Community / Economic Development

The Emergence of the Northern California Megaregion

The powerful northern California "megaregion" was revealed when it was awarded $840 million by the state Transportation Commission to the amazement and chagrin of southern California, which had been expecting to receive the majority of state funds.

January 16, 2008 - The Contra Costa Times

Florida Lauds Toronto's 'Town Gown' Success Story

Richard Florida tours the University of Toronto and finds that its seamless "organic" integration with downtown Toronto makes it a unique "town-gown" success story.

January 15, 2008 - The Globe & Mail

A Case Study in 'UnSprawl'

Located seven miles south of the town of Loreto in Baja California Sur, the Villages of Loreto Bay is an 8,000-acre new urbanist development that strives to be North America’s largest sustainable resort development.

January 13, 2008 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

The Era of the 'Ghost Mall'

A slowing economy will lead to the era of the 'ghost mall', according to this article from Slate.

January 11, 2008 - Slate

Not Everyone Wants To Protect L.A.'s Industrial Lands

The fate of industrial properties is the subject of a huge, ongoing battle in Los Angeles. City planners and economic development boosters want to prevent conversions to residential uses — much to the consternation of free-market advocates.

January 11, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

The Too-Successful Public Space

This article form The New York Times looks at the success of Times Square and talks with real estate experts about whether this success is really such a good thing.

January 10, 2008 - The New York Times

'Free' Parking Costing Fort Worth Taxpayers Millions

Taxpayers in Forth Worth are paying millions per year to lease parking spaces to provide free parking downtown, enabled by a TIF that is supposed to build infrastructure in a blighted area. Many are calling it a misuse of taxpayer money.

January 10, 2008 - Fort Worth Weekly

Seeking A Public Marketplace

New Yorkers are hoping that a recent temporary public market will eventually become permanent, providing a centralized place where residents can shop for local foods.

January 8, 2008 - The New York Times

Questions Surround Blocked Development In St. Paul

An upscale mixed use development near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, has been blocked by a city council vote, leaving many to wonder if the ruling was really the correct decision for the city.

January 7, 2008 - The New York Times

Revival Through the Arts

As the population continues to drop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, many in the city are looking to the arts as a way to revive and rebuild the community.

January 6, 2008 - The Next American City

Look to Toronto

A visit to Toronto -- Canada's largest city -- reveals what urban life can and should be, writes Olga Bonfiglio.

January 5, 2008 - CommonDreams

The Evolution of San Francisco - Winners & Losers

San Francisco is in flux - more than just the sky-line is changing. Middle-class families, blacks, even Latinos may be in flight while whites and Asians are on the rise, and the young and old rich fill the new high-rises.

January 5, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

New Jersey Tax Credit To Encourage Transit-Oriented Locations

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine is pushing a bill that would offer tax credits of up to $75 million to businesses that locate within a half-mile of a transit station.

January 4, 2008 - The Star-Ledger

Remembering John Parr, Champion Of Regionalism

John Parr was one of the few people who could get narrow-minded local politicians, neighborhood organizers and business leaders to work together for the regional good. Tragically, Parr died in a highway crash just before Christmas.

January 4, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Is There a Point to Public Participation?

After some underwhelming proposals have come in for a project at New York's Hudson Yards, this editorial asks whether the public participation is even necessary for a project that will most likely evolve with little public interaction and oversight.

January 3, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

We Built This City on Rock and Roll

Richard Florida's latest research shows that vibrant music "scenes" -- or a city's "audio identity" -- are good indicators of urban vitality.

January 2, 2008 - The Globe & Mail

The Life And Death Of The Shopping Mall

Once thriving, America's indoor shopping malls are on the decline, and many predict their death may finally come within the next few years.

January 2, 2008 - The Economist

Two Cities Battle To Host Soccer Team, But Neither Is Prepared

St. Louis and Philadelphia are entering the final weeks of competition to become the host of a new Major League Soccer expansion team. One city has stadium plans, the other has investors. Neither has both.

January 1, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

The German Urban Planning Workhorse

One German planner's influence has been seen in projects across the world. Now he's refocusing his eyes on his home country.

December 30, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Cities Think Big Despite Uncertain Development Market

Despite a rocky real estate market, cities across the globe are investing in large-scale development projects.

December 28, 2007 - The Wall Street Journal

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.