Emily Badger looks at why American cities with the greatest economic opportunity no longer attract the population increases of yore

A Sermon for the Homeless
A recent conference hosted by the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles shined a light on efforts to reduce homelessness in Los Angeles—and demonstrated just how much work must be done nationwide to solve this humanitarian crisis.

The Artist Hubs of America
Data analysis reveals which cities have the most working artists.
YIMBYs Arrive in Boston
The Boston Globe explores the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, as debate over a retail project in East Boston gains pro-development interest.

Hepatitis A Outbreak Spurring Cities to New Actions on Homelessness
A series of articles from around the Internet in recent weeks highlights the need for more services and support for the homeless. The location of this story is set in California, but all communities should heed these warnings.

Pennsylvania's Gambling Expansion Proving Unpopular at the Local Level
The state thought more casinos would be a good way to raise some revenue for the state. So far a lot of local governments want no part of that action.

VA Reverses Course on Cuts to Popular Homeless Veterans Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs prompted outcry when it told advocates and its partners at the Department of Housing and Urban Development that it would cut $460 million for long-term housing for homeless veterans.

A 'City Vitality' Metric
Gallup and the city of Tulsa have partnered on the new Gallup-Tulsa CitiVoice Index.
Mapping the Country's Debt
An interactive map from the Urban Institute invites comparisons in the geography of debt.

Third Rail of the Housing Debate: More Density in Single-Family Neighborhoods
If California is going to address its chronic housing shortage, single-family residential neighborhoods can no longer be ruled "off limits." Opposition to a small Berkeley subdivision spawned new housing legislation and fostered the YIMBY movement.

Los Angeles Could Streamline Temporary Shelters, Permanent Supportive Housing
Los Angeles is exploring multiple angles for sheltering the 34,000 homeless living in the city. Urbanize LA takes a look at two of the city's most recent legislative efforts to develop more supportive housing.
Portland's Jade District Is a Planner's Nightmare (and Dream)
The Jade District on Portland's distant east side is a typical geography of wide streets and sprawl, but is also a relatively complete, self-contained community.

Army Corps: Climate Change Could Devastate Ohio River Region
The agency's report shows that inland-dwellers are just as likely as coastal types to be deeply affected by climate change.
Managing Airbnb: Regulatory Approaches to Short-Term Rentals
Tech ventures like Airbnb have "uberized" the lodging industry. They have also created new challenges for land use planners and government officials. This article provides a sampling of regulatory approaches to short-term rentals.

Housing Growth Stagnates in Boston Suburbs
Boston economists are sounding the alarm: while the city itself is adding plenty of housing, there's not a lot happening in the suburbs. That may adversely affect older folks who want to sell and younger people looking to buy.

Report: NYC Bus System in Crisis
A new report cites decreased ridership and dismal service despite a growing need for more and better routes.
Who Opposes New York's BQX Streetcar? Not Who You Think
Brooklyn and Queens need better transit, but activists say this waterfront "luxury trolley" is not the way to get it.

Trolley System Thrives in Houston Suburb
As ridership soars, the "urban circulator" in the Woodlands Township is getting longer routes and more frequent service.

Detroit's Rebirth: Beyond the Headlines
John Gallagher takes a look at some of the civic factors and organizations that have worked behind the scenes to pull Detroit through.

A Radical Idea to Help the Homeless: Homeowners Should Open Their Doors
The mayor of Oakland is challenging homeowners to offer their extra rooms and in-law units to the homeless, with a target to create a modest 100 new permanent supportive housing units.
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