Community / Economic Development

Robert Moses Vs. Jane Jacobs

A discussion of urban planning and development in New York City looks at the influence of these two major figures.

November 6, 2006 - The Gotham Gazette

Downtown Detroit's Bright Future

Long a symbol of urban decay, downtown Detroit is attracting residents and investment, though obstacles remain.

November 6, 2006 - The Detroit Free Press

There Goes The Town

As its first residential subdivision is approved, developers are banking that the tiny town of Hebron, Illinois, will be the location for the next wave of Chicago's suburban growth.

November 6, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune

London's Infamous East End Looks To Leave Its Past Behind

While still dogged by its tawdry and crime-ridden reputation, London's East Side is booming with nightlife and vibrant neighborhoods. More big redevelopment plans underway as the city begins to prepare for the 2012 Olympics.

November 5, 2006 - The Sydney Morning Herald

Bringing Major Grocers Downtown

The recent opening of Whole Foods in downtown Seattle highlights the challenges of attracting major grocery stores to the urban core.

November 4, 2006 - The Seattle Times

Renewing The Great Lakes Region

A new report from the Brookings Institution looks at policy innovations that can help revive the fortunes of the nation's former industrial powerhouse.

November 4, 2006 - The Brookings Institution

Urban Marathons Adding To Economic Growth

Across the country, an increasing number of marathon runners are adding to the economic growth of small, mid-size, and large cities.

November 3, 2006 - The Boston Globe

Ireland Looks To Recruit American Workers

Faced with low unemployment rates and worker shortages in certain high-skill sectors, Irish companies are increasingly looking to other countries - especially the U.S. - for employees.

November 2, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Thinking Collectively To Gain Affordable Housing

In Boston, labor unions and community groups are joining forces to win victories for affordable housing.

November 2, 2006 - Shelterforce Magazine

Growing Pains For Davie, Florida

With 90,000 residents and growing, Davie, Florida is struggling to move beyond its rural roots.

November 1, 2006 - The Miami Herald

High School Students Enter Planning 101

High school students in Northern California step into the shoes of city planners this fall, as they redesign a fictional neighborhood in a decaying town.

November 1, 2006 - The Contra Costa Times

Master Plan May Boost Tourism In Northern Philippines

With a new 20-year master plan, public officials in the Philippines look to create a new tourist hotspot in Alaminos City, which houses 100 small islands.

November 1, 2006 - Manila Standard Today

Ballot Initiative Addresses Need for Smart Growth

The controlled growth initiative in Solano County, California, is one of many currently on the ballot in the Bay Area which aim to promote smart growth.

October 31, 2006 - The Contra Costa Times

U.K. Warns Of Worldwide Economic, Environmental 'Catastrophe'

Britain calls for urgent action on climate change after the publication of an alarming report by World Bank's chief economist on the impact of global warming.

October 30, 2006 - The Financial Times

Philly Calls For Public Input On River Redevelopment

This article by the director of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Design identifies some of the major issues surrounding development along the shores of the Delaware River in Philadelphia, and calls on the public to become involved in improving the area.

October 28, 2006 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia To Retain Zoning Control Over Casinos

City government in Philadelphia has successfully retained control over the planning and zoning process which will allow slots-casino establishments to develop along the Delaware River.

October 27, 2006 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

To Build Or Not To Build?

The City of Portland, Maine, continues to struggle with the decision of whether or not to renovate or rebuild the 28 year old Cumberland County Civic Center.

October 27, 2006 - Portland Press Herald

Cultural Institution Battles Suburban Blight

As a formerly small town grows into a city, it looks to the creation of a performing arts theater to bring it back above the surface of the flood of suburban blight.

October 27, 2006 - The Toronto Star

When A Neighborhood Vows To Stay Seamy

When an architectural firm decided to locate their office in the Tenderloin District in San Francisco, residents vowed to keep the gritty integrity of their neighborhood from changing.

October 26, 2006 - Wall Street Journal via The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pedestrian Mall Proposed For 42nd Street

Urban planners in New York City are proposing that the historic 42nd Street be transformed into a pedestrian mall that would cross the entire city.

October 26, 2006 - amNew York

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.